‘EZ Match’ instant wins coming soon to Carolina Cash 5

March 10, 2014 Posted by NC Lottery at 4:11 PM

If you’re a lottery player, chances are you’re familiar with Carolina Cash 5: Nightly drawings for jackpots that start at $50,000 and grow fast.

Now we’d like to give you a sneak-preview of a new game feature set to begin on Sunday, March 30. It’s called EZ Match and, by adding it to a Cash 5 play for an additional $1, you could win up to $500 instantly.

Here’s how “EZ” it is to add EZ Match. First, play Cash 5 like you usually do by picking your own numbers or Quick Pick. If you fill out a play slip, just check the EZ Match box. You can also just ask a clerk to print a ticket for you with EZ match added.

The fun begins instantly. For each Cash 5 play, five EZ Match numbers are displayed, with possible prize amounts assigned to each number. If any of your EZ Match numbers match any of the numbers on your corresponding Cash 5 play, you instantly win the prize shown – between $2 and $500.

But whereas you win a Cash 5 prize based on the outcome of the nightly drawing, an EZ Match prize is an instant win. The computer determines at random if your EZ Match ticket is a winner. If it is a winner, the computer then randomly determines your prize. EZ Match always gives you a chance to win up to $500.

Just as with a scratch-off ticket, the prizes displayed on an EZ Match ticket will vary. The matching of your EZ Match numbers to your Cash 5 numbers is where the fun and suspense comes as you find out if your ticket is a winner – and, if you’re lucky, the amount of your prize.

The approximate odds of winning the top EZ Match prize of $500 are 1 in 84,000. The approximate overall odds of winning a prize playing EZ Match are 1 in 4.71. To see the odds of winning each of the prizes in the EZ Match game, read the “How To Play” page for EZ Match.

If you win an EZ Match prize you can cash in your winnings immediately at a retail location and an exchange ticket will be printed for that evening’s Cash 5 drawing and for any upcoming drawings still active on the ticket. If you claim an EZ Match prize before the Cash 5 drawing or drawings on your ticket, be sure to ask the retailer for the exchange ticket.

We’re looking forward to EZ Match coming soon. If you have questions once the feature starts, remember you can pick up a How to Play brochure at any retailer, visit our website, or call our customer service team toll-free between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 877-962-7529.

76 COMMENTS

4/15/2020 08:09 - troy a.

I do not see where you can select EZ Match when playing online. Am I missing something here? THanksNC Lottery
Hey Troy, EZ Match is an in-store only option and is not available for online purchases. Sorry about that!

7/08/2015 09:38 - Annitte D.

Ok, it just must be me. I'm tiring to use my points so I can enter some of these second chance games.. whats the deal?? need helpNC Lottery
For technical customer service, please click the HELP link at the top of the Lucke-Zone and submit an ONLINE SUPPORT form.

7/04/2015 05:25 - Brennan T.

Ok one more time I have a ticket with ez match none of my numbers match the ez match numbers but the numbers that are drawn match the ez match numbers do u still win ??NC Lottery
No. Your EZ Match numbers have to match the EZ Match numbers. The drawing is completely separate.

6/01/2015 06:47 - Keith M.

OK Lucky Zone, a QUESTION. I always play my SAME numbers in Cash 5 with a 5 draw play(for the 2nd chance bonus buck thang). You said earlier that with a 5 draw the new EZ would only generate 1 pick ($6 total). WHAT IF I choose to still play my 5 personal numbers BUT place them in 5 different game panes? Will I get 1 EZ Quick pick for EACH pane??? AND would I STILL receive a Bonus Buck Ticket?NC Lottery
Would you please call our customer service # at 877-962-7529 to talk through your question? Thank you! :)

4/22/2015 09:53 - Kelly K.

can someone please tell me where to enter in numbers?? NC Lottery
No problem! Just click on the Lucke Rewards tab at the top of the page. It will take you right to the ticket entry page for online and instant games. Here's a link that you can bookmark: https://rewards.lucke-zone.com/pia Hope that helps!

3/30/2014 11:43 - Frank M.

Just another way for the state to suck your money out of your pockets and goes right into theirs. I sure do NOT see any of this money going to NC school system (Like they say it does) because if you ask me Why is the comercials claiming that they gave millions and millions of dollars? If they did give millions and millions of dollars to our school system... Then why is our teachers and assistants having a hard time getting their raises. Sorry extra dollar i'd rather give to a poor person on the corner before the nc lottery! NC Lottery
We hear your frustration. But please consider visiting WeAllDidThis.com & click on any county to see exactly how much has gone to help pay for things like teachers' salaries. Did you know the state spends more than $10 billion - with a B - on education each year? The $478 million we contributed last year is just a fraction of what the state spends. The lottery spends about 4% on operational costs.

3/30/2014 09:08 - Roger K.

TERRY say's!! ok easy match sounds like fun ,but i still would like the power up option other states have for cash5 games!! I SAY NO,NO,NO!! TO THAT! Winning instantly is better than adding an extra dollar, and the drawing that night, don't produce any wins for you!

3/21/2014 12:16 - carolyn b.

I AM GOING 2 TRY THE ADD ON 2 C5....BUT I WANT 2C IT IN A PAMPLET...2 BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW IT WORKS...WILL THAT NOT BE OUT TILL THE 30TH NC Lottery
Not sure when all retailers will have that information available, but it should be before or on March 30. If there isn't a new Cash 5 how to play at a store you visit, please mention it to the clerk or let us know here :-)

3/20/2014 10:31 - chris c.

I agree with what 1rock2king said, with over 2million spent on cash five bonus bucks each drawing seems ncel could do better than 58,000.00 dollars in giveaway. NC Lottery
Keep in mind that the prize money for the Bonus Bucks drawing comes from regular Cash 5 ticket sales that give players a chance to win in the jackpot drawing itself, it's more chances to win in the Bonus Bucks drawing - AT NO EXTRA COST... so, when you think about it that way, we think it's pretty cool!

3/19/2014 07:17 - otto k.

I deliver mail on Oakdale road in Charlotte and one of mycustomer is a store that sell lottery tickets and the owner as of late he wants any scratch off winner no matter how much you win he wants the person who's the winner he wants them to sign the back of the ticket. What is the reason he does this?? NC Lottery
Signing the back of a winning lottery ticket is smart. It establishes ownership of the ticket so a winner can claim the prize money :-)

3/19/2014 12:12 - Eddie C.

PLEASE put the drawing amount back Cash 5 tickets and take off the Bonus Drawing info, we all know about the bonus bucks! And regarding NCEL saying "everyone has the same chance to buy a winning ticket where they live" I dont agree. More winning tickets are won in larger cities due to more people and more tickets sold, so satistically if you live in a larger city your chances of buying a winning ticket are increased over someone who lives in a small town.NC Lottery
There is a major flaw in your logic. As a player, its not easier to walk into a store in a big city and win than it is for you to walk into a store in a small town and win. The odds are exactly the same for everyone.

3/19/2014 01:37 - Jeff F.

How about a Cash 5 Bonus Bucks 2nd chance drawing too? Let us list our no.'s on line, So if the winning ticket don't come forward, As when you do your drawing, then pick one of us that did list our number on line.. Then for sure, one of us will be happy to claim it!! So this will give us MoreMoneyThisYear to play with!! NC Lottery
That's a creative suggestion... but the Cash 5 Bonus Bucks feature already is a second-chance drawing! If prizes are unclaimed, half go back into the prize pool & half benefit education.. it's a win/win :-)

3/18/2014 04:23 - Betty K.

Can you explain how EZ match works.Or do I have to wait until March 30. NC Lottery
We did our best to give a preview of how it works here in this blog, but it will probably be easier to understand once you can see the play slip and see what it looks like on the ticket if you add EZ Match.

3/17/2014 07:45 - otto k.

Left a comment the other day about all the big winners coming out of the northen part of the state, but recieved no response, I guess they didn't like what I put out about the pro hall of fame drawing that the winners all came from northen NC. 3 or 4 of them in Raleigh, Goldsboro had 2 winners that's 6 out of the 14 winners! NC Lottery
We don't censor comments for being critical or accusatory. Geography has no effect on an individual lottery player's chances of winning. In big places, more people take a chance to win, but that doesn't make it any easier for any one person to win. About 10% of the state population lives in Wake County. Just because one player in Goldsboro had good luck doesn't mean another one couldn't too... it's all a matter of random chance.

3/17/2014 06:07 - carolyn b.

WHEN WILL THE INFO BE OUT ABOUT HOW THE EZ PLAY WORKS......I HAVENT SEEN ANY IN STORES YET NC Lottery
Take a closer look at this blog about EZ Match; the feature starts March 30.

3/16/2014 11:33 - Roger K.

"Yes. Cash 5 players like the Bonus Bucks feature so it will continue. We will have new information about the next set of drawings soon" Hey how about kicking it up to 100,000 dollars! What you say about that?

3/15/2014 03:19 - Teresa H.

playing the lottery should be for fun only...I love playing the lottery it is about luck and chance. I do great with 10 and 20 dollar tickets. Keep the new games and new features coming. I love the creativity and fun that NCEL put into playing the lottery. 100 is the most I have won so far but I won it about 3 times on the 20 dollar tickets.

3/15/2014 12:21 - Keith M.

How does this work for multidraw? I have 1 set of numbers I play 5 times on 1 slip ($5 ticket). Adding EZ Match makes it a $10 ticket or a $6 ticket? NC Lottery
It's our understanding that would be a $6 play... because you get one and only one set of EZ-match numbers for each set of numbers you play. It will become more clear once the new feature starts on March 30

3/15/2014 08:17 - NC Lottery

Yes. Cash 5 players like the Bonus Bucks feature so it will continue. We will have new information about the next set of drawings soon.

3/15/2014 06:01 - Elisabeth W.

I went on a lottery spree and spend over $300 and end up with only with $20. I bought 9 or ten color of money before I got $10 back. I think the odds on a roll of tickets needs to be better; people will buy more if they win something on every four or five tickets. Depending on the game odds. I know its all about luck but a better payback would enticed all players! I cashed in a pick three ticket and the computer printed another ticket since I had advance play. The number played again and I won but it was only $290, but the original ticket was exact 50/50. I thought the winning amount would have been $330. Please clarify. Thanks. NC Lottery
The odds of winning playing instant games are not set within each roll of tickets, they are set at the beginning of the game, for all the tickets that are printed. The lottery pays out a higher percentage today than it did when it began. As for your question about the payout on your Pick 3 ticket, please call player customer svc at 877-962-7529

3/14/2014 06:24 - Robert R.

ok I guess I need to ask if the bonus bucks entry for cash 5 is going to continue after the may 28th deadline, since no other dates after that are listed ? the bonus bucks entry was the only reason I buy a cash 5 ticket but the EZ match could light me up again.

3/14/2014 02:56 - ronald t.

they have had this in Florida for a while- the auto system does not pick enough winners for the extra 1.00.I suggest you change it to an extra .50 cents

3/14/2014 11:39 - Charles C.

I have watched the ncl from another state and I think the the ncl has one of the most player-friendlyest-state lotteries around! remember its about luck/chance. NC Lottery
Thanks for the compliment. We really do try our best.

3/14/2014 10:02 - john q.

will players that have a smart phone be able to use there bar code scanner app. to check there tickets to find out if they have won anything on them? NC Lottery
We don't have anything to announce on this topic, but rest assured we're always looking at new ways to engage and assist our players.

3/14/2014 09:33 - jason r.

I know all cant win in the second chance drawings but thought this was going to be my time.212 entries in the racing tickets package.52,000 points wasted in the last 16 months.wish there was a way to see drawing.what i've lost they should at least build a classroom in my name.no second chance winner in my town at all

3/14/2014 09:20 - Robert R.

is EZ match replacing the bonus bucks entry slip that might end with may 28 deadline drawing? NC Lottery
EZ Match is it's own thing. You'll still be able to participate in Bonus Bucks drawings.

3/13/2014 10:05 - Mary V.

I agree with some of the other comments on here. I've been putting in numbers on here for the 2nd chance drawings until I see them in my sleep. I too am about to give up on the lottery period. I can't win on the scratch offs, Cash 5 OR 2nd chance drawings! Guess I need a horseshoe because this isn't working. :/

3/13/2014 07:53 - Andrea B.

Sounds good but I bet its not so!!!!!! EZ to win. When are the Quads going to play? It will be a year next month since quads have played. Lottery is making money but not allowing us to win big money. Other states have played quads at least 2 if not 3 times. NC is behind!!!!! NC Lottery
Each Pick 4 drawing has the same odds of a quadruple digit combination. We have no control over what numbers are drawn. If you'd like to attend a drawing and see how it works, please let us know. Best of luck to you!

3/13/2014 07:12 - Ronald C.

Listen up people! Playing the lottery is exactly the same as finding money on the ground. Sometimes you find some but most of the time you don't.....

3/13/2014 06:03 - Mark T.

So what number gets created first? The random EZ number or my play ticket? Seems to me if the lottery "generates" the EZ number after my Cash 5 numbers pick is run throught the machine, the "random" number won't be the ones I pick. So how do you ensure the player that the EZ numbers are really random and there is no possibility that the lottery is checking which numbers you pick and then creating the random number? NC Lottery
The lottery is run with integrity to be fair to all players. All of our practices are independently reviewed in formal audits.

3/13/2014 02:17 - Alisia T.

I've been playing the NC lottery since 2008 and I've still haven't won anything! I'm losing hope! NC Lottery
We're sorry to hear you're not having a good experience playing our games. We certainly don't want playing the lottery to be something you worry about, so if it's no longer fun to play, we understand if you wish to take a break. Either way, we appreciate you playing and wish you the best.

3/13/2014 11:41 - mark a.

you know you people don't have to play at all.all i have to say is .do you want some cheese with that whine....give me a break.i always thought the lottery was set up for and only played by grown-ups....so grow up or don't play,it's as easy as that..........

3/13/2014 10:49 - carolyn b.

ARE WE EVER GONNA GET A BLACKJACK TYPE OF CARD..... NC Lottery
Stay tuned!

3/13/2014 08:57 - Osboleen H.

Keep the faith! And enjoy responiblee!!

3/13/2014 05:23 - ronald c.

EX MARCH WOW

3/12/2014 10:52 - alton b.

I;ve noticed that more people on the western side of the state win than the eastern side and don't tell me its because there are more people playing there. If this is true then show some proof of it.

3/12/2014 08:48 - wayne r.

I have personally heard of people that dig into trash cans inside gas stations and convenience stores to pick out losing tickets and then enter them in secondary drawings. I even had a store clerk leave my cash5 bonus ticket on the machine until I repeatedly asked for it. Little chance in secondary drawings for people that spend $10 or $20 a week and play honestly.

3/12/2014 08:35 - marvin p.

so when will there b a pick 4 and pick 3 online service? or will there b one here in nc? i would love to buy those pick 3 and pick 4 like the cash 5 , power ball, and mega ball tickets... i know its possible i think most players would like that... just a idea? NC Lottery
Thank you for your feedback. We currently have nothing to announce on this front, but who knows what the future may hold? Best of luck!

3/12/2014 07:06 - andrew c.

This is just like sum it up.

3/12/2014 04:27 - Herman S.

Player: Keep the faith.You may hit it big with EZ match in Nort Carolina. I'm looking forward to winning a few dollars myself. Good luck to everyone. EZ match could turn into Ezzzz money.

3/12/2014 01:17 - eddie s.

I'm from Florida, and they've had ez match for about six years now ; it's fun, but the most I've ever won was like 20+dollars.

3/12/2014 12:45 - Angela F.

WHY DO I KEEP SEEING THE SAME TOWN/AREA AND SOME OF THE SAME PLAYERS ONLY WINNING???? I have entered thousands and thousands of points into second chance and have NEVER WON!!! I am about to quit buying NC lottery tickets in any form....this is crazy!! NC Lottery
We can assure you that if you walked into a store and bought a lottery ticket anywhere in the state, it is not any easier or harder to win than it is where you live. It's not easier to win the lottery in some places, there are just some places where more people are taking a chance to win.

3/12/2014 10:21 - Stephen H.

nice idea. random numbs are not too random so not sure about this. I agree with Freespirt comment

3/12/2014 08:55 - Pamela C.

I played EZ match with fantasy 5, when I lived in Florida, hope the chances of winning is better here, all I got was $1 or $2 Ez match.

3/12/2014 08:14 - LAURA A.

Yay... I can't wait.. EZ Match here I come

3/12/2014 05:43 - Rowena B.

sounds like fun I like it!

3/12/2014 02:08 - enrique l.

wheres the dam example????? all I hear...read is that u have an oppty of winning $500 but no notes, examples of '''''how'''' the game is played?????????

3/12/2014 12:24 - Tiffany P.

Yess I totally agree with you!!! the comment above..... ten dollars a bit much... NC Lottery
It was just an example. You can buy a $1 Cash 5 ticket and add EZ Match to it for another $1, making it a $2 ticket.

3/11/2014 11:58 - ELLA R.

can you play just one ez match or do you have to purchase more than that at a time? NC Lottery
Use the playslip and you can choose to play EZ Match on 1-5 tickets.

3/11/2014 11:30 - Robert R.

Unfortunately the odds heavily favor the state and it's not worth the 100% premium on the ticket.

3/11/2014 09:22 - david n.

Ex sounds ez for instant win, when is a multiplayer going to be added?

3/11/2014 08:10 - Michael R.

Hopefully this new feature will be fair to the players, because the Pick 4 is ripping NC lottery players off and just stealing from them. Paying out $19,000 , 22,000 and $25,000 on most draws to a whole, entire state is just thievery. Obviously they have a way of bringing out the least played, least payout number. Everybody I know is talking about how crooked the pick 4 is. Shame on you! NC Lottery
Pick 4 drawings are conducted under the supervision of an external auditor, and all of the lottery's practices are audited and reviewed. The size of the payout in a Pick 4 drawing is determined entirely by how many players happened to have the winning numbers. You are welcome to attend a live drawing in person. We don't expect everyone to play the lottery or like the lottery, but you should know the organization is run with integrity for all players.

3/11/2014 07:32 - Denver G.

will EZ match be part of the subscription service ? NC Lottery
No, it is a game feature that you can only use if you buy a ticket at a retail location.

3/11/2014 06:25 - Matthew M.

Makes you wonder just how random these numbers are when they are drawn and does each ticket offer a $500 dollar number??? NC Lottery
The numbers as well as the corresponding prizes are generated randomly. You have as good a chance as anyone else to win up to $500 instantly. Best of luck!

3/11/2014 06:07 - Fred F.

Hey, only us " long time" 2nd CHANCE losers speak out on Cash-5--I started my new year trying to play Cash-5 "ON LINE"...Problem is they want my " BASIC"- Master Card number....My three "Basic" cards are allllll VISA...I callled three banks---all "Basic" their cards are VISA---NOT Master Card....whoops ncel.....ps I have also entered 72,845 tickets in drawing----AND WON N O T H I N'.....WHEWWW !!!!! NC Lottery
Please click on the "HELP" link at the top right-hand corner of the Lucke-Zone for the technical customer service support info and let them know how you feel about the subscription service; as for entering the Lucke-Rewards drawings... its just as with any other game of chance - you always have a chance to win but never a guarantee of winning.

3/11/2014 05:21 - Bessie G.

Sounds like a good idea, I will sure try it, I never play without the powerplay or megaplier when I play them so now I will be able to do the EZ match with my cash 5 ty

3/11/2014 04:55 - Ralph D.

Can't wait! But I have a question If I won $5000.00 or $50,000.00 how much do I pay in taxes? NC Lottery
The lottery is required to withhold 5.8% state taxes on lottery wins of $600 to $5000 and an additional 25% federal withholding on prizes of $5001 and above... those estimated withholdings may or may not cover a winner's tax obligation, depending on his or her unique financial situation.

3/11/2014 04:29 - Louise B.

I'll wait and see,

3/11/2014 01:03 - Thomas Troy T.

good luck and may bless each of us .

3/11/2014 12:03 - Ronald C.

Keep up the good work! Creativity is almost as much fun as whoopee!

3/11/2014 11:46 - james w.

Suppose if I win 3 EZ match numbers, how much do I win? NC Lottery
It will make more sense to you once EZ Match begins on March 30. But if you were to match three of your EZ Match numbers with three of your Cash 5 numbers, you would win the prizes associated with your matching EZ Match numbers, which range from $2 to $500.

3/11/2014 10:31 - Mark B.

please don't change the cash 5 !!! NC Lottery
Don't worry! If you check out this blog, you will see that nothing about the Cash 5 game that you like is changing. Playing EZ match is just a new play option you can either use or not use as you please.

3/11/2014 07:39 - R W B.

With the lousy way the "numbers are generated at random" by the computer, I'm gonna play wait and see before I'll pay up to ten bucks for a Quick Pick ticket.

3/11/2014 03:35 - William J G.

EZ Match here I come! Can't wait to play!

3/11/2014 12:21 - Vincent R.

Sounds like Cash 5 is getting even better.

3/10/2014 11:50 - Edward W.

still not clear but will clear up with a couple of plays

3/10/2014 11:25 - jim H.

sounds cool ncel I will try my luck!

3/10/2014 10:57 - John K.

would like to see how good it will mean for me

3/10/2014 10:51 - robin s.

I love it when have more chances to win. BEAUTIFUL!

3/10/2014 10:11 - Charles F.

If, "the odds of winning vary as prizes are won" how can the, "five EZ Match numbers" which are "generated at random" be random? Does this mean you have to play 1st thing in the morning to win? Does the lottery pick the winning numbers in advance? NC Lottery
No, there is always a $500 win available in the game, no matter the day or time. It truly is random.

3/10/2014 08:53 - Linda R.

I hope this increase my chances of winning a Cash 5 prize. I buy 5 tickets at a time and have not won anything yet!!!!

3/10/2014 08:10 - terry f.

ok easy match sounds like fun ,but i still would like the power up option other states have for cash5 games!!

3/10/2014 07:45 - billy w.

I bet you it is not that EZ...

3/10/2014 07:07 - Michael F.

Wow! Mo money, Mo money!

3/10/2014 06:11 - stephan w.

sounds like fun

3/10/2014 04:49 - gloria g.

EZ match sounds fun to play. Can't wait. I love they way NCEL keeps giving more ways to win.....thank you

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‘EZ Match’ instant wins coming soon to Carolina Cash 5

March 10, 2014 Posted by NC Lottery at 4:11 PM

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