The Ultra Lotto draw occurs twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. This lottery game is operated by the California State Lottery and is only available for play within the state of California. The Ultra Lotto game offers the chance to win massive jackpot prizes, with the draw taking place after ticket sales have closed for each draw.
Ultra Lotto Draw Days
As mentioned above, the Ultra Lotto draw occurs twice per week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. Here is some additional information on the draw days:
Tuesday Draws
– The Tuesday Ultra Lotto draw occurs every Tuesday evening at 7:57 p.m. Pacific Time.
– Ticket sales for the Tuesday draw close at 7:45 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesdays.
– The cut-off time for buying Ultra Lotto tickets for the Tuesday draw is usually before midnight on Monday if purchasing online. In-store ticket sales end at 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday.
– Winning numbers for the Tuesday Ultra Lotto draw are usually posted online after 8 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday evenings.
Friday Draws
– The Friday Ultra Lotto draw takes place each Friday evening at 7:57 p.m. Pacific Time.
– Ticket sales end at 7:45 p.m. Pacific Time on Fridays for the Friday night draw.
– The online ticket cut-off is usually before midnight on Thursday. In-store sales stop at 7:45 p.m. on Friday.
– Winning numbers are typically available shortly after 8 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday nights.
So in summary, the Ultra Lotto draw occurs every Tuesday and Friday evening, with two opportunities each week to win big jackpot prizes. Tickets must be purchased hours before the 7:57 p.m. Pacific Time draw time on both days.
How to Play Ultra Lotto
Playing the Ultra Lotto game is simple. Follow these steps when playing:
1. Pick Your Numbers
Ultra Lotto players choose 5 numbers from a field of 1 through 47. You can select your own numbers or use Quick Pick and let the computer randomly assign numbers.
Each Ultra Lotto play costs $1 per play. You can play multiple boards and select different number combinations to increase your odds of winning.
2. Select Additional Options
You can also increase non-jackpot winnings by adding the Megaplier option for an extra $1 per play. The Megaplier multiplies any winnings, except the jackpot, by up to 5 times.
3. Purchase Ticket
Ultra Lotto tickets can be purchased at over 23,000 California Lottery retail locations. You can also use the Lottery website or mobile app to conveniently purchase online.
Tickets must be bought before the deadline on Tuesday and Friday to be included in that night’s draw.
4. Check Draw Results
To see if your numbers match the winning numbers drawn on Tuesday and Friday nights, you can find the Ultra Lotto results online, on the Lottery app, or watch the draw on TV.
The winning numbers are selected through a ball drawing machine using numbered balls. To win the jackpot, players must match all 5 main numbers.
Ultra Lotto Jackpots and Prizes
Here are the Ultra Lotto prizes on offer:
Jackpot
The Ultra Lotto jackpot starts at $7 million and continues growing until a ticket matches all 5 winning numbers. Jackpots can roll over and reach huge amounts if there are multiple weeks without a grand prize winner.
Lower-Tier Prizes
You can win smaller amounts by matching some of the winning numbers:
| Match | Prize |
| 5 main numbers | Jackpot |
| 4 main numbers + Mega Number | $2,500 |
| 4 main numbers | $150 |
| 3 main numbers + Mega Number | $150 |
| 3 main numbers | $20 |
| 2 main numbers + Mega Number | $20 |
As shown, matching just the Mega Number along with some main numbers can increase prizes significantly.
The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 23. But jackpot odds are much tougher at around 1 in 176 million.
Notable Ultra Lotto Jackpots
Some of the biggest Ultra Lotto jackpots awarded include:
$421 Million – March 2018
In March 2018, a Mega Millions jackpot worth $421 million was hit. It was won by a single ticket sold in Orange County. The winner chose the cash option collecting $256.3 million before taxes. It was the largest jackpot ever won in California.
$316 Million – November 2005
This jackpot was won by two lottery players who matched all 5 numbers plus the Mega Number. Each ticket shared equal parts of the grand prize, taking home $158 million each.
$224 Million – August 2003
At the time, this was the second largest Ultra Lotto jackpot on record. It was claimed by a group of 17 coworkers from a health center in Pomona. Each person collected around $3.4 million after taxes.
$207 Million – December 2011
A married couple from Everett were the recipients of this huge jackpot prize just before Christmas. After choosing the cash option and paying taxes, they took home $135.8 million.
Winning the Lottery
Here are some key points to keep in mind about winning the lottery:
Remain Anonymous
California allows lottery winners to remain anonymous and avoid publicity. You must claim your ticket in the name of a trust.
Taxes
There are both federal and state taxes withheld from Ultra Lotto prizes before funds are released. You are liable for any additional taxes.
Cash vs. Annuity
You can take the full jackpot in annual payments over 29 years or receive a reduced cash amount immediately. The cash value is typically around 60% of the advertised jackpot.
Get Professional Help
Consult trusted financial advisors, tax specialists, and legal representation to help manage your windfall responsibly. Don’t rush into making any big purchases or gifts.
Beware of Scams
Be wary of suddenly appearing “long-lost relatives” or investment offers. Take steps to protect your privacy until your winnings are secured.
Odds of Winning Ultra Lotto
The odds of winning any Ultra Lotto prize are about 1 in 23. The chances increase if you buy multiple tickets with different number combinations. Here are the specific odds for the various prize levels:
| Prize Level | Odds of Winning |
| Jackpot (5 main + mega) | 1 in 176,000,000 |
| Match 5 Main | 1 in 11,688,054 |
| Match 4 Main + Mega | 1 in 936,584 |
| Match 4 Main | 1 in 81,167 |
| Match 3 Main + Mega | 1 in 14,494 |
| Match 3 Main | 1 in 1,449 |
| Match 2 Main + Mega | 1 in 721 |
As shown, the hardest prize to win is the jackpot, while the easiest is matching just 2 main numbers and the Mega Number. Overall odds are slightly better than one in 20.
Tips for Winning Ultra Lotto
While the lottery is based on random chance, there are some tips players can use to potentially increase their odds:
Buy Multiple Tickets
Increase your chances by buying 10, 20, or more tickets for a draw. Choose various number combinations across the tickets. Matching just 2 or 3 numbers on some tickets can recoup the cost or earn a small profit.
Use Birthdays
Use significant dates like birthdays when selecting numbers. Doing so makes the numbers more memorable so you are less likely to misplace a winning ticket.
Try Quick Pick
Allowing Quick Pick to randomly generate your numbers provides complete randomness versus player-selected numbers which tend to follow certain patterns.
Go With Hot or Cold Numbers
Review past draws to see frequency of different numbers. Favor hot numbers that show up often or cold numbers due for a hit. Mix both types across your number picks.
Form a Lottery Pool
Join a lottery pool or syndicate so your group can afford more tickets. This increases overall odds of winning and shares any prizes. Just be sure to create a formal agreement upfront.
Strategies to Avoid
Some lottery number selection strategies are not proven to actually boost your odds:
Avoid All Birthdays
Never play only birth dates, as many players use these so prizes are split if they win. Instead, use just 2 or 3 dates mixed with other numbers.
No Lucky Numbers
Personal lucky numbers have no statistical advantage versus any other figures. Random Quick Pick is just as likely to match the draw.
No Significant Patterns
Patterns like selecting numbers that form a diagonal line on the play slip do not improve your probability of winning versus random numbers.
No Number Consistency
Always picking the same set of numbers has no greater chance than varying them across tickets. In fact varying numbers has better odds.
Finding Results
There are various ways to find out the winning Ultra Lotto numbers for the Tuesday and Friday night draws:
Lottery Website
The California Lottery website shows the latest Ultra Lotto results. They are posted shortly after each draw occurs. You can also see if there were any secondary prize winners.
Mobile App
Download the California Lottery app on your iOS or Android device. You can save your favorite games and tickets to get notified instantly whenever you win.
Retailers
Visit any Lottery ticket retailer in California. Winning numbers are displayed and you can scan your ticket to see if you won a prize.
Newspapers
Many local newspapers especially in California print the Ultra Lotto numbers and draw details. Some may list the retailers where winning tickets were sold.
Live Draws
Watch the Ultra Lotto draw live as it happens on television stations in California at 7:57 p.m. PST on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Claiming Prizes
Here is how you can claim Ultra Lotto prizes:
Smaller Prizes
Prizes up to $599 can be claimed at any California Lottery retail location. You will receive your winnings in cash.
Large Prizes
Larger prizes from $600 up to millions must be claimed at a Lottery district office or by mail. You will need to complete a claim form and provide ID.
Expiration
There is a 180 day deadline to claim California Lottery prizes. Prizes expire after this period if unclaimed and the funds are forfeited.
Taxes
Taxes are withheld from any prize over $600. You must complete a W-9 form. State tax of 8%-12% applies depending on win amount.
Anonymity
Major jackpot winners can remain anonymous. You must claim through a legal trust rather than personally as an individual.
Overall, be sure to sign your winning Ultra Lotto ticket immediately and keep it very safe until ready to claim. Check carefully that your numbers match the draw results to confirm you have really won.
Lottery Proceeds
All California Lottery profits go to supporting public schools and colleges in California. Since starting in 1985, the Lottery has provided over $39 billion in funding:
K-12 Schools
Around 95% of Lottery revenues benefit K-12 school districts across the state for instructional purposes. This equals more than $1 billion each year.
Public Colleges
California State University, University of California, and community colleges have received over $1 billion in Lottery funding. This supplements student tuition and other costs.
The Lottery actively advertises its contributions to education with the slogan “Benefiting Public Schools Since 1985”. So playing Ultra Lotto helps support these institutions.
Ultra Lotto History and Changes
Here is some background on the Ultra Lotto game:
Started in 1986
Ultra Lotto began in 1986 as the California Lottery’s flagship draw game. It initially had a 6/47 matrix format.
Added Mega Number
In 2001, the Mega Number was introduced. This is a seventh number drawn from a field of 1 to 27 to increase jackpots.
Ultra Millions Rebrand
In 2007, Ultra Lotto was rebranded as MegaMillions when California joined the multi-state game. Mega Millions replaced SuperLotto Plus.
Return to Ultra Lotto
In October 2013, the California Lottery exited MegaMillions and revived the Ultra Lotto name. The matrix was updated to the current 5/47 + Mega Number format.
Gambling Responsibly
Playing the lottery is meant to be fun, harmless entertainment. Make sure to gamble responsibly when playing Ultra Lotto:
Set a Budget
Only spend what you can afford to lose on lottery tickets. Never use rent or grocery money hoping to win it back.
Avoid Debt
Don’t borrow money or use credit cards to finance lottery ticket purchases. This can lead to mounting debt.
Don’t Chase Losses
If you lose, don’t try to recoup losses by spending more on additional tickets. This typically leads to just losing more.
Balance Play Time
Make sure lottery play does not interfere with work, school, or family commitments. Keep it to a reasonable amount of your spare time.
Don’t Play Underage
You must be 18 or older to play the lottery in California. Underage gambling is prohibited.
Play for Fun
Treat any winnings as a nice bonus, not a reliable source of income. The odds are extremely long so have realistic expectations.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ultra Lotto draw occurs every Tuesday and Friday night in California, offering two chances each week to win huge multimillion dollar jackpots. Tickets can be purchased easily at thousands of retailers or online until around 7:45 p.m. before the 7:57 p.m. draw on both nights. Results are announced shortly after the drawing. By matching all 5 main numbers and the Mega Number, you win the current Ultra Lotto jackpot prize. Smaller prizes are won for matching just some numbers. While tough to beat odds of 1 in 176 million for the jackpot, the overall chances of winning any prize are around 1 in 23. Using various strategies such as buying multiple tickets with different number combinations can help increase your odds slightly. Responsible play, setting a budget, and having realistic expectations are also advised. In the end, Ultra Lotto proceeds contribute greatly to benefiting public education in California. Good luck on winning a future Ultra Lotto jackpot!
