Fantasy 5 is a popular daily lottery game exclusive to the state of California. Players pick 5 numbers from 1 to 39 and can win cash prizes based on how many numbers match the winning numbers drawn each evening. Fantasy 5 offers a top prize of up to $100,000 for matching all 5 numbers. With multiple other prize levels, Fantasy 5 provides frequent winners and fun for lottery players in California. Understanding the game’s prize payouts is helpful for new and experienced players alike.
How Fantasy 5 Works
Fantasy 5 is an easy to play lottery game. Players select 5 numbers on a play slip or quick pick ticket. The numbers chosen must be between 1 and 39. Players can purchase Fantasy 5 tickets at licensed lottery retailers across California or online at the California Lottery website. There is a daily drawing held after ticket sales close at 7:45 pm Pacific Time. Five winning numbers are drawn along with a Fantasy 5 number. During each drawing, 10 players are guaranteed to win at least $2,169 for matching 3 of 5 numbers. The more numbers matched, the bigger the prize. Fantasy 5 has 9 prize levels based on the number of matched numbers.
Fantasy 5 Prize Payouts
The Fantasy 5 prize structure offers both fixed payouts and pari-mutuel prizes. Here is an overview of the prizes available:
Match All 5 Numbers
Matching all 5 numbers wins or shares the Fantasy 5 jackpot. The estimated jackpot begins at $100,000 and continues growing based on sales until there is a winner. All the money in the jackpot pool is paid out each drawing someone hits the 5 number match. Jackpots can grow into the multi-millions before a winner is found.
Match 4 Numbers
Hitting 4 of 5 winning numbers earns a set prize of $1,895. This payout remains fixed regardless of ticket sales.
Match 3 Numbers
Matching 3 of 5 numbers qualifies for a pari-mutuel prize. This prize pool starts at $2,169 and increases each drawing until there are at least 10 winners at this level. During busy times with high ticket sales, hundreds or even thousands of players can win this prize amount.
Match 2 Numbers
Players who match 2 of 5 numbers win a pari-mutuel prize. There is a set pool of $26,000 divided among all winners. Typical payouts are $10 to $20 at this prize level.
| Numbers Matched | Prize Payout |
|---|---|
| 5 of 5 | Jackpot starting at $100,000 |
| 4 of 5 | $1,895 |
| 3 of 5 | Guaranteed pari-mutuel prize starting at $2,169 |
| 2 of 5 | Pari-mutuel prize from $26,000 pool |
Ways to Win More
While Fantasy 5 offers big jackpots, the odds of matching all 5 numbers are tough, at around 1 in 575,757. Players looking to take home a life changing prize have some options to increase their chances:
Play Multiple Tickets
Purchasing additional number combinations boosts the odds. Lottery statistics show that typically the more tickets bought for a drawing, the better the chances of winning. This is one easy way to multiply a player’s possibilities.
Join a Syndicate
Playing in a lottery group or syndicate allows members to buy more tickets at a lower cost. By pooling money, groups can afford quick picks for every drawing. Even small syndicates greatly improve the probability that one or more members will strike it lucky.
Try Variations
The California Lottery offers an Extra option when playing Fantasy 5. For $1 more per play, adding Extra multiplies non-jackpot winnings up to 5 times. This delivers bigger payouts without impacting jackpot odds. Players can also look at playing the Fantasy 5 Double Play add-on feature for more chances to win on a single ticket.
Notable Fantasy 5 Jackpots
While the odds seem astronomical, Fantasy 5 creates new millionaires each year. Some of the biggest California Fantasy 5 jackpots awarded include:
- $3.16 million, won on April 14, 2009 by a retired mechanic from San Jose.
- $3.18 million, claimed by 12 coworkers in Lancaster who played as a lottery pool in April 2015.
- $5.9 million, hitting in December 2015 and split between three winning tickets purchased in San Francisco, Stockton and Modesto.
- $7.8 million, won in January 2017 by a postal worker in San Diego.
- $13.34 million, hitting in February 2007 and earned by two friends in Sonoma County who had played together for years.
These monster Fantasy 5 paydays prove that even though the jackpot odds are long, huge prizes happen. Consistently playing the game gives Caifornia lottery lovers the chance to join the millionaire’s club.
Increase Chances of Hitting the Jackpot
Fantasy 5 fans dreaming of a life-changing jackpot have some smart play options to increase their probabilities without breaking the bank:
Stick to a Budget
Figure out an affordable Fantasy 5 budget and stick to it. Never chase losses or spend more than intended trying to hit a jackpot. Maintain control over lottery spending.
Join or Form a Pool
Play in a pool or lottery club to maximize tickets purchased. This stretches a budget while improving odds. Make sure to create a binding legal agreement covering how to claim and split any big wins.
Use Number Patterns
Use birthdates, anniversary dates, lucky numbers or other patterns when picking Fantasy 5 numbers. Some players use the same sets of 5 numbers for years. Consistently playing a combination boosts the chance it will match the winning numbers.
Buy Early
Sales cut-off times vary by location. Buy Fantasy 5 tickets early to ensure participating in that day’s drawing. Procrastinating can lead to missing out on a chance to win.
Play Responsibly
Set a budget for lottery tickets and stick to it. Remember, Fantasy 5 is gambling and games of chance carry risk. Play for fun but gamble within your means. If gambling becomes problematic, help is available by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.
The Luckiest Fantasy 5 Stores
Retailers that sell Fantasy 5 tickets want to be the lucky store that sells a big jackpot winner. Some venues have a knack for frequent smaller winners too. Here are some of the luckiest Fantasy 5 retailers in California based on high numbers of past winning tickets:
7-Eleven, Los Angeles
The 7-Eleven store on Alberta Avenue in Los Angeles sold a $5.9 million jackpot ticket in 2009. Locals know this spot regularly provides smaller Fantasy 5 and SuperLotto Plus winners.
Safeway, Sacramento
A Safeway supermarket off Fulton Avenue in Sacramento produced a $10.5 million Fantasy 5 ticket in 2002. This store is Sacramento’s luckiest for multiple Fantasy 5 and Mega Millions winners.
Sun Valley Liquor & Deli
This liquor store in Sun Valley lives up to its name, selling winners of over $82 million including a $41 million Fantasy 5 ticket. It’s the #1 lottery luck hotspot in Los Angeles.
Gene’s Liquor, San Jose
Gene’s Liquor is a go-to spot for San Jose regulars hoping to turn Fantasy 5 dreams into reality. It has sold two $1 million winning tickets along with many smaller prizes.
SouthBay Liquor & Deli
Fantasy 5 players visit this National City liquor store in droves due to its reputation for selling big winners. It sold a $52 million ticket, multiple $5 million jackpots and regularly provides smaller Fantasy 5 wins.
Increase Your Chances of Winning Fantasy 5
Any lottery player can get lucky, but there are tips that may slightly increase your probability of matching Fantasy 5 numbers:
Play Consistently
Buy Fantasy 5 tickets for every drawing, so numbers have the maximum chance of alignment. Just a single missed drawing could mean a jackpot lost.
Buy Multiple Tickets
Increase ticket quantity rather than selection quantity. Playing 20 different number combinations is not as effective as buying 5 tickets using 4 combinations.
Stick With Same Numbers
Keep playing a favorite set of numbers every drawing rather than frequently changing combinations. Lucky numbers can strike anytime.
Use Quick Pick
Though some swear by selecting their own digits, statistics show no number difference between player choices and Quick Pick random numbers.
See a Pattern?
If a Fantasy 5 jackpot rolls over multiple times, try playing recent winning number patterns that nearly hit. Lightning can strike the same spot twice.
Profitable Fantasy 5 Strategies
Fantasy 5 is a game of pure chance, so no strategy can guarantee wins. But there are some lottery tips players use to increase fun and prizes:
Join a Pool
Join or organize a lottery pool to afford more number combinations. Draft a contract covering pool play rules and how to claim and split any big wins.
Buy Early
Don’t wait until the last minute. Buy Fantasy 5 tickets early in the day to avoid missing a drawing. Know cut-off times and nearby retailers.
Play Extra
Spend an extra $1 per ticket to activate the Extra multiplier feature. It could turn smaller prizes into major windfalls, with non-jackpot wins up to $150,000.
Go With Your Birthday
Use meaningful numbers like birth months and days in combinations. Some players only use digits 1 to 31 representing calendar dates.
Mix It Up
Alternate playing consistent number sets with mixing up digits. Variety adds fun and you never know when a change-up creates a jackpot match.
Fantasy 5 Probability Facts
Fantasy 5 math highlights the game’s difficulty. With 39 numbers to choose from, the odds of matching all 5 winning numbers are 1 in 575,757. Other probabilities include:
- Odds of matching 4 numbers: 1 in 3,387
- Odds of matching 3 numbers: 1 in 73
- Odds of matching 2 numbers: 1 in 7
- Overall odds of winning any prize: 1 in 8
- Chances increased by playing multiple tickets
- 75% of drawings have at least 1 four number match winner
The probability of hitting the Fantasy 5 jackpot may seem low but this California Lottery game creates millionaires multiple times a year. The 2013 study Dreaming of Winning the Lottery showed that compared to other popular lotteries, Fantasy 5 offered the best odds of taking home a top prize.
Fantasy 5 Jackpot Winners
Though the odds seem long, Fantasy 5 creates new millionaires in California annually. Here are some of the biggest recent Fantasy 5 winners:
November 2022, Sacramento – $1.9 Million
A Sacramento gas station sold a Quick Pick ticket matching all 5 numbers, earning a truck driver a $1.9 million jackpot. He plans to pay bills and remodel his home.
June 2022, Fremont – $2.04 Million
An Ohlone College professor won $2.04 million playing random Fantasy 5 numbers on his birthday. He will keep teaching and share his windfall with family.
March 2022, El Cajon – $1.1 Million
A retired El Cajon postal worker matched 5 numbers on a free Quick Pick ticket earned through a lottery promotion. His jackpot win let him pay off his mortgage.
January 2022, Cypress – $1.5 Million
A 66-year old Cypress man matched 5 numbers playing Fantasy 5 for decades. He said he’ll spend his $1.5 million on helping family and traveling.
Frequently Asked Fantasy 5 Questions
Fantasy 5 is easy to play but generates lots of questions from hopeful players. Here are answers to some commonly asked Fantasy 5 FAQs:
How much do Fantasy 5 tickets cost?
Fantasy 5 tickets cost $1 per play. Players can purchase up to 5 sets of numbers on a ticket. Adding Extra multiplies lower tier prizes for an additional $1 per play.
What days are the Fantasy 5 drawings?
Fantasy 5 drawings are held daily after ticket sales close at 7:45 pm Pacific Time. Drawings occur every night except Christmas.
Where can I buy Fantasy 5 tickets?
Fantasy 5 tickets are sold at over 21,000 California Lottery retail locations. Players can also purchase plays online at the lottery website.
Can I play Fantasy 5 if I live outside California?
Fantasy 5 is exclusive to California. Players must be California residents and purchase tickets within the state to play. Standard eligibility rules apply to claiming prizes.
What is the biggest Fantasy 5 jackpot ever won?
The largest Fantasy 5 top prize awarded is $51.8 million, hit in August 2000 and shared by 27 members of an office pool in Santa Clara County.
Key Takeaways
– Fantasy 5 is California’s popular daily lottery game with jackpots starting at $100,000
– Matching all 5 numbers wins the Fantasy 5 jackpot
– The game has 8 other prize levels based on matching 2 to 4 numbers
– Top prize odds are tough at 1 in 575,757 but Fantasy 5 creates millionaires several times a year
– Players can improve odds by buying multiple tickets, playing consistently, joining a pool and using meaningful numbers
– With pari-mutuel and fixed payouts, Fantasy 5 offers frequent lower tier winners and million dollar jackpot excitement
Conclusion
Fantasy 5 brings fun and possibilities to the Golden State. While scoring the jackpot is rare, matching just 2 numbers happens frequently, and millions are waiting for anyone lucky enough to hit all 5. For its big prizes, good chances to win smaller amounts, and local California focus, Fantasy 5 has become a popular staple lottery game to play every day. Though beating the odds of 1 in 575,757 takes luck, Fantasy 5 players keep dreaming of matching those 5 lucky numbers for a multimillion dollar payday.
