General Games Questions

How do I claim my prize?

Visit the Claim Prizes page on this website, for information on how to claim your prize. The value of your prize and whether it was purchased in a retail location or in Online Play will determine where you can claim, how long you have to claim, and what is required to claim.

When will prize winnings be available for payment from a retailer location after the drawing?

Draw game validations will be available shortly after the drawing has been verified. Scratch-off prizes under $600 can be claimed at a retailer anytime after purchase.

What is a Multi-Draw ticket?

Multi-Draw allows you to purchase tickets for consecutive drawings including the current drawing.

Where can I see the drawings?

Draw game drawings may be televised on:

• WRAL Raleigh (ch.5)
• WITN Greenville, New Bern & Washington (ch.7)
• WAXN/WSOC Charlotte (ch.64)
• WGHP Winston-Salem, Greensboro & High Point (ch.8)

Besides television, you can get the winning numbers from the following sources:

• Webcast at nclottery.com, wral.com, witn.com, myfox8.com, wlos.com, and wsoctv.com. Draw videos and winning numbers must be verified and are posted at approximately 3:30 p.m.
• For Customer Services, call the NCEL toll free at 877-962-7529.
• Sign up to receive automatic winning number updates under Email Options in your account.
• Set up alerts using the NC Lottery app, downloadable in the App Store or download here for Android.
• Visit any lottery retailer in your area for the latest winning number updates or to scan your ticket to see if it's a winner.

What time will ticket sales stop before the drawing?

Ticket sales stop shortly before a draw until shortly after, at which time sales resume for the next available draw and beyond. These breaks are referred to as draw breaks.

How long do I have to claim my draw game prize?

In accordance with NCEL prize payment policy, all online game prizes must be claimed within 180 calendar days of the drawing. A mailed online ticket must be received at NCEL Headquarters or any NCEL office within 180 calendar days of the drawing. Postmarks shall not constitute satisfaction of the 180 day requirement.

What happens if I lose my ticket?

The North Carolina Education Lottery is NOT responsible for lost or stolen tickets. Protect yourself by signing the back of your tickets. Lottery tickets are bearer instruments. Unless signed, anyone in possession of the ticket can file a claim.

What is a play slip?

Each lottery game offers a paper play slip that allows a player to select their numbers prior to reaching the counter at a retailer location. Play slips may also be used on lottery vending devices. Some lottery vending devices allow players to touch the screen and select their numbers without the use of a play slip.

Can I use a play slip from another state with the same game?

No. You must use the play slip for North Carolina.

Is it possible to use the same numbers on a ticket for a different upcoming drawing for that game?

Yes, all of our draw games offer "Repeat Play". This feature allows a retailer to scan the bar code on your existing ticket so you can replay your numbers without having to complete a play slip. Tickets must be replayed within 30 days of the original ticket creation.

For jackpot games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, and Cash 5, how does the jackpot rollover?

Jackpots will continue to grow from drawing to drawing if no winner is selected. The jackpot increase is based on estimated sales.

Can I get the computer to pick my numbers?

Yes. Just select Quick Pick on your play slip, ask your retailer for a Quick Pick or make the Quick Pick selection on the lottery vending machine or in Online Play.

Can a group of people share a prize?

Yes, prizes can be shared. Winners can decide how to share a prize when they claim it. Some restrictions do apply.

What is an exchange ticket?

If a player wins on a multi-draw ticket, and still has draws left on that ticket, when the winning ticket is validated and paid, a new ticket covering the remainder of the draws will be printed in "exchange" for the ticket that is being paid out.

How soon after the winning numbers are drawn can I collect my prize for draw game tickets?

Players can cash their tickets after the drawing is finalized, which can take an hour or more following the draw.

What is the cut-off time to purchase draw game tickets before the drawing?

Depending on the game, the sales for a particular draw end 15 to 90 minutes prior to the draw, and sales resume after for upcoming draws. Refer to the How to Play information for each game for more details.

What happens to unclaimed prizes?

Unclaimed prizes occur when a player doesn't claim his or her prize within the allotted claim period. Unclaimed prizes distributed and utilized by the lottery as specified in the Lottery Act.

What are the payout options for jackpot winners and For Life winners?

If you are a jackpot or For Life prize winner, you will have the choice of a Cash Option or an Annual Annuity Payout. The Cash Option is a one-time, lump-sum payment that is equal to all the cash in the jackpot prize pool. The duration and payment terms will vary based on the game. See the individual game rules for details.

Cash Pop

How do I play Cash POP?

To play Cash POP pick any number (POP) between 1 and 15. If it matches the number drawn, you win. You can play Cash POP for $1, $2, $5, or $10 per POP. The more you play per POP, the bigger the prizes you could win. Prizes start at 5X the amount played per POP, with top prizes ranging from $250 to $2,500. Learn how to play here.

How much can I win playing Cash POP?

The more you play per POP, the bigger the prizes you could win – up to $2,500. Prizes are randomly generated by the lottery terminal every time you play and prizes start at 5X the amount played per POP, all the way up to 250X the amount played per POP. When you receive your Cash POP ticket, look below your POP (number) to see the prize amount you could win.

When do Cash POP drawings take place?

Cash POP drawings are held daily at 9:00am, 1:00pm, 5:00pm, 8:00pm, and 11:59pm ET.

Can I play for more than one Cash POP drawing?

Yes, Cash POP can be played for up to five (5) consecutive drawings. Drawings are held daily at 9:00am, 1:00pm, 5:00pm, 8:00pm, and 11:59pm ET.

Can I play more than one POP per Cash POP drawing?

Yes, to increase your chance at a win, you may pick as many POPs as desired. You can even play all fifteen (15) POPs to win a prize, guaranteed.

How much does a Cash POP ticket cost?

The cost of a ticket will be determined by how many POPs are played, how much is played per POP ($1, $2, $5, or $10), and the total number of draws selected.

Where can I purchase Cash POP?

Cash POP is available at lottery retail locations and can be purchase from a clerk or a lottery vending machine.

Where can I find the Cash POP results?

Drawings can be watched online on the lottery website at nclottery.com. Winning numbers are available on the lottery website, on the Official NC Lottery Mobile App, or via NCEL Customer Services at 877-962-7529.

How do I know if my Cash POP ticket is a winner?

To determine if you have won, you can watch drawings online on the lottery website at nclottery.com or simply check for the winning numbers on the lottery website, on the Official NC Lottery Mobile App, or via NCEL Customer Services at 877-962-7529. Ticket checkers are available in retail locations and can be used to check Cash POP tickets following the drawing.

How long do I have to collect a Cash POP prize?

Cash POP tickets must be redeemed within 180 days of the ticket purchase date which is printed on the front of the ticket.

Can Cash POP tickets be canceled?

Cash POP tickets cannot be canceled by the retailer once they have been generated by the terminal.

How do I claim my prize?

Prizes under $600 can be claimed at any NC Lottery retailer. For prizes of $600 or more, visit here for information on how to claim your prize.

Powerball

How do I play Powerball?

Learn How to Play here.

Can I buy tickets for more than one drawing at a time?

Yes, you can purchase tickets online in advance for up to 30 consecutive drawings. To play consecutive drawings, you need to either select the "Multi Draw" box on the play slip or ask the retailer for multiple draws at the time of purchase.

Do I have to match the numbers in exact order to be a winner?

No, as long as you have the numbers drawn listed on your ticket in a single row, it does not matter what order they are drawn. However, you do have to match the Powerball number exactly.

Can Powerball tickets be canceled?

No, a Powerball ticket CANNOT be canceled by the retailer after it is generated, so be sure to check your numbers and verify your ticket cost prior to purchase.

What is Power Play?

Adding Power Play multiplies your winning on most prize levels 2 to 10* times, with the exception of the jackpot and Match 5+0 prizes. Match 5+0 has a 2x multiplier when Power Play is added. (*10X is only available to be drawn if the advertised jackpot is $150,000,000 or less). The cost to add Power Play is $1 per play.

Who operates Powerball?

The Multi-State Lottery Association, a non-profit organization entirely owned and operated by member lotteries. The association is based in West Des Moines, Iowa, and has a staff that operates at the direction of its board of directors. The board of directors is made up of the executive directors of each member lottery. The association operates several games, one of which is Powerball.

Mega Millions

How do I play Mega Millions?

Learn How to Play here.

Can Mega Millions tickets be canceled?

No, a Mega Millions ticket CANNOT be canceled by the retailer after it is generated, so be sure to check your numbers and verify your ticket cost prior to purchase.

What is the Megaplier?

This feature allows a player to multiply their winnings on all non-jackpot prizes two to five times based on the Megaplier number randomly drawn just before the Mega Millions drawing. The cost to add Megaplier is $1 per play.

Do you have to match the numbers in exact order to be a winner?

No, as long as you have the numbers drawn listed on your ticket in a single line, it does not matter what order they are drawn.

Can I buy tickets for more than one drawing at a time?

Yes. Players can purchase a multi-draw ticket for up to 26 consecutive draws, including the current draw.

Lucky for Life

How do I play Lucky for Life?

Learn How to Play here.

Can Lucky for Life tickets be canceled?

No, a Lucky for Life ticket CANNOT be canceled by the retailer after it is generated, so be sure to check your numbers and verify your ticket cost prior to purchase.

Is there a minimum jackpot?

This is not a jackpot game. Lucky for Life has a set top prize of $1,000 a day for life and a set second prize of $25,000 a year for life.

Can I buy tickets for more than one drawing at a time?

Yes, you can purchase tickets online in advance for up to 90 consecutive drawings. To play consecutive drawings, you need to either select the "Multi Draw" box on the play slip or ask the retailer for multiple draws at the time of purchase.

Do I have to match the numbers in exact order to be a winner?

No, as long as you have the numbers drawn listed on your ticket in a single row, it does not matter what order they are drawn.

What happens if there are multiple winners of the Top Prizes?

The Top Prize of $1,000 a Day for Life, the second prize of $25,000 a Year for Life and the third prize of $5,000 may become pari-mutuel*, meaning that the prize amount varies based on the number of winners, and are shared equally among all winners. See official Lucky for Life game rules for details.

What is considered "For Life"?

"For Life" prizes are guaranteed for a minimum of 20 years. A Cash Option may be available. "For Life" prize winner must be a natural person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age. Multiple individuals on one ticket and legal entities such as corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates, are only eligible to claim the guaranteed portion of the "For Life" prize without the annuity feature or elect the Cash Option. See official Lucky for Life game rules for details.

Keno

What is Carolina Keno?

Carolina Keno is a draw game that gives players the opportunity to "win every 4 minutes." Players choose from 1 to 10 numbers out of a pool of 80 numbers. Twenty numbers are draw each time. See our How To Play section for more detail.

How do I play Keno?

Learn How to Play here.

What is a "Spot"?

You choose how many numbers to play from 1-10. In Keno these are called SPOTS. The more spots you play, the more you can win.

What is Keno Multiplier?

Adding Multiplier to your Keno ticket gives you the chance to increase prizes up to 10 times. With each Keno drawing a multiplier number is drawn and that is the number that will be used to multiply any prizes won that drawing. Adding Multiplier to our Keno ticket doubles the cost of your ticket.

When are the drawings held?

Carolina Keno is a fast-paced draw game with drawings held every 4 minutes beginning at 5:04 am and ending at 1:44 am.

My Carolina Keno ticket has a "drawing" number. What is this?

Every Carolina Keno drawing has its own unique "draw number." The draw number is printed on your ticket and is also referenced wherever drawing results are posted. If you select consecutive draws, your selected number(s) will be played for each of the drawings printed on your ticket.

Can Carolina Keno tickets be canceled?

Yes. At your request, your Carolina Keno ticket can be canceled on the terminal where it was produced up to 6 seconds before the draw.

Where will I be able to see the Carolina Keno drawings?

You can see the Carolina Keno drawings at any Carolina Keno retailer on a special Keno monitor. To find a Keno location near you, go to our "Where to Play" page. You can also view the most recent drawings on the website.

How else can I find the winning numbers for a Carolina Keno draw?

Winning numbers are available from the following sources:

• The lottery website at nclottery.com/Keno.
• Visit any lottery retailer in your area for the 10 most recent Carolina Keno drawings winning numbers.
• Scan your ticket on any retail location Ticket Checker or Touch Vending Machine to see if it's a winner.

When will prize winnings be available for payment from a retailer location after a drawing?

Prize payments will be available shortly after the drawing has been verified. Typically this occurs within 15 minutes of the draw.

How much can I win?

If you play $1, you can win up to $100,000. If you play $10, you could win up to $1 million. Add Multiplier for a chance to increase prizes up to 10X. Adding Multiplier to your Keno ticket doubles the cost of your ticket. Check the prize chart to see all of the prize levels.

What is an exchange ticket?

You do not have to wait to cash in a winning Carolina Keno ticket when you purchase a multi-draw ticket. To claim your prize, present your ticket to any lottery retailer. The retailer will cash your ticket and give you an exchange ticket in place of your original ticket. Your exchange ticket will be valid for the remaining number of draws.

How do I claim my prize?

Prizes under $600 can be claimed at your Keno retailer or any NC Lottery retailer. For prizes $600 or more, visit Claim Prizes for information on how to claim your prize.

Carolina Cash 5

How do I play Carolina Cash 5?

Learn How to Play here.

Do I have to match the numbers in exact order to be a winner?

No. Your numbers can match the winning numbers drawn in any order.

Can I play for more than one drawing?

Yes. With Multidraw you can play up to 28 consecutive draws, including the current draw.

Can Carolina Cash 5 tickets be canceled?

No. All sales are final, so be sure to confirm your transaction prior to purchase.

What happens if no one wins the jackpot?

The Cash 5 base game jackpot continues to grow until it is won.

What is Cash 5 Double Play?

Double Play gives you two ways to win with your Cash 5 numbers. When you add Double Play to Cash 5, your numbers are included in a second drawing for additional cash prizes. The cost to add Double Play is $1 per play.

Can I play Double Play by itself?

Double Play can only be selected as an add on to the Cash 5 base game for an additional dollar per play.

How do I win at Double Play?

Just like Cash 5, you can win with Double Play if you match at least two or more numbers in the Double Play drawing.

Are the Double Play prizes the same as the Cash 5 prizes?

The Match 2, 3 and 4 prizes are higher than the base Cash 5 prizes. The top prize for Double Play is $50,000 when you match 5 numbers

How do you add Double Play to your Cash 5 ticket?

There are two places on the play slip where you can add Double Play. You can add it by selecting Double Play for each individual play or you can select for all plays by checking the selection box at the bottom of the play slip. If you do not use a play slip the retailer can add Double Play for you. Double Play can also be added if you are purchasing your ticket on lottery vending machines.

Can I play Multidraw with Double Play?

Yes, you can play up to 28 consecutive draws at retail locations.

What is Cash 5 EZ Match?

EZ Match is an instant win add-on feature for Cash 5. The terminal randomly picks five numbers and assigns a prize value to each number. If a number matches a number on your Cash 5 play you win the prize shown. Prizes range from $2 to $500. The prize won can be claimed instantly.

How do you add EZ Match to your Cash 5 ticket?

There are two places on the play slip where you can add EZ Match. You can add it by selecting EZ Match for each individual play or you can select for all plays by checking the selection box at the bottom of the play slip. If you do not use a play slip the retailer can add EZ Match for you. EZ Match can also be added if you are purchasing your ticket on lottery vending machines.

Can EZ Match be selected for multiple draws?

No. EZ Match can be selected for each panel of a Multi-Draw ticket, however any resulting EZ Match prize can only be claimed once per play at the time of purchase

How many chances do I have to win with EZ Match?

Each time you add EZ Match to a Cash 5 play you have a chance to instantly win a prize from $2 to $500

If I win with EZ Match do I have to wait until the Cash 5 drawing is held to redeem my winnings?

No, you don't need to wait. If you win an EZ Match prize you can cash in your winnings at a retail location and an exchange ticket will be printed for any subsequent drawings still active on the ticket.

Can I claim my EZ Match prize(s) at the retail location or do I have to claim at an NCEL claim center?

EZ Match winnings on a single ticket can be claimed at a retail location. If a retailer does not have the cash available to pay a claim, please ask when the retailer will be able to pay and return at that time or visit another retail location to claim your winnings. EZ Match prizes can also be claimed at any NCEL claim center in person or by mail. Visit the How To Claim page (link) for information on how to claim your prize.

What should I do if I claim my EZ Match prize and I don't receive my exchange ticket?

Be sure to ask the retailer for your exchange ticket when you claim your EZ Match prize. If you do not receive an exchange ticket remain at the retail location and call Customer Services at 1-877-962-7529 for assistance.

Can I play Double Play and EZ Match through Online Play?

Double Play and EZ Match are only available at retail locations.

Can I play both EZ Match and Double Play on a Cash 5 ticket?

You can add both games to each play you purchase at retail locations

Pick 4

How do I play Pick 4?

Learn How to Play here.

How do I select the afternoon or evening drawings?

In retail locations, play slips are available where Pick 4 tickets are sold. These play slips offer a choice between the daytime drawing, the evening drawing, or both. Players select DAY DRAW to play daytime draws only, or choose EVENING DRAW to play evening draws only. Choosing BOTH DRAWS will allow you to play both DAY and EVENING draws.

If you are using Online Play, after clicking Buy Now, use Build My Numbers to select Day or Evening Draw, or both.

What will happen if I forget to select a drawing?

In retail locations, the terminal that prints the ticket will default to the next scheduled drawing, whether daytime or evening.

If you are using Online Play, the ticket will default to the next scheduled drawing, whether daytime or evening.

What time will ticket sales stop before the drawing?

For the daytime drawing, retail location sales stop at 2:45 p.m. and Online Play sales stop at 2:43 p.m. Online Play sales resume immediately for the next drawing. Retail sales resume at approximately 3:15 p.m.

For the evening drawing, retail location sales stop at 11 p.m. and Online Play sales stop at 10:58 p.m. Online Play sales for the next drawing resume immediately. Retail sales resume at approximately 11:30 p.m.

For retail sales, the time between when sales stop and when they resume is referred to as a draw break.

Can Carolina Pick 4 tickets be canceled?

At retailer locations, at your request, your Carolina Pick 4 ticket can be canceled on the retailer terminal where it was produced within 15 minutes of the purchase time or within the remaining time before the draw break, whichever occurs first.

If you using Online Play, your Carolina Pick 4 ticket cannot be canceled.

What are the ways to play Carolina Pick 4?

You can choose to match your numbers to the winning numbers in EXACT ORDER, ANY ORDER, 50/50 (which combines EXACT and ANY ORDER plays together), COMBO, Front Pair, Back Pair.

I've heard that numbers can sometimes be "sold out". Are there any limitations I should know about when picking my numbers?

Pick 4 drawings regularly sell out of number combinations. These sellouts are due to limits on potential prize payout, referred to as liability limits. If the total prize liabilities for any number combination of all types of Plays exceeds a pre-determined limit, as established by the NCEL, then no further wagers on that number shall be accepted for that drawing. Such liability limit may be modified, from time to time, at the sole discretion of the NCEL.

What does 4-Way mean?

4-Way means that you have chosen a number that has 3 digits that are alike and 1 other digit. (Example: 2777) Because of that, there are 4 ways to combine the number selected to match the numbers drawn (i.e. 2777 - 7277 - 7727 - 7772).

What does 6-Way mean?

6-Way means that you have chosen a number that has 2 pairs of digits that are alike. (Example: 4488) Because of that, there are 6 ways to combine the numbers selected to match the numbers drawn (i.e. 4488 - 4848 - 4884 - 8448 - 8484 - 8844).

What does 12-Way mean?

12-Way means that you have chosen a number that has 2 digits that are alike and 2 other digits. (Example: 3305) Because of that, there are 12 ways to combine the numbers selected to match the numbers drawn (i.e. 0335 - 0353 - 0533 - 3035 - 3053 - 3305 - 3350 - 3503 - 3530 - 5033 - 5303 - 5330).

What does 24-Way mean?

24-Way means that you have chosen a number that has 4 different digits. (Example: 0123) Because of that, there are 24 ways to combine the numbers selected to match the numbers drawn (i.e. 0123 - 0132 - 0213 - 0231 - 0312 - 0321 - 1023 - 1032 - 1203 - 1230 - 1302 - 1320 - 2013 - 2031 - 2103 - 2130 - 2301 - 2310 - 3012 - 3021 - 3102 - 3120 - 3201 - 3210).

Why are the prize payouts different for 4-Way, 6-Way, 12-Way, and 24-Way?

As the number of ways to arrange the digits increase, thereby increasing the number of ways you have to win, the prizes gradually decrease.

What is an Advance play?

Multi-Draw allows you to buy Pick 4 tickets for more than one drawing at a time. You can purchase tickets at retail location or with Online Play in advance for up to seven consecutive drawings, including the current draw. At retail locations, you need to either select the "Multi Draw" box on the play slip or ask the retailer for multiple draws at the time of purchase.

The Advance Play option is not available for tickets purchased through Online Play.

What is the Multi-Draw option?

At retail locations, advance play allows you to select specific future draw days excluding the current drawing for whatever draw is chosen (day, evening, or both). The maximum number of future drawings using the Advance Play feature is 6. For example, if today is Monday and you'd like to play on Wednesday, mark Wednesday under the Advance Play section and you will skip Monday and Tuesday drawings.

With Online Play, you select from a drop-down menu the number of additional drawings you would like up to the “Next 7 drawings.”

What is Fireball?

Fireball is a new add-on feature to the Carolina Pick 4 game that gives you more combinations to match and win. You can win multiple times on a ticket depending on the number you play. The red Fireball provides an extra number drawn after each Pick 4 drawing. The number on the Fireball replaces any of the lottery drawn numbers in the Pick 4 lottery drawings to give you more combinations to match to win. By adding Fireball to your Pick 4 ticket, you get four additional combination to win. Learn more with our How To Play information here, review Fireball prizes and odds of winning here, watch our Fireball video, and experience the interactive Fireball tutorial coming soon.

Which of my numbers does the Fireball replace?

None. The Fireball doesn’t replace one of your numbers. It replaces one of the numbers drawn by the lottery in the Pick 4 drawing. The Fireball can replace any of the lottery-drawn numbers to give you more combinations to match and win.

How much does adding the Fireball cost?

Adding Fireball doubles the cost of your ticket.

Can Fireball be added to any play type on Pick 4 plays?

Yes. The Fireball add-on feature can be added to any play type for Pick 4. To include the Fireball add-on feature to your play, choose Fireball on your play slip or select the Fireball button in your Online Play cart. Adding Fireball doubles the cost of each board played.

Do Fireball prizes differ from base game prizes?

Yes. Fireball prizes in addition to those in the base Pick 4 games. Check out the Prizes and Odds for Pick 4 with Fireball here.

Can players win on both the base game and Fireball?

Yes. Fireball prizes are awarded in addition to any base game prizes won. Check out the Prizes and Odds for Pick 4 with Fireball here.. You can also find prize charts in the how to play brochures located at your local lottery retailer. Prizes and odds are also on the backs of the new Pick 4 play slips.

Pick 3

How do I play Pick 3?

Learn How to Play here.

How do I select the afternoon or evening drawings?

In retail locations, play slips are available where Pick 3 tickets are sold. These play slips offer a choice between the daytime drawing, the evening drawing, or both. Players select DAY DRAW to play daytime draws only, or choose EVENING DRAW to play evening draws only. Choosing BOTH DRAWS will allow you to play both DAY and EVENING draws.

If you are using Online Play, after clicking Buy Now, use Build My Numbers to select Day or Evening Draw, or both.

What will happen if I forget to select a drawing?

In retail locations, the terminal that prints the ticket will default to the next scheduled drawing, whether daytime or evening.

If you are using Online Play, the ticket will default to the next scheduled drawing, whether daytime or evening.

What time will ticket sales stop before the drawing?

For the daytime drawing, retail location sales stop at 2:45 p.m. and Online Play sales stop at 2:43 p.m. Online Play sales resume immediately for the next drawing. Retail sales resume at approximately 3:15 p.m.

For the evening drawing, retail location sales stop at 11 p.m. and Online Play sales stop at 10:58 p.m. Online Play sales for the next drawing resume immediately. Retail sales resume at approximately 11:30 p.m.

For retail sales, the time between when sales stop and when they resume is referred to as a draw break.

Can Carolina Pick 3 tickets be canceled?

At retailer locations, at your request, your Carolina Pick 3 ticket can be canceled on the retailer terminal where it was produced within 15 minutes of the purchase time or within the remaining time before the draw break, whichever occurs first.

If you using Online Play, your Carolina Pick 3 ticket cannot be canceled.

What are the ways to play Carolina Pick 3?

You can choose to match your numbers to the winning numbers in EXACT ORDER, ANY ORDER, 50/50 (which combines EXACT and ANY ORDER plays together), COMBO.

I've heard that numbers can sometimes be "sold out". Are there any limitations I should know about when picking my numbers?

Pick 3 drawings regularly sell out of number combinations. These sellouts are due to limits on potential prize payout, referred to as liability limits. If the total prize liabilities for any number combination of all types of Plays exceeds a pre-determined limit, as established by the NCEL, then no further wagers on that number shall be accepted for that drawing. Such liability limit may be modified, from time to time, at the sole discretion of the NCEL.

What does 3-Way mean?

3-Way means that you have chosen a number that has 2 digits that are alike. (Example: 377) Because of that, there are only 3 ways to combine the numbers selected to match the numbers drawn, (i.e. 377 - 737 - 773).

What does 6-Way mean?

6-Way means that you have chosen a number that has 3 different digits. (Example: 368) Because of that, there are 6 ways to combine the numbers selected to match the numbers drawn, (i.e. 368 - 386 - 638 - 683 - 836 - 863).

Why are the prize payouts different for 3-Way and 6-Way?

As the number of ways to arrange the digits increase, thereby increasing the number of ways you have to win, the prizes gradually decrease.

What is an Advance play?

Multi-Draw allows you to buy Pick 3 tickets for more than one drawing at a time. You can purchase tickets at retail location or with Online Play in advance for up to seven consecutive drawings, including the current draw. At retail locations, you need to either select the "Multi Draw" box on the play slip or ask the retailer for multiple draws at the time of purchase.

The Advance Play option is not available for tickets purchased through Online Play.

What is the Multi-Draw option?

At retail locations, advance play allows you to select specific future draw days excluding the current drawing for whatever draw is chosen (day, evening, or both). The maximum number of future drawings using the Advance Play feature is 6. For example, if today is Monday and you'd like to play on Wednesday, mark Wednesday under the Advance Play section and you will skip Monday and Tuesday drawings.

With Online Play, you select from a drop-down menu the number of additional drawings you would like up to the “Next 7 drawings.”

What is Fireball?

Fireball is a new add-on feature to the Carolina Pick 3 game that gives you more combinations to match and win. You can win multiple times on a ticket depending on the number you play. The red Fireball provides an extra number drawn after each Pick 3 drawing. The number on the Fireball replaces any of the lottery drawn numbers in the Pick 3 lottery drawings to give you more combinations to match to win. By adding Fireball to your Pick 3 ticket, you get three additional combinations to win. Review our How To Play information here, review Fireball prizes and odds of winning here, watch our Fireball video, and experience the interactive Fireball tutorial coming soon.

Which of my numbers does the Fireball replace?

None. The Fireball doesn’t replace one of your numbers. It replaces one of the numbers drawn by the lottery in the Pick 3 drawing. The Fireball can replace any of the lottery-drawn numbers to give you more combinations to match and win.

How much does adding the Fireball cost?

Adding Fireball doubles the cost of your ticket.

Can Fireball be added to any play type on Pick 3 plays?

Yes. The Fireball add-on feature can be added to any play type for Pick 3. To include the Fireball add-on feature to your play, choose Fireball on your play slip at retail or select the Fireball button in your Online Play cart. Adding Fireball doubles the cost of each board played.

Do Fireball prizes differ from base game prizes?

Yes. Fireball prizes are in addition to those in the base Pick 3 games. Check out the Prizes and Odds for Pick 3 with Fireball here.

Can players win on both the base game and Fireball?

Yes. Fireball prizes are awarded in addition to any base game prizes won. Check out the Prizes and Odds for Pick 4 with Fireball here.. You can also find prize charts in the how to play brochures located at your local lottery retailer. Prizes and odds are also on the backs of the new Pick 3 play slips.

Fast Play

What is Fast Play?

Fast Play is an exciting new game play experience that combines instant wins with growing progressive jackpots. There are no play slips to complete and no drawings to wait for. Tickets are printed at the time of purchase and can be played right away, like a scratch-off, to determine if you are a winner, even the jackpot prize.

How many Fast Play games are there?

There will always be an assortment of games available in a variety of themes, play-styles and price points. At launch there will be six games available and new games will be added on a regular basis. Check here for the most current selection of games.

How much can I win instantly on Fast Play games?

Fast Play gives you the chance to instantly win cash prizes, similar to a scratch-off, and/or instantly win the progressive jackpot prize. There are a variety of games and instant win cash prizes. For information on individual game prizes and odds check our Fast Play game pages. The amount of the progressive jackpot you could win depends on the price of the Fast Play ticket you purchased. A $2 ticket could win 20% of the jackpot, a $5 ticket could win 50% of the jackpot, a $10 ticket could win 100% of the jackpot prize and a $20 ticket could win 100% of the jackpot prize plus $200,000.

How can I win the Fast Play progressive jackpot?

The Fast Play progressive jackpot is shared by all Fast Play games, it starts at $20,000 and grows until it is won. When the jackpot is won on a $2, $5, $10 or $20 game, the jackpot decreases by the percentage won and continues to roll from that level.

The Fast Play progressive jackpot can be won instantly. The amount of the jackpot you could win depends on the price of the Fast Play ticket you purchased. A $2 ticket could win 20% of the jackpot, a $5 ticket could win 50% of the jackpot, a $10 ticket could win 100% of the jackpot prize and a $20 ticket could win 100% of the jackpot prize plus $200,000.

Where can I find the current amount of Fast Play progressive jackpot?

The current estimated Fast Play progressive jackpot amount will be located at the top of each printed Fast Play game ticket. You will also be able to find the current jackpot amount at retail locations on the transaction monitor, the Fast Play jackpot sign and lottery vending machines. And don’t forget you can always find the current jackpot on the website.

How do I play Fast Play games?

Fast Play games are printed at the time of purchase and can be played immediately like a scratch-off game. You can see if you’ve won right away by following the How To Win instructions printed on each ticket. You can also find details on the game pages.

Where can I purchase Fast Play games?

Fast Play games can be purchased at most NC Lottery retailers and on all lottery self-service vending machines.

How do I know if my ticket is a winner?

Just follow the How To Win play instructions printed on each ticket to see if you are a winner. Tickets can also be checked using the NC Lottery ticket checker at each retail location or on a self-service vending machine, or by using the ticket checker on the NC Lottery mobile app.

How long do I have to collect a Fast Play prize?

Fast Play tickets must be redeemed within 180 days of the ticket purchase date which is printed on the front of the ticket.

Can Fast Play tickets be canceled?

Fast Play tickets cannot be canceled by the retailer once they have been generated by the terminal.

Digital Instants

What are Digital Instant games?

Digital Instants are instant win games of chance that are played through the lottery’s Online Play platform on its website and through the NC Lottery Official Mobile App. Prizes you win are transferred electronically to your online account or claimed at a lottery office.

How many digital instant games are there?

The North Carolina Education Lottery will launch with eight games with new game introductions planned for every two weeks during the first year of game play.

How much can I win instantly on digital instant games?

Each game has its own unique prize structure. The game tile showcasing a game will show the top prize that can be won on the game. The minimum and maximum wager amount per play is also displayed. Prizes will vary in proportion to the wager amount.

How do I play digital instant games?

You play digital instant games using the lottery’s Online Play program, either on nclottery.com or the NC Lottery Official Mobile App

Can digital instant plays be canceled?

No. Once the Play button has been clicked all games are final.

What is a Digital Instants Progressive Jackpot game?

A progressive jackpot e-Instant game is characterized by a jackpot that increases with each bet placed in the game. This jackpot starts at a base value and grows as a percentage of all bets contribute to its accumulation. Each jackpot will offer three tiers: the low tier, which rewards more often; the mid-tier, with less frequent rewards; and the top tier, which pays out the rarest rewards.

How does the Progressive Jackpot Grow?

In progressive games, a portion of every bet placed in the game adds to the progressive jackpot. The jackpot total updates approximately every 15 seconds.