Pick 6 (lottery)
Encyclopedia
A six-number lottery game, often having Pick-6 or Lotto as part of its name, is a form of lottery
in which six numbers are drawn from a larger pool (for example, six out of 44). Winning the top prize, usually a jackpot
, requires a player to match all six regular numbers drawn; the order in which they are drawn is irrelevant. Functionally, these games are similar to the five number class of games, although because of the sixth number that needs to be matched, the top-prize odds are longer. Therefore, six-number games generally offer a higher top prize. Six-number games often were the most popular kind of US lottery game before the multi-jurisdictional Powerball
, Mega Millions
and Hot Lotto
began. (These games each draw six numbers; however, five are from one set, while a sixth is drawn from a second pool
.) A player in Texas, for example, picks the numbers 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 45 in Lotto Texas, and plays the same numbers in Mega Millions (with "45" as their Mega Ball); both games draw the above six numbers in this order: 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, and 15. The player would win a jackpot-level prize in Lotto Texas; however, for Mega Millions, the player would win only $150 for matching four of the first five numbers (also not matching the Mega Ball), as "15", the sixth number drawn in both examples, is the Mega Ball.
A game called Lotto 6/49 continues as one of the two national lottery games in Canada
(the other being the seven-number "Lotto Max
").
Most US six-number games cost $1 per play; however, in recent years, some games have gone to a $2 price point
. Several jurisdictions offer 50¢ plays; however, tickets for these games must be purchased in $1 increment
s. Most six-number games are drawn twice weekly, often Wednesdays and Saturdays.
One variant of six-number games generates three sets of six numbers each on a player's ticket. In addition to winning by matching enough numbers in at least one of the three plays, the player also wins if enough numbers (i.e. at least 10) are matched across all three plays. (The top prize is won in the traditional way.)
Some six-number games have a top prize, jackpot or otherwise, that always is paid in a lump sum
, whereas most games have an annuity top prize; however, all US games with an annuity top prize now offer a cash option
.
Some "six-number" games draw seven numbers; the first six for the top prize, and a seventh, "bonus", number for some lower-tier prize levels. Viking Lotto draws two bonus numbers in this manner, for a total of eight numbers. The 6/49 lottery operated by the International Lottery in Liechtenstein Foundation
(ILLF) draws the first six numbers for the jackpot prize; if the seventh ball (bonus ball) is drawn, the jackpot prize also is won. This bonus ball also is used for a "5 plus bonus ball" category. These "bonus" numbers are drawn from the remaining numbers in the same drum, rather than from a second set of numbers.
Single-jurisdiction games:
Single jurisdiction:
New Zealand
Lottery
A lottery is a form of gambling which involves the drawing of lots for a prize.Lottery is outlawed by some governments, while others endorse it to the extent of organizing a national or state lottery. It is common to find some degree of regulation of lottery by governments...
in which six numbers are drawn from a larger pool (for example, six out of 44). Winning the top prize, usually a jackpot
Progressive jackpot
A progressive jackpot is a jackpot for a gaming machine where the value of the jackpot increases a small amount for every game played...
, requires a player to match all six regular numbers drawn; the order in which they are drawn is irrelevant. Functionally, these games are similar to the five number class of games, although because of the sixth number that needs to be matched, the top-prize odds are longer. Therefore, six-number games generally offer a higher top prize. Six-number games often were the most popular kind of US lottery game before the multi-jurisdictional Powerball
Powerball
Powerball is an American lottery game sold in 44 jurisdictions as a shared jackpot game. It is coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association , a non-profit organization formed by an agreement with lotteries. Powerball is a game whose advertised jackpot starts at $20 million and can roll into...
, Mega Millions
Mega Millions
Mega Millions is a US multi-jurisdictional $1 lottery game. Since it replaced The Big Game in May 2002 , Mega Millions' advertised jackpots have started at $12 million, paid in 26 yearly installments , increasing when there is no jackpot winner...
and Hot Lotto
Hot Lotto
Hot Lotto is administered by the U.S.' Multi-State Lottery Association , which also operates the Powerball game. Hot Lotto is available in some of the 33 MUSL jurisdictions; Maine is the latest to join, in October 2009. The first drawing was on April 10, 2002 as part of MUSL celebrating the 10th...
began. (These games each draw six numbers; however, five are from one set, while a sixth is drawn from a second pool
Mega number
A mega number, usually known as a powerball or mega ball, is a number drawn in a lottery game that comes from a second number field, rather than among the game's "regular" numbers....
.) A player in Texas, for example, picks the numbers 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 45 in Lotto Texas, and plays the same numbers in Mega Millions (with "45" as their Mega Ball); both games draw the above six numbers in this order: 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, and 15. The player would win a jackpot-level prize in Lotto Texas; however, for Mega Millions, the player would win only $150 for matching four of the first five numbers (also not matching the Mega Ball), as "15", the sixth number drawn in both examples, is the Mega Ball.
A game called Lotto 6/49 continues as one of the two national lottery games in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
(the other being the seven-number "Lotto Max
Lotto Max
Lotto Max is a Canadian lottery game that began sales on September 19, 2009. The first set of winning numbers were drawn on September 25, 2009, and subsequent draws have been held every Friday. It replaced Lotto Super 7 in September 2009....
").
Most US six-number games cost $1 per play; however, in recent years, some games have gone to a $2 price point
Price point
Price points are prices at which demand for a given product is supposed to stay relatively high.- Characteristics :Introductory microeconomics depicts a demand curve as downward-sloping to the right and either linear or gently convex to the origin...
. Several jurisdictions offer 50¢ plays; however, tickets for these games must be purchased in $1 increment
Increment
An increment is an increase of some amount, either fixed or variable. For example one's salary may have a fixed annual increment or one based on a percentage of its current value...
s. Most six-number games are drawn twice weekly, often Wednesdays and Saturdays.
One variant of six-number games generates three sets of six numbers each on a player's ticket. In addition to winning by matching enough numbers in at least one of the three plays, the player also wins if enough numbers (i.e. at least 10) are matched across all three plays. (The top prize is won in the traditional way.)
Some six-number games have a top prize, jackpot or otherwise, that always is paid in a lump sum
Lump sum
A lump sum is a single payment of money, as opposed to a series of payments made over time .The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development distinguishes between "price analysis" and "cost analysis" by whether the decision maker compares lump sum amounts, or subjects contract prices...
, whereas most games have an annuity top prize; however, all US games with an annuity top prize now offer a cash option
Present value
Present value, also known as present discounted value, is the value on a given date of a future payment or series of future payments, discounted to reflect the time value of money and other factors such as investment risk...
.
Some "six-number" games draw seven numbers; the first six for the top prize, and a seventh, "bonus", number for some lower-tier prize levels. Viking Lotto draws two bonus numbers in this manner, for a total of eight numbers. The 6/49 lottery operated by the International Lottery in Liechtenstein Foundation
International Lottery in Liechtenstein Foundation
The International Lottery in Liechtenstein Foundation was a government authorised and state controlled charitable foundation that operated Internet lotteries. The ILLF pioneered Internet gaming, having launched the web's first online lottery, PLUS Lotto, in 1995 and processed the first online...
(ILLF) draws the first six numbers for the jackpot prize; if the seventh ball (bonus ball) is drawn, the jackpot prize also is won. This bonus ball also is used for a "5 plus bonus ball" category. These "bonus" numbers are drawn from the remaining numbers in the same drum, rather than from a second set of numbers.
List
Many lotteries offer at least one six-number game. They are listed below, with number fields and drawing frequency:United States
Multi-jurisdictional:- ArkansasArkansas Lottery-History:On November 4, 2008, Arkansas voters approved a ballot question legalizing the sale of lottery tickets there. On July 1, 2009, Arkansas voted to join the Multi-State Lottery Association ; it was the 33rd lottery to join....
, GeorgiaGeorgia LotteryThe Georgia Lottery is overseen by the government of Georgia, United States. Headquartered in Atlanta and run by the Georgia Lottery Corporation, the lottery takes in over US$1 billion yearly. By law, half of the money goes to prizes, one-third to education, and the remainder to operating and...
, KentuckyKentucky LotteryThe Kentucky Lottery, consisting of various games of chance, is a government-regulated form of gambling. The Lottery began in April 1989 after a November 1988 vote in which over 60% of voters cast ballots in favor of it. On April 4, 1989, ticket sales began with first day sales of over $5 million...
, Virginia: Decades of DollarsDecades of DollarsDecades of Dollars is the name of a lottery game that became available on January 30, 2011 in Georgia, Kentucky, and Virginia. The game is drawn Monday and Thursday nights, including holidays...
(47 numbers; Mondays & Thursdays) - Georgia, Virginia: Win for LifeWin For LifeLottery games with a "lifetime" prize, known by several names, including Win For Life, comprise two types of US lottery games in which the top prize often is automatically paid out in an annuity; unlike most annuities with a fixed period, lifetime annuities often pay until the winner's death,...
(42 numbers; no cash option)
Single-jurisdiction games:
- ArizonaArizona LotteryThe Arizona Lottery is run by the government of Arizona. It is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association . Its games include Powerball, Mega Millions, Fantasy 5, Pick 3, Cash 4 , 2by2 and The Pick.Arizona requires lottery players to be at least 21; the minimum age was 18 until June 1,...
: The Pick (44; Wednesdays & Saturdays) - ColoradoColorado LotteryThe Colorado Lottery is run by the government of Colorado. It is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association .The Colorado Lottery began on January 24, 1983, initially selling only scratch tickets. Its first drawing took place on April 23, 1983...
: Lotto (42; Wednesdays & Saturdays) - ConnecticutConnecticut LotteryThe Connecticut Lottery Corporation, also called the CT Lottery, is the official lottery in Connecticut. It was created in 1971 by then-Gov. Thomas Meskill, who signed Public Act No. 865. The first tickets were sold on February 15, 1972. The Connecticut Lottery offers five in-house drawing games...
: Classic Lotto (44; Tuesdays & Fridays) - DelawareDelaware LotteryThe Delaware Lottery is run by the government of Delaware. Unlike most US lotteries, Delaware offers video lottery; its other games include Mega Millions, Powerball, Cash 5, Play 3, and Play 4....
: Multi-Win Lotto (35; Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays) - FloridaFlorida LotteryThe Florida Lottery is a government-run organization in Florida, USA. With numerous on-line and scratch-off games available, players have a wide variety of prize levels to choose from. Since it began, the Florida Lottery has continued to add variety to its portfolio of games...
: Florida Lotto (53; Wednesdays & Saturdays) - IndianaHoosier LotteryThe Hoosier Lottery is run by the government of Indiana. It is the only US lottery that uses the state's nickname, rather than the state name itself, as its name. It is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association...
: Hoosier Lotto (48; Wednesdays & Saturdays) - IllinoisIllinois State LotteryThe Illinois Lottery is run by the government of Illinois. The Lottery was founded in 1974, when U.S. lotteries were confined to the Northeast and Midwestern states. Televised drawings are based at the West Bradley Place studios of Chicago's CW affiliate WGN-TV , and occur twice daily, with the...
: Lotto (52; Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays) - LouisianaLouisiana Lottery (modern)- History :The Louisiana Lottery Corporation began in 1991, after the 1990 Louisiana legislature proposed a government-run lottery as a way to generate revenue without increasing taxes...
: Lotto (40; Wednesdays & Saturdays) - MarylandMaryland LotteryThe Maryland Lottery is an independent agency of the Maryland government. Its games include Mega Millions, Powerball, Multi-Match, Keno, Bonus Match 5, and numerous scratch tickets. The Maryland Lottery is headquartered in Suite 330 at 1800 Washington Boulevard, in Montgomery Business Park,...
: Multi-Match (43; Mondays & Thursdays) - MassachusettsMassachusetts LotteryThe Massachusetts Lottery was established in 1971, following the legalization of gambling by the Massachusetts General Court, the legislature of the Commonwealth...
: Megabucks Doubler (49; Wednesdays & Saturdays); Cash Winfall (46; Mondays & Thursdays) - MichiganMichigan LotteryThe Michigan Lottery offers numerous on-line and scratch-off games, giving players a wide variety of prize possibilities. Initiated under the authority of Public Act 239 in 1972, the games collect funds to support Michigan’s public school system.- History :...
: Classic Lotto 47 (47; Wednesdays & Saturdays) - MissouriMissouri LotteryThe Missouri Lottery is run by the government of Missouri. It is a charter member of the Multi-State Lottery Association , whose first drawing was held in 1988.-History:...
: Lotto (44; Wednesdays & Saturdays) - New JerseyNew Jersey LotteryThe New Jersey Lottery is run by the government of New Jersey. Its games consist of Powerball, Mega Millions, Pick-6, Jersey Cash 5, Pick-4, Pick-3, and scratch tickets. The Lottery is headquartered in the One Lawrence Park Complex in Lawrence Township, Mercer County.New Jersey Lottery players must...
: Pick-6 Lotto (49; Mondays & Thursdays) - New YorkNew York LotteryThe New York Lottery began in 1967 as the third modern U.S. lottery, after Puerto Rico's began in 1934, and New Hampshire's in 1964. It provides revenue for public education, and is based in Schenectady.-History:...
: Lotto (59; Wednesdays & Saturdays);Sweet Million (40; Mondays & Thursdays) - OhioOhio LotteryThe Ohio Lottery is run by the Ohio Lottery Commission. Its games include Pick 3 and Pick 4 , Rolling Cash 5, Ten-OH!, Keno, Classic Lotto, Powerball, Mega Millions, and scratch tickets. The marketing slogan is "Take a chance on education. Odds are, you'll have fun!" In 1973, the creation of the...
: Classic Lotto 6/49 (49; Mondays, Wednesdays, & Saturdays) - OregonOregon LotteryThe Oregon Lottery is run by the government of Oregon. It is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association .- History :The Oregon Lottery was enabled by an amendment to the Oregon Constitution, approved by voters in the 1984 general election. The Lottery began the next year, eventually offering...
Megabucks (48 numbers; Mondays, Wednesdays, & Saturdays) - PennsylvaniaPennsylvania LotteryThe Pennsylvania Lottery is operated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The lottery was created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly on August 26, 1971; two months later, Henry Kaplan was appointed as its first executive director...
: Match 6 (49; Mondays & Thursdays) - TexasTexas LotteryThe Texas Lottery is the government-operated lottery available throughout Texas. It is operated by the Texas Lottery Commission, headquartered in downtown Austin.-History:...
: Lotto Texas (54; Wednesdays & Saturdays) - WashingtonWashington's LotteryWashington's Lottery is run by the government of Washington. Its games include Mega Millions, Powerball, Keno, Hit 5, and scratch games.-Games:Washington's Lottery offers several draw games, plus scratch ticket games...
: Lotto (49; Mondays, Wednesdays, & Saturdays) - West VirginiaWest Virginia LotteryThe West Virginia Lottery is run by the government of West Virginia. It is a charter member of the Multi-State Lottery Association . It offers games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, and scratch tickets...
: Cash 25 (25; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday) - WisconsinWisconsin LotteryThe Wisconsin Lottery is run by the government of Wisconsin. It is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association . Its games consist of Mega Millions, Powerball, Megabucks, Supercash!, Badger 5, Pick 3, Pick 4, and scratch games....
: SuperCash! (39; daily); Megabucks (49; Wednesdays & Saturdays)
Canada
National:- Canada (national)Interprovincial Lottery CorporationThe Interprovincial Lottery Corporation is an organization that operates lottery games in Canada. It is owned jointly by the five provincial lottery commissions. ILC's headquarters are located in Toronto, Ontario....
: Lotto 649 (49; Wednesdays & Saturdays)
Single jurisdiction:
- Atlantic Lottery CorporationAtlantic Lottery CorporationThe Atlantic Lottery Corporation , currently branded as simply Atlantic Lottery or Loto Atlantique, is an organization that operates lottery games in Atlantic Canada. It is owned jointly by the four Atlantic provincial governments: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland...
: Atlantic 49 (49; Wednesdays & Saturdays) - British ColumbiaBritish Columbia Lottery CorporationThe British Columbia Lottery Corporation is a Crown Corporation of the Province of British Columbia, Canada.It has provided government sanctioned lottery services in British Columbia since 1985...
: 'BC 49 (49; Wednesdays & Saturdays) - OntarioOntario Lottery and Gaming CorporationThe Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation , known for corporate branding purposes simply as OLG since 2006, is a Crown Corporation of the Government of Ontario, Canada. It is responsible for the province's lotteries, charity and Aboriginal casinos, commercial casinos, and slot machines at...
: Lottario (45; Wednesdays & Saturdays) - QuebecLoto-QuébecLoto-Québec is a government agency that develops and operates lotteries in the province of Quebec, Canada.-Loto-Québec's mission:Loto-Québec is a Québec government corporation whose mandate is to operate games of chance in the province in an orderly and measured way. It was created in 1969 to...
Quebec 49 (49; Wednesdays & Saturdays) - Western Canada Lottery CorporationWestern Canada Lottery CorporationThe Western Canada Lottery Corporation is a non-profit organization founded in 1974 that operates lottery and gaming-related activities for its members, the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut participate as associate members...
Western 649 (49; Wednesdays & Saturdays)
Australasia
Australia- National: Saturday Lotto (45)
- QueenslandGolden CasketGolden Casket is the public limited lottery corporation in Queensland trading on ASX, Australia. It sells lottery tickets and Instant Scratch-Its tickets through newsagents and other convenience stores. Lottery draws are televised on Channel Seven four nights a week.Golden Casket makes a net...
: Wednesday Gold Lotto (45)
New Zealand
- New Zealand: Lotto (40; Saturdays)
Europe
- Scandinavia: Viking LottoViking LottoViking Lotto is a cooperation between the national lotteries in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Viking Lotto started in 1993 and was the first of its kind in Europe.Draws are held every Wednesday evening and they take place at Norsk Tipping in Hamar...
(48; Wednesdays)
- Switzerland and Liechtenstein: International Lottery in Liechtenstein FoundationInternational Lottery in Liechtenstein FoundationThe International Lottery in Liechtenstein Foundation was a government authorised and state controlled charitable foundation that operated Internet lotteries. The ILLF pioneered Internet gaming, having launched the web's first online lottery, PLUS Lotto, in 1995 and processed the first online...
(49; Wednesdays)