Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is, in many ways, the engine room of America. The second state to ratify the 1787 U.S. Constitution, it's considered a hub of industry and is one of the Rust Belt states.

There are not many more deserving winners of a lottery than a resident of Pennsylvania. Fortunately for the state's many hard-working residents, there is an exciting lotto packed with different draws and prizes to create many millionaires.

Comparethelotto.com/us examines the origin of the Pennsylvania Lottery, how much it has given back to the community, and some little-known elements from one of America’s most popular lotteries.

The Beginnings

The Pennsylvania Lottery got the balls rolling for the first time on March 15th, 1972 - six months after being created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly on August 26th, 1971 - premiering with a $0.50 ticket.

At the start of its journey, the Pennsylvania Lottery featured weekly drawings with a grand prize of $1million.

Almost 50 years later, there are over ten draw games available to play and millions of more dollars to win. In addition there are many scratch off, Keno, fast play and even virtual sports games to play.

Pennsylvania Lotto Gives Back

A mammoth $1.14billion was raised through the Pennsylvania Lottery during the 2019-20 fiscal year - all of which benefitted older Pennsylvanians through different workshops and organizations.

In total, over $31billion has been generated to support elderly residents in Pennsylvania.

Game Overview

A long list of games is available to play in the Pennsylvania Lotto, each with a unique method and varying returns.

See below for the complete list of lotto draw games and whether they can be played online:

Pick 2, Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5

Depending on the draw, pick two, three, four, or five numbers you think will come out in the draw. You also can select a wild ball as one of your numbers, which will increase your chances of winning.

Cash 4 Life - Play Online

Players pick their numbers ranging from 1 to 60 in the top grid and select one number from 1 to 4 in the bottom grid. If your numbers match, you win! There is a top prize of $1,000 a day for life and a second prize of $1,000 a week for life!

Cash 5 With Quick Cash

The only lotto game with the Pennsylvania Lotto whereby players can win a daily jackpot and claim it all on the very same day. Just match all your numbers to win.

Match 6

There are more ways to match your numbers to win big prizes with PA Lotto's Match 6 game.

Mega Millions - Play Online

One of the big two... Some of the wealthiest people in the world have been created by landing the Mega Millions Jackpot. Simply pick five balls and your bonus ball to be in with a chance.

Powerball - Play Online

The second of the big two... Huge jackpots are up for grabs every week. It's a similar deal to Mega Millions - match those numbers to be in with a chance.

Treasure Hunt - Play Online

Go digging for your numbers, and you never know what you may find. A fun, midday game that offers players smaller jackpot prizes.

Millionaire Raffle

A single ticket costs $20, but there are attractive odds at winning one of four $1million prizes - the Pennsylvania Lotto site approximates odds of 1 in 125,000 of becoming a millionaire.

How Can You Buy Tickets Online?
Simply click here and sign up to the Pennsylvania Lotto site and get a special matched first deposit bonus worth up to $500.

Is There A Pennsylvania Lotto Mobile App?
Yes - you can download the app for Apple and Android devices from their respective app stores.

Benefits to having the app include:

1. Checking your numbers at the swoosh of a finger.
2. Scan tickets for quick results.
3. Check all past winning numbers within specified date ranges.
4. Play-for-fun games.
5. Find the closest lottery ticket sellers to you.

Pennsylvania Lottery Taxes

Pennsylvania imposes a 3.07% state tax on all lottery winnings. If you'd like to calculate how much tax you would pay on winnings you can use our Pennsylvania Lottery Tax Calculator

FAQs

How Old Must You Be To Play The Pennsylvania Lottery?
To play the Pennsylvania Lotto, you must be 18 years of age.

Can You Be Anonymous When You Claim A Pennsylvania Lottery Jackpot?
No - it is required by regulations to ensure all jackpot winners disclose their identity. The reason for no anonymity is to protect and preserve the sanctity of the lotto by promoting total clarity.

Is The Pennsylvania Lottery A Scam?
No - head to the Pennsylvania Lotto website to see the safeguarding methods put in place to protect players.