Arizona is home to several state-run lottery games that are exclusive to the state. The Arizona Lottery was established in 1981 through a voter-approved ballot measure, allowing the state to operate its own lottery. Since then, the Arizona Lottery has introduced a variety of draw games and scratchers that are only available for purchase within the state. Some of the most popular Arizona-only lotteries include The Pick, Fantasy 5, All or Nothing, and numerous scratcher games with themes ranging from crossword puzzles to poker. While Arizonans can also play multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions, the state takes pride in offering unique lottery products tailored specifically for its residents.
The Pick
One lottery game exclusive to Arizona is The Pick. The Pick is a numbers draw game where players choose six numbers from 1 to 45. There are two ways to play The Pick – players can either select their own six numbers using a playslip or doing a Quick Pick where the numbers are randomly generated. Twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays, six winning numbers between 1 and 45 are drawn along with a seventh Bullseye number between 1 and 45.
To win the top prize in The Pick, players must match all six winning numbers in exact order. The odds of doing this are 1 in 3,838,380. There are also smaller prizes for matching 3, 4 or 5 winning numbers. The Bullseye number gives players a second chance to win if they match it with one of their picks. Top prizes in The Pick start at $100,000 and grow based on ticket sales. Since The Pick is only available in Arizona, residents have better odds of winning compared to multi-state games.
The Pick Odds and Prizes
| Match | Odds | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| All 6 winning numbers in exact order | 1 in 3,838,380 | Jackpot starting at $100,000 |
| First 5 winning numbers in exact order | 1 in 97,028 | $1,000 |
| First 4 winning numbers in exact order | 1 in 3,385 | $20 |
| First 3 winning numbers in exact order | 1 in 238 | $2 |
| Bullseye number | 1 in 44 | $2 |
As shown in the table above, matching all 6 numbers in The Pick delivers the biggest prize but the lowest odds. Players have much better chances of winning a smaller amount by matching just 3 or 4 numbers. The Bullseye number also provides a frequent extra prize opportunity.
Fantasy 5
Another Arizona lottery game is Fantasy 5. Fantasy 5 is a pari-mutuel daily draw game where players pick 5 numbers between 1 and 41. Players can use a playslip to choose their own numbers or go with an Easy Pick and have the numbers randomly selected.
There are drawings every day of the week where 5 winning Fantasy 5 numbers are drawn. To win the top prize, players must match all 5 winning numbers in exact order. There are also smaller prizes for matching 2, 3 or 4 numbers. Fantasy 5 has a progressive jackpot that starts at $50,000 and continues growing until there is a top prize winner. Being pari-mutuel means the prize pool changes based on the number of winners and number of tickets sold. Fantasy 5 is only available in Arizona, so players don’t have to compete against entries from other states.
Fantasy 5 Odds and Prizes
| Match | Odds | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| All 5 winning numbers | 1 in 432,897 | Progressive jackpot starting at $50,000 |
| First 4 winning numbers | 1 in 2,859 | $200 |
| First 3 winning numbers | 1 in 82 | $10 |
| First 2 winning numbers | 1 in 12 | $2 |
Matching all 5 Fantasy 5 numbers correctly delivers the biggest prize but very low 1 in 432,897 odds. Players have much better odds of winning $10 for matching 3 numbers or $2 for matching 2. With daily drawings and a frequently growing progressive jackpot, Fantasy 5 creates regular excitement for Arizona lottery players.
All or Nothing
A third Arizona exclusive lottery game is All or Nothing. As the name suggests, All or Nothing challenges players to match all or none of the numbers drawn. For each $2 play, the player chooses 12 numbers from 1 to 24. Twice a day, Monday through Sunday, 12 winning numbers are randomly drawn out of 24 total.
To win the top $40,000 prize, players must match all 12 winning numbers drawn in exact order. There is also a second prize of $500 for matching zero numbers – none of the 12 you picked. Since All or Nothing has fixed prizes, the payouts remain constant. Players just compete against the odds, not other entrants. The top prize odds of perfectly matching all 12 numbers are 1 in 2,704,156. With All or Nothing only available in Arizona, the chances of splitting a jackpot are lower.
All or Nothing Odds and Prizes
| Match | Odds | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| All 12 winning numbers | 1 in 2,704,156 | $40,000 |
| 0 winning numbers | 1 in 79 | $500 |
While hitting the 1 in 2.7 million odds to win $40,000 is unlikely, All or Nothing players still have solid chances of taking home $500 for matching none of the numbers. With steady fixed payouts and exclusivity to Arizona, All or Nothing occupies a unique niche.
Arizona Instant Scratchers
In addition to draw games, the Arizona Lottery offers around 50 to 70 instant Scratchers ticket games only available for purchase within the state. New Arizona-only Scratchers are introduced several times a year with ticket prices ranging from $1 up to $30. Some current Scratcher themes include:
- 777 – Match lucky 7s symbols for up to $777,000
- Big Money Blowout – Luxury prizes up to $3,000,000
- Cash Fever – Win up to 20 times on each $2 ticket
- Loaded – Match symbols for loaded prizes up to $150,000
- Diamond 7s – Uncover shiny wins up to $70,000
- Emerald 10s – Find gemstone 10s for sparkling prizes up to $300,000
- Wild West Cash – Saddle up to lasso wild wins up to $50,000
- Vegas Twist – Slot machine theme with prizes up to $100,000
- Poker Face – Play poker hands for a full house of prizes up to $50,000
- Bingo – Dab for lucky cards and win 20 times on each $3 ticket
- Crossword – Unscramble words for crossword puzzle fun and $20,000 top prize
These are just a sample of the many creative Scratcher themes only found in Arizona. With colorful tickets, themes tied to Arizona geography and lifestyle, and chances for top prizes up to $3 million, the state’s Scratcher lineup helps support unique local lottery excitement.
Scratchers Odds and Prizes
Scratchers odds and prizes vary but here are some example payouts:
| Scratcher | Top Prize Odds | Top Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 777 | 1 in 1,020,000 | $777,000 |
| Big Money Blowout | 1 in 2,461,538 | $3,000,000 |
| Cash Fever | 1 in 360,000 | $50,000 |
| Loaded | 1 in 600,000 | $150,000 |
| Poker Face | 1 in 600,000 | $50,000 |
As shown above, Scratchers deliver Arizona players chances at seven-figure prizes with playful themes. Matching all top prize symbols is rare but smaller wins of $20, $50 or $100 are common. With so many unique Scratcher concepts only found locally, Arizona lottery fans have lots of instant ticket options.
Multi-State Games
While the games above are Arizona exclusives, residents can also purchase tickets for national lottery games Powerball and Mega Millions. These games are played in 45+ states along with U.S. territories. Arizona joined Powerball in April 1994 as the 15th participating member. Mega Millions expanded to Arizona more recently in October 2010 as part of a cross-selling agreement with other lotteries.
Even though Powerball and Mega Millions are available nationwide, players still have to buy their tickets in Arizona to win prizes off the state’s revenue. So while Arizonans compete against much longer odds due to massive participation rates, people still regularly win jackpots and lower tier prizes within the state.
Powerball in Arizona
- Joined April 1994
- Drawings every Wednesday and Saturday
- Choose 5 main numbers from 1 to 69 plus 1 Powerball from 1 to 26
- Minimum jackpot is $40 million starting (grows based on rolls)
- Tickets cost $2 per play
- Overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9
- Historic wins in Arizona: 27 jackpot wins, over 1,000 players have won $1 million or more
Some of Arizona’s biggest Powerball jackpots:
- $293.7 million in June 2019 – Sold in Gilbert
- $270 million in September 2018 – Sold in Phoenix
- $192 million in September 2017 – Sold in Tucson
Mega Millions in Arizona
- Joined October 2010
- Drawings every Tuesday and Friday
- Choose 5 main numbers from 1 to 70 plus 1 MegaBall from 1 to 25
- Minimum starting jackpot of $40 million (increases based on rolls)
- Tickets cost $2 per play
- Overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24
- Historic wins in Arizona: 3 jackpot wins, over 300 players have won $1 million or more
Arizona’s biggest Mega Millions jackpots:
- $414 million in June 2014 – Sold in Flagstaff
- $188 million in October 2013 – Sold in Gilbert
While Arizona has exclusive state lottery games, Powerball and Mega Millions give residents two additional chances to become huge multi-million dollar winners.
Arizona Lottery Benefits
Beyond providing entertainment and prize money, the Arizona Lottery uses its revenue to support vital state programs and services. By law, at least 50% of net revenue goes back to the general fund. Some of the main beneficiaries in Arizona include:
- Education – Over $4 billion to state universities, community colleges, and K-12 schools
- Environment – Funding for Department of Game and Fish wildlife conservation
- Health & Human Services – Support for gambling addiction treatment and trauma center funds
- Economic Development – Money for tourism promotion
Without money raised from the Arizona Lottery, taxes would likely have to be higher to pay for these public services. So playing unique local games like Fantasy 5 and All or Nothing helps support valuable programs that improve residents’ quality of life.
Buying Lottery Tickets in Arizona
Arizona lottery tickets can be purchased at over 3,000 authorized retailers across the state. Players must be at least 21 years old to play. Here are some tips for buying tickets:
- Find a licensed retailer – Most convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores sell tickets. Look for the Arizona Lottery logo.
- Choose a draw game or Scratcher – Decide which exclusive Arizona game or multi-state game interests you.
- Complete playslip or choose Quick Pick – Mark a playslip or have the retailer print a Quick Pick ticket with randomly selected numbers.
- Specify number of draws – For The Pick, Fantasy 5, and Powerball/Mega Millions, say if you want to play just one drawing or subscribe for multiple draws.
- Pay for ticket – Give the cashier the completed playslip or request for Quick Pick along with your payment.
- Check ticket – Make sure the ticket shows the correct game, numbers, and number of draws. Sign it and keep it secure.
- Watch drawings – Tune in to TV or the Arizona Lottery website to view live drawings at scheduled times.
- Claim prizes – For wins under $100, retailers can pay out cash. Larger prizes must be claimed at an Arizona Lottery office.
With this simple process, Arizona residents can easily play to win exclusive prizes while supporting public programs in their home state.
Conclusion
For Arizona lottery players, there are plenty of ways to win big right in their home state. While massive multi-state jackpots get lots of attention, Arizona’s own games offer better odds, unique themes, and frequent drawings. Exclusive options like The Pick, Fantasy 5, All or Nothing, and Arizona-only Scratchers give residents distinctive ways to try their luck. With jackpots starting at $50,000 and reaching into the millions, locals have many chances to score huge lottery paydays. So next time you’re looking for lottery entertainment, try out Arizona’s own games for accessible excitement that also benefits vital causes across the Grand Canyon State.