The Louisiana Lotto Jackpot Has Increased to $500,000
On August 2nd 2020 the Louisiana Lotto starting jackpot increased to $500,000, double the previous top prize of $250,000. The number matrix and odds of winning were also updated as part of sweeping changes to the game.
Louisiana Lottery President Rose Hudson said: "We’re excited that we will be able to offer players more frequent Lotto jackpots worth $1 million or more. Our players told us what they want, and we are responding with a Louisiana game that is still only a dollar to play."
Here’s a rundown of the changes that came into play from August 2nd:
- Starting jackpot increased to $500,000, up from $250,000
- Players select six numbers from 42, instead of six from 40
- Jackpot odds changed to 1 in 5,245,786
- Odds of winning any prize are 1 in 34.4
- Average estimated Match 5 prize is $1,000, down from $2,000
Advance ticket sales for Louisiana Lotto were suspended on May 27th until August 2nd so that the new changes could be implemented.
The change to the number matrix is a major update and has an effect on the odds of winning all prizes. The table below shows the old prize amounts and odds alongside the new ones:
| Match | Old Prize | Old Odds | New Prize | New Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Minimum $250,000 | 1 in 3,838,380 | Minimum $500,000 | 1 in 5,245,786 |
| 5 | Average $2,000 | 1 in 18,916 | Average $1,000 | 1 in 24,286 |
| 4 | Average $50 | 1 in 456 | Average $50 | 1 in 555 |
| 3 | $3 | 1 in 32 | $3 | 1 in 37 |
| Overall odds: 1 in 30 | Overall odds: 1 in 34.4 | |||
Other aspects of the game, including the ticket price and draw days, remain the same. The jackpot will continue to roll over every time it is not won.