Louisiana Lottery

In the late 19th century, the Louisiana Lottery was launched and became one of the most widely recognized lotteries in the United States. At one point, it was the only legal lottery in the nation. However, it was eventually shut down in 1893 due to corruption scandals and public outcry. After nearly a century-long hiatus, the modern Louisiana Lottery Corporation was officially reestablished in 1991, and it has operated under strict government oversight ever since.

Over the past 30+ years, the Louisiana Lottery has expanded significantly. With the addition of Mega Millions and Powerball and the introduction of mobile access and online result tracking, ticket sales have continued to rise. In 2025, Louisiana Lottery games are among the most popular in the region, both for local residents and out-of-state visitors.

Popular Lottery LA In-house Games

The Louisiana Lottery offers several in-house games, which are drawn daily with the exception of major holidays. Drawings are broadcast on local television and posted promptly on the official Louisiana Lottery website and app, where players can also view results and use the ticket checker.

Pick 3 has been a staple of the Louisiana Lottery since 1992. Drawings are held twice daily—once at 12:59 p.m. and again at 9:59 p.m., excluding Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. A standard ticket costs $1, and players can choose to play Straight, Box, or Combo wagers. Winnings range from $40 to $500 depending on the play type and wager amount. A 50-cent wager is also available for smaller payouts. LA Pick 3 results are available immediately after each draw.

Pick 4, introduced shortly after Pick 3, operates under the same schedule and wager options but offers higher payouts due to the increased odds. A $1 Straight wager can win $5,000, while a 50-cent ticket pays up to $2,500. Many players opt for the Straight/Box combination to hedge their bets.

Easy 5 is a simple lotto-style game where players select 5 numbers from a pool of 37. The jackpot starts at $50,000 and rolls over if not won. Matching at least two numbers yields a small prize, with top prizes often exceeding $100,000 thanks to rollovers. In 2025, Easy 5 remains one of the best odds-to-prize ratio games in the Louisiana Lottery lineup.

Louisiana Lotto is the state’s flagship draw game. Players pick 6 numbers out of 40, and prizes are awarded for matching 3, 4, 5, or all 6 numbers. The jackpot begins at $500,000 and rolls over with no cap, often growing into the seven-figure range. Recent Louisiana Lotto jackpots have exceeded $1.5 million, drawing significant participation statewide.

Multimillion Louisiana Lottery Games

Powerball has been part of the Louisiana Lottery since March 1995. In 2025, the game features three weekly drawings (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday), and ticket sales close at 9:00 p.m. CT on draw days. Powerball tickets cost $2, or $3 with the Power Play option, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times. The jackpot starts at $20 million and grows rapidly with each rollover. Louisiana Powerball winners can choose between a 30-year annuity or a lump sum, both subject to federal and state taxes.

Mega Millions was added to the Louisiana Lottery portfolio in November 2011. Like Powerball, it features a progressive jackpot that starts at $20 million and has surpassed $1 billion multiple times. Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. CT. A base ticket costs $2, and players may add the Megaplier for an additional $1 to multiply non-jackpot prizes up to 5 times. Despite being introduced later than Powerball, Louisiana Mega Millions is highly popular in 2025 thanks to its huge jackpots and simplified play structure.

Where Louisiana Lottery Proceeds Go

Since its reinstatement, the Louisiana Lottery has transferred billions of dollars to the state treasury, primarily to support K-12 public education. In the most recent fiscal year, the Louisiana Lottery contributed over $200 million to state-funded programs. A portion of all ticket sales also supports responsible gaming resources and public awareness campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions about the the Louisiana Lottery

Can I play the Louisiana Lottery online?

As of 2025, Louisiana does not offer online ticket purchases, but players can check winning numbers, scan tickets, and find nearby retailers using the official Louisiana Lottery app or website.

What time are Louisiana Pick 3 and Pick 4 results drawn?

Drawings for Pick 3 and Pick 4 are held twice daily—at 12:59 p.m. and 9:59 p.m. CT. Results are published shortly after the draw on the official Louisiana Lottery website.

How much does a Powerball or Mega Millions ticket cost in Louisiana?

A Powerball or Mega Millions ticket costs $2. You can add Power Play or Megaplier for an extra $1 per play to increase non-jackpot prizes.

What is the minimum age to play the Louisiana Lottery?

You must be at least 21 years old to purchase a Louisiana Lottery ticket, whether in person or through a mobile app.

What happens if I win a large prize in Louisiana?

Prizes over $600 must be claimed at a Louisiana Lottery office or by mail. Jackpots and prizes over $5,000 are subject to federal (24%) and state (5%) tax withholding.

Where does the Louisiana Lottery money go?

Approximately 35% of all ticket sales are transferred to the state treasury to fund public education in Louisiana.