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What lottery is tonight in Ohio?

By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff)

Ohio offers a variety of lottery games that take place on different nights throughout the week. The most well-known lottery is the Mega Millions, which takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM Eastern Time. However, there are also daily games like Pick 3 and Pick 4, as well as weekly games like Classic Lotto that occur on certain nights in Ohio.

Mega Millions

The Mega Millions drawing occurs twice a week in Ohio, on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM Eastern Time. To play Mega Millions, players pick six numbers: 5 main numbers between 1-70 and 1 Mega Ball number between 1-25. Tickets cost $2 per play. If all six numbers match, you win the Mega Millions jackpot which starts at $20 million and continues growing until it is won. Lesser prizes are also available for matching some numbers. Mega Millions can be played in almost every state, including Ohio.

Some key facts about Mega Millions in Ohio:

  • Drawings held Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET
  • Cost is $2 per ticket
  • Pick 5 main numbers (1-70) and 1 Mega Ball number (1-25)
  • Jackpots start at $20 million and roll over if not won
  • Can be played at gas stations, grocery stores, and lottery retailers in Ohio
  • OhioLottery.com offers details on winning numbers and jackpot amounts

The Mega Millions jackpot recently surged to $1.1 billion in July 2022 before being won. Mega Millions holds the record for the largest lottery jackpot in history at $1.537 billion won in South Carolina in October 2018.

Classic Lotto

Classic Lotto is Ohio’s in-state jackpot game, with drawings held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 7:59 PM. To play, pick 6 numbers between 1-49. It costs $1 per play. If you match all 6 numbers, you win the Classic Lotto jackpot. The jackpot begins at $1 million and increases if it is not won. Lesser prizes are available for matching some numbers.

Key Classic Lotto facts:

  • Drawings Monday, Wednesday, Saturday 7:59 PM
  • Choose 6 numbers 1-49
  • Tickets cost $1
  • Starting jackpot $1 million, rises if not won
  • Can be played at lottery retailers, OhioLottery.com

Classic Lotto produced Ohio’s biggest jackpot winner so far, with $210 million won in April 2005. The game’s second largest jackpot, $151 million, was awarded in August 2000.

Pick 3 and Pick 4

For players looking for a simpler, daily game, Ohio offers Pick 3 and Pick 4. In Pick 3, players choose 3 numbers between 0-9. In Pick 4, 4 numbers between 0-9 are chosen. Tickets cost $1 per play. Drawings are held twice daily, at 12:29 PM and 7:29 PM. If you match all numbers in exact order, you win the straight prize. Lesser prizes are given for matching some numbers or matching in any order.

Key details on Pick 3 and Pick 4:

  • Twice daily drawings at 12:29 PM and 7:29 PM
  • Pick 3: choose 3 numbers 0-9
  • Pick 4: choose 4 numbers 0-9
  • $1 per play
  • Prizes for straight, boxed, or mixed matches
  • Available at lottery retailers and OhioLottery.com

Pick 3 and Pick 4 offer consistent winners and rapid gameplay, with a new chance to play every day. Prizes vary based on the type of match, with straight matches paying out the most.

Rolling Cash 5

Rolling Cash 5 gives players a new batch of numbers each day of the week. To play, pick 5 numbers between 1-39. Drawings take place daily at 7:35 PM. If you match all 5 numbers in exact order, you win the Rolling Cash 5 jackpot. Lesser prizes are available for matching some numbers or matching in any order. Tickets cost $1 per play.

Rolling Cash 5 fast facts:

  • Daily drawings at 7:35 PM
  • Select 5 numbers between 1-39
  • $1 per ticket
  • Top prize depends on ticket sales, starts at $100,000
  • Available at Ohio lottery retailers, OhioLottery.com

Rolling Cash 5 combines big jackpot potential with the ability to play every day. Jackpots vary based on ticket sales and rolls down if not won. Since each drawing has a new series of numbers, players get fresh options daily.

Lucky for Life

For a unique prize structure, check out Lucky for Life. It’s a multi-state draw game with a top prize of $1,000 per day for life! To play, choose 5 numbers between 1-48 and 1 Lucky Ball between 1-18. Drawings take place every Monday and Thursday at 10:35 PM.

Key Lucky for Life details:

  • Drawings Monday and Thursday nights
  • Select 5 numbers 1-48 and 1 Lucky Ball 1-18
  • $2 per ticket
  • Top prize $1,000/day for life
  • 2nd prize $25,000/year for life
  • Offered at Ohio lottery retailers, OhioLottery.com

With a consistent daily payout, Lucky for Life offers stability along with the chance at a life-changing prize. Smaller fixed prizes are also available ranging from $3 to $5,000.

EZPLAY Games

For instant play options, try EZPLAY games like Double Heart Poker, Kings & Queens, or Double Blackjack. These electronic games offer casino-style excitement and are available at Ohio lottery terminals. EZPLAY costs $1, $2, $5 or $10 per play. Just choose your bet amount and play. Prizes vary based on the game and bet level. All prizes are immediate!

Benefits of EZPLAY instant games:

  • Fast electronic games
  • Play poker, blackjack, slots-style games
  • Bet levels $1, $2, $5 or $10
  • Prizes credited instantly
  • Find games at Ohio lottery retailers
  • Easy instant entertainment

For instant jackpot thrills, check out the selection of EZPLAY casino games at your nearest Ohio lottery retailer.

Scratch-Offs

With over 50 options, scratch-offs offer instant fun, prizes up to $3 million, and themes ranging from casinos to cash. Scratch each ticket with a coin to reveal symbols and numbers. Match enough to win a prize shown for that game. Some tips for playing scratch-offs in Ohio:

  • Over 50 games with top prizes up to $3 million
  • Themes like bingo, poker, money, jewels, crosswords
  • Tickets $1-$30
  • Prizes from free $1 tickets up to jackpots
  • Check tickets carefully
  • Claim winnings within 180 days
  • Available at any Ohio lottery retailer

With so many colorful and exciting options, scratch-offs appeal to every personality. Try games across different price points for countless hours of instant entertainment.

Kicker

For a fun extra, add Kicker to any draw game play. Kicker costs $1 extra per ticket. It multiplies the value of non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X or 5X. Kicker does not apply to the jackpot itself. But it can turn smaller prizes into big wins. So for an extra thrill, be sure to kick up your play with Kicker in Ohio!

Key perks of adding Kicker:

  • Costs $1 extra per ticket
  • Can be added to draw games like Mega Millions and Classic Lotto
  • Multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X or 5X
  • Does not apply to jackpot itself
  • Offers shot at bigger lower-tier prizes

Give your lottery play a boost with Kicker for just $1 more. The prize enhancer is available wherever draw games can be purchased in Ohio.

Where to Play

Ohio lottery games can be purchased at thousands of licensed retailers across the state. Look for official Ohio lottery signs at gas stations, grocery stores, convenience stores, and other outlets. You can also play online at OhioLottery.com. Some options for getting Ohio lottery tickets include:

  • Gas stations like Speedway, Circle K
  • Grocery stores like Kroger, Giant Eagle
  • Convenience stores like 7-Eleven
  • Drug stores like CVS, Rite Aid
  • Retailers like Walmart, Meijer
  • OhioLottery.com

As long as you are 18 or older and within the state of Ohio, you can easily find a nearby retailer or play online. Locate official retailers on the Ohio Lottery website or app.

Ohio Lottery App

Manage your lottery play on the go with the official Ohio Lottery mobile app. Available for iOS and Android, the app lets you:

  • Find nearby retailers
  • Scan and check tickets
  • View winning numbers
  • Enter promos and 2nd chance contests
  • Get lottery alerts

Download the Ohio Lottery app to play and monitor games, find locations, and more. Check it out on the App Store or Google Play.

Ohio Lottery Website

When you can’t access the app, use the Ohio Lottery website to:

  • Purchase tickets online
  • Find winning numbers
  • View current jackpots
  • Enter contests and promos
  • Read lottery news

Visit www.ohiolottery.com for all of your lottery needs. Create an account to buy tickets, manage subscriptions, and more.

Subscriptions

For convenient automatic play, sign up for lottery subscriptions. Choose your game, numbers, and length to have the same entries printed every draw. Benefits include:

  • Easy set-and-forget convenience
  • Avoids hassle of buying manually
  • Locks in favorite numbers
  • Never miss a drawing
  • Can cancel anytime

Score subscription perks like Guaranteed Play and exclusive promotions. Get started at OhioLottery.com or the app.

Ohio Lottery Winners

Since 1974, the Ohio Lottery has awarded over $67 billion in prizes to more than 3 million winners. Notable jackpots include:

  • $210 million Classic Lotto won in April 2005
  • $151 million Classic Lotto in August 2000
  • $122 million Powerball in March 2019
  • $50.3 million Rolling Cash 5 in June 2021

Check OhioLottery.com for lists of recent prize winners and millionaires. With the variety of games available, new winners are made daily in the Buckeye State.

Responsible Play

When playing the lottery, remember that it’s meant to be fun entertainment. Important tips for responsible play include:

  • Treat lottery money as discretionary entertainment funds
  • Don’t play with money needed for necessities
  • Balance lottery with other activities
  • Play for enjoyment, not investment
  • Don’t go into debt chasing losses

If gambling becomes problematic, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 for help. With balanced play, the Ohio lottery offers safe recreational enjoyment.

Ohio Lottery History

Ohio voters approved a state-run lottery in 1973 to generate funds for public education. On August 13, 1974, the Ohio Lottery began with sales on two scratch-off games. Key historical moments include:

  • August 1974 – First ticket sales, two scratch games
  • 1976 – Pick 3 launches
  • 1980 – First $1 million+ jackpot, for Classic Lotto
  • 1985 – Lotto America precursor to Powerball
  • 2002 – Record $331 million single ticket jackpot
  • 2013 – KENO introduced
  • 2014 – First $20 scratch ticket

Today, after steadily expanding its game portfolio, the Ohio Lottery offers a wide menu of draw, instant, and electronic games to generate over $1 billion yearly for education.

Ohio Lottery Impact

As mandated by law, all Ohio Lottery profits go towards K-12 public education in the state. Since inception, the Lottery has contributed nearly $23 billion to education funding. Annual contributions have grown from $21 million in 1975 to $1.23 billion in 2022. Funds are used to support:

  • Teacher salaries
  • Academic programs
  • Classroom materials
  • Technology upgrades
  • Construction and maintenance
  • After-school programs

The Ohio Lottery provides critical assistance to schools across the state. Players have fun while benefiting young students and the community.

Conclusion

The Ohio Lottery offers a wide range of draw, instant, and electronic games taking place nightly across the state. Popular options include Mega Millions, Powerball, Classic Lotto, Pick 3, Pick 4, Rolling Cash 5, and scratch-offs. Find Ohio lottery tickets at thousands of gas stations, grocery stores, and other retailers. You can also play online at OhioLottery.com or via the official app. Responsible play leads to entertainment and contributions towards K-12 education across Ohio through lottery profits. Check today’s games, store locations, and jackpots so you don’t miss out on the next big Ohio lottery winner!