New York Lotto
New York Lotto is a twice-weekly draw game run by the New York Lottery, a division of the New York State Gaming Commission. The lottery has operated since 1978 and generates revenue for education across the state. This guide covers how the game works, what you stand to win, and the odds you face.
How the Game Works
New York Lotto requires you to select 6 numbers from a pool of 54 (numbered 1 to 54). Twice each week, on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, the lottery draws 6 winning numbers plus a bonus ball.
Your ticket wins a prize if your numbers match the draw in any of the prize tiers. Matching all 6 numbers wins the jackpot. Matching 5 of the 6 numbers plus the bonus ball wins the second-tier prize. The structure cascades down to matching 3 of the 6 main numbers.
The bonus ball adds a secondary mechanic to the second tier. After the 6 main numbers are drawn, one additional ball is drawn from the remaining 48 balls in the machine. If you matched 5 of the main 6 and that bonus ball matches your ticket, you win the second-highest prize.
Prize Tiers and Odds
New York Lotto uses a pari-mutuel prize structure. This means the prize amount for each tier (except the jackpot, which has a guaranteed minimum) depends on ticket sales and the number of winners in that tier.
The prize tiers are:
- Match 6 of 6: Jackpot (minimum $2 million guaranteed, grows with sales)
- Match 5 of 6 plus bonus ball: Division 2
- Match 5 of 6: Division 3
- Match 4 of 6: Division 4
- Match 3 of 6: Division 5
The overall odds of winning any prize on a single ticket are approximately 1 in 54. The jackpot odds are 1 in 22,957,480. Lower tiers have shorter odds because they require fewer matches.
Because New York Lotto uses pari-mutuel payouts, the actual dollar amount you receive depends on total ticket sales for that draw and how many other winners are in your prize division. A jackpot drawing with high sales splits the prize among all jackpot winners.
Draw Schedule and Timing
New York Lotto draws occur twice weekly: on Wednesday and Saturday evenings at 10:30 PM Eastern Time.
Tickets must be purchased before the draw cutoff time, which is typically 9:45 PM ET on draw days. The draw takes place at the New York Lottery studio in Schenectady, and results are published online and broadcast through authorized retailers within minutes of the draw.
History and Regulation
New York Lotto launched in 1978 and has operated continuously for over 40 years. The New York State Gaming Commission oversees all lottery operations in the state and sets rules for game design, draw procedures, and prize claims.
All lottery revenue in New York supports education. A portion of ticket sales is allocated to the Education Trust Fund, which provides grants to public schools and colleges throughout the state.
The lottery is audited regularly by the state comptroller, and draw equipment is inspected and certified to meet gaming standards.
Tax Treatment in New York
New York State taxes lottery winnings. Prizes of $600 or more are subject to both federal and state withholding.
Federal tax is withheld at 24% for most prizes. This is a flat withholding rate; your actual federal liability may be higher or lower depending on your total income for the year. You settle the difference when you file your federal return.
New York State tax is withheld at 8.82% on winnings within New York. If you live outside New York but purchased the ticket in the state, different rules apply. Non-residents face a higher state tax rate of 10.9%.
City tax may also apply if you reside in New York City. Winners should consult a tax professional before claiming large prizes to understand their total tax burden and plan accordingly.
Jackpot winners who choose the lump sum payout (rather than an annuity) receive a reduced amount upfront, and taxes are withheld from that lump sum amount before the funds reach the winner.
Odds and Expected Value
The overall odds of winning any prize on a single New York Lotto ticket are 1 in 54. This is relatively short compared to many other lotteries, but it reflects the pari-mutuel structure where most winners receive modest returns.
Expected value is a mathematical tool that shows the average return per dollar wagered. For lotteries, EV is almost always negative because the state keeps a portion of sales for administration, retailer commissions, and education funding. New York Lotto allocates roughly 45% of ticket sales to prizes, meaning players recoup about 45 cents per dollar spent over the long run.
The jackpot contributes very little to this figure because the odds of hitting it are so low (1 in 22.9 million). Most of the mathematical value comes from lower-tier wins, which occur more often but pay smaller amounts.
Syndicates (groups of players who pool money and divide winnings) do not change the math. They increase your coverage of combinations if structured correctly, raising your odds of winning something, but they do not improve the overall expected value of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the bonus ball and the main 6 numbers?
The 6 main numbers are drawn from 54 balls. The bonus ball is drawn separately from the remaining 48 balls after the main draw. The bonus ball only matters if you match 5 of the main 6 numbers. If you match 5 main numbers plus the bonus ball, you win the second-tier prize. If you match 5 main numbers but not the bonus, you win the third-tier prize, which is lower.
Why does the jackpot prize change from draw to draw?
New York Lotto uses a pari-mutuel prize structure. The jackpot has a minimum guaranteed amount ($2 million), but it grows as more tickets are sold. If many tickets are sold, the jackpot increases. If a jackpot is not won in a draw, the unclaimed portion rolls over to the next draw, making the jackpot even larger.
How much tax will I pay on a New York Lotto prize?
Federal withholding is 24% on prizes of $600 or more. New York State withholds 8.82% for residents (10.9% for non-residents). If you win in New York City, city tax may also apply. Your total federal tax liability depends on your income bracket; you may owe more or receive a refund when you file your return.
What are the actual odds of winning each prize tier?
The overall odds of any prize are 1 in 54. Jackpot odds are 1 in 22,957,480. Odds improve as you move down to lower tiers (matching 5, 4, or 3 numbers), but exact odds for each individual tier vary based on the total number of possible combinations for each match level.
What time are draws held and when do I have to buy my ticket?
Draws occur every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 PM Eastern Time. You must purchase your ticket before the cutoff time, which is typically 9:45 PM ET on draw days. Tickets bought after cutoff enter the next available draw.
How do pari-mutuel payouts work for lower prize tiers?
Pari-mutuel means the prize pool for each tier is divided among all winners in that tier. If many people match 4 numbers and win division 4, the prize amount is split among all those winners. Higher ticket sales increase the prize pool, but more winners mean smaller individual payouts. This differs from fixed-prize games where every winner of a tier receives the same amount.
