New lottery draw game, Millionaire for Life, launches this weekend

February 20, 2026 Posted by NC Lottery at 1:12 PM

Millionaire for Life, a new national draw game from the North Carolina Education Lottery, debuts on Sunday with a top prize of $1 million a year for life.

Millionaire for Life offers an easy-to-play game with drawings held every night. Players simply pick five numbers from 1 to 58 and a Millionaire Ball number from 1 to 5.

In addition to the $1 million a year for life top prize, the game offers a second-tier prize of $100,000 a year for life.

The two Millionaire for Life top prizes pay winners for life with payments guaranteed for a minimum of 20 years. Winning players may also choose a lump sum cash option instead of the annuity for life.

Tickets for Millionaire for Life drawings can be purchased for $5 at retail locations where lottery tickets are sold or with Online Play through the lottery’s website or the NC Lottery Official Mobile App.

The overall odds to win a prize are 1 in 8.47. The odds to win the top prize are 1 in 22.9 million.

Millionaire for Life becomes the lottery’s first new draw game launched since 2024 when Cash Pop debuted.

71 COMMENTS

2/25/2026 11:42 - Pamela S.

Not happy about this change. Played L4L almost everyday. Will this new game be like Powerball and Mega Millions? Only 2 jackpot winnings a year?

2/24/2026 08:50 - phyllis w.

This game is not a good game..Very disappointed with the way it is set up..I will not play this game again..Shame shame NC Lottery..

2/24/2026 01:02 - Mali K.

Hi, I wonder is there were multiple winner for 1st (1M/a year), 2nd($100k/a year), they needs to split the winning prize? :)NC Lottery
Hi, Mali! The top prize would be split among all winning tickets. The 2nd tier prize ($100,000 a year for life) would only become a shared prize if there were more than 20 winners in a single drawing.

2/23/2026 03:29 - Brian T.

"Achieving the dream" concept of late stage hypercapitalism reaches a fever pitch at all levels of society. As a result, the betting gets increasingly riskier and folks are willing to spend more money. Lotteries exploit this mindset with more rigged games at higher prices. Shame to those in government and business who allow societal downfall to try and protect their own personal gain while betraying the public trust.

2/23/2026 03:16 - Brian T.

Last night's winning numbers string started with 1 and ended with 58. Another coincidence I guess..NC Lottery
Hi, Brian! Numbers are shown in ascending order on our website for ease of checking against your ticket.

2/23/2026 02:38 - EVANGELINE M.

I just played this for $10 quick pick and it said 1 game play. I did played but wil not be able to continue. And this was my favorite game. I played regular. And I noticed I never seen anyone win the 1k for Life only seen probably 2 winners for the $25k in years. This becoming nonsense ijs…

2/23/2026 12:22 - Pam M.

Well I Brought a MILLIONAIRE GAME after I cashed in a few TICKETS! Won $8.00 on a QP . WHEW!!NC Lottery
Congratulations on the win, Pam!

2/22/2026 10:22 - Corey A.

Bring back Lucky 4 Life. Not playing this

2/22/2026 08:15 - Matthew S.

I guess it is what it is. I do wonder if anyone actually takes the annuity anymore - particularly with the PCH debacle. I'm going to play the new game for now, but I've definitely got to do some thinking about how much I'm spending.

2/22/2026 07:42 - Theron D.

Absolutely ridiculous to go up on the price. Do NCEL want people to play or not. Your pricing people out.

2/22/2026 07:34 - Jorge P.

Like others that commented on price- Charging $5 a ticket makes playing lotto irresponsible.

2/22/2026 06:14 - Aaron C.

It's a daily draw. Should be $3 max.

2/22/2026 05:41 - randolph s.

ruined megamillions and now lucky for life... it's like you don't want people to play...I know I won't be playing them again

2/22/2026 05:25 - Saundra C.

I agree with ALL the other comments. I had been doing 2 quick picks for the Lucky for Life 3 days a week. Total $12 a week. Now the same would cost me $30. Sorry, I do not make as much money as the people who think we should be excited for this new game. Do you not hire Marketing Research firms to poll your clientele?

2/22/2026 05:05 - barney w.

Would like very much to play the game but ticket price to expensive. I also stop playing Mega Millions when the ticket went to 5.00 also

2/22/2026 04:55 - Maria Z.

Claiming it????

2/22/2026 04:14 - Ronald J.

Funny how the annuity option for Millionaire is paid out for 20 years instead of 30 years like the other multi-million dollars draw games! Also, why is the price for this game $5 its max payout is $20 million and the lower price amounts are ridiculously low for the $5 price. I played the inaugural game today but I won't be playing it on the regular like I do Power Ball and MegaNC Lottery
Hi, Ronald! The top prize of this game is a "For Life" prize. The 20 years listed is just the minimum number of annual payments a winner would receive. For example, if a winner passed away before receiving 20 years of payments, the remaining guaranteed payments would go to the winner's estate. So while the minimum number of annual payments a winner would receive is 20 years, a winner would win this prize every year for the rest of their life!

2/22/2026 12:57 - Bill I.

I’ve been playing the lottery since 1999 I used to drive into Virginia every other week to purchase tickets. Then after the lottery was approved here in NC I’ve played every week, kinda embarrassing to admit I spend $5k as year but did win a $10k powerball once in 2012 .. hopefully this new game will be the one to give me the retirement I’ve always wanted. Ability to help family and friends and not worry about making ends meet every month

2/22/2026 12:49 - Rodney W.

I have an online acct. used to play lucky for life for 90 draws at $180.00 dollars now it would be $450.00 . Do the math a $270.00 dollars difference . I will no longer be playing . These increases are absolutely ridiculous. No Thanks

2/22/2026 10:21 - Tony T.

I agree with the majority here, too expensive on a slim chance of winning...no thanks .

2/22/2026 09:41 - Kim S.

Sounds like winner??

2/22/2026 09:30 - Diane M.

Well I played my last L4L last night and won $6.00. Better than nothing. I guess at $5.00 a ticket I'll give it a try once a week .

2/22/2026 08:19 - Dempsey C.

NC lottery sure has got greedy.

2/22/2026 07:31 - Matthew T.

Been playing L4L daily. But for 5 dollars I won't be playing this one just like Mega millions when it changed. Haven't played it since.

2/22/2026 07:07 - Nora G.

Too expensive for me, but good fortune to the first winner.

2/22/2026 05:53 - Brian T.

Lol, I like how the numbers 7 and 11 hit on the final draw night of LFL with the "random number generator" of course. No coincidence at all...SMH. Our nation is doomed from racketeering and hustles. Good luck to us all.

2/22/2026 01:12 - darryl i.

My wife gave me $ 2 for Valentines day to buy a lucky for life ticket. Guess I'll never get my ticket....

2/22/2026 12:50 - Tashena G.

I claim itNC Lottery
We're crossing our fingers for you, Tashena!

2/22/2026 12:46 - Ann H.

Will definitely NOT add this or any other new game. If any additional changes are made to the Powerball drawings, I will stop that also. You have done me a favor by stopping the Lucky for Life drawings, as I now have saved money on that. You should never be allowed to make rule changes on the original rules. Talk about gambling problems? You are taking advantage of your users. We should be protesting your ability to keep the NC lottery running.

2/21/2026 09:41 - Joshua M.

Farewell Lucky for Life. I played you since you came too our state in 2016. I wont forget you and will miss you.

2/21/2026 08:37 - Rudolph P.

I agree with most of the comments. It was already hard enough to win anything. Now, it'll be worse with a price increase. Just like with Mega Millions, y'all will lose players. The number of balls could have remained the same.

2/21/2026 06:56 - Jeff S.

Played 20 dollars on digital games. Didn't get my 10 free games. But it's ok never win anything on digital anyways NC Lottery
Hi Jeff, please reach out to our online play technical support team by chat, phone or email and they can assist with ensuring you get your free games in your account. You can reach them at https://nclottery.com/help

2/21/2026 06:16 - Samir H.

this single ticket $ 5.00 increase is to much

2/21/2026 05:34 - Daquawn G.

I’ve won second place in lucky for life, I’m winning millionaire for life next! ($1,000,000 a year for life!)

2/21/2026 03:34 - Logan A.

Will give it a try hopefully im the first to win it lol

2/21/2026 02:24 - Kelli P.

This is not about this game.. I enjoy playing ing the lottery however I'm tired of seeing totop winners in Charlotte , I live in Hope Mills , I'm just so tired of it ..NC Lottery
Hi Kelly, if you were to move to Charlotte you would have exactly the same chance of winning a prize as you do now - you'd just have more neighbors. When someone in Charlotte wins a lottery prize, the whole city does not win a prize, only the one person who was lucky enough to find a lucky ticket. It's the same deal no matter where you live, you just have to be lucky!

2/21/2026 11:37 - Eve S.

Not going to play this. Stopped playing Mega Million when they raised $5.00. Will not put out $5.00 for this Lucky for Life crap!!!

2/21/2026 11:22 - Lynne F.

If this game goes to $5 a draw, you can count me out. They should've left a good thing alone. I guess to many people were hitting, so the state is doing away with it so they can get more money in their pocket. :(

2/21/2026 11:16 - cheryl C.

I just checked my numbers on my Lucky for Life ticket and this will be the final time I play. It was nice while it lasted:(

2/21/2026 10:31 - Marilyn D.

I'm in with ALL the negative replies on this, regarding the price and addiction. If you want to do something worthwhile give MORE MONEY TO OUR EDUCATION.

2/21/2026 10:02 - Brenda D.

I would just be happy to WIN at any Game!!!!!

2/21/2026 09:15 - Rodney W.

Done with millionaire for life at $5.00 increasing #s by 10 makes it stacked against you . I will continue to play PB & cash 5 but when they go up I will be done with them also .These five dollar lottery money grabs have gotten ridiculous the odds are tough enough already without increasing the amount of #s and the price of a single ticket . 150% increase ridiculous.

2/21/2026 08:58 - Juan P.

Good

2/21/2026 08:48 - Karen H.

I have been playing the L4L game the past 5 years since moving back to NC and not once have I seen the top prize awarded. What’s the likelihood of winning your new top prize? Slim to none….I’m out and certainly not to pay 5 bucks per day.

2/21/2026 08:41 - Aaron P.

So the NCEL is so concerned about gambling addiction that it limited how many points you can scan per day from used tickets but they share raising the fee on their most popular game and decreasing the odds? Sounds like some exploitation if you ask me . Like a drug pusher getting you hooked, then jacking the price.

2/21/2026 08:34 - james b.

Where is the logic in removing Lucky for Life ? I played every draw weekly for $14. I understand the idea of a new draw game but at $5 per draw and only once a week ? When Cash Pop was made available no draw games were removed .

2/21/2026 08:26 - Eugene H.

The overall odds to win a prize are 1 in 8.47 No Thanks. My money will be going into my stock trading account.

2/21/2026 08:13 - Matthew G.

$5 a ticket, what a sick joke. NCEL, the greed team.

2/21/2026 08:10 - Terri L.

Boo! Bring back Lucky for Life. $5.00 per ticket is too expensive. Not happy with this trade off at all. Will not be a customer.

2/21/2026 07:42 - Steven B.

the game it replaces promised a lot but didnt deliver,i hope this isnt more of the same, for even more $$$!!!!

2/21/2026 07:12 - sarah w.

As a Pre- K Teacher / Bus Driver, looking forward to EARLY Retirement anyway possible other than working five more years ??

2/21/2026 06:56 - lee a.

Doesn't matter if it is $1 or $100 per ticket, no one makes you play. If you are willing to buy $5 scratch off trying to win $250k, why wouldn't you try for a millionare for life? My issue is it is guaranteed for only 20 years and you can take the cash option, if it is truly for life, then you give up a little of money that you one.

2/21/2026 01:05 - Larry M.

Sounds a little expensive. Will not be playing every night like I did Lucky For Life.

2/21/2026 12:35 - Jimmy R.

The price is too high for seven days a week. I like the lucky for life and it was affordable at $2. Why not launch the pick five draw like Virginia has?

2/20/2026 11:50 - Leanne P.

So, $5 for a $20 million jackpot? This is way overpriced for me. I played Lucky for Life for years, but I don't think I'll play this everyday.

2/20/2026 11:41 - Esther W.

I will will play a Millionaire ticket every now an then. Please bring a digital Instant Keno game

2/20/2026 11:36 - nancy l.

A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush. I will think long and hard on my $5 in my hand.

2/20/2026 10:50 - Cynthia W.

I'm playing to win. off topic questi.Will ncel put adding a daily pick 5 daily drawo the list anytime soon? Pick 0 to 9? That's what I'm waiting for. Already have my 5 #s. LolNC Lottery
Hi Cynthia, there are no plans to add a Pick 5 game in North Carolina at this time, but we always appreciate hearing what players would be interested in seeing in the future!

2/20/2026 09:20 - Irwin F.

Just like Mega... Nope. Won't waste my money here. Mistake ending Lucky For Life.Just another overpriced money grabbing game.

2/20/2026 07:34 - Tamara C.

THE PRICE IS WAYYYY TOO HIGH!

2/20/2026 05:12 - Dana A.

$5? I think I'll pass.

2/20/2026 04:34 - Charles F.

5 dollars? Corporate greed! I won't be buying

2/20/2026 04:33 - Marvin T.

That no good . good luck to the one that plays ????

2/20/2026 03:01 - Shannon K.

I find it very hard to believe that there is any demand for another $5 per ticket draw game, when its clear people are not playing megamillions now by how infrequently people win.

2/20/2026 11:59 - Judith C.

It sound like a decent option, however, in my opinion, draws shouldn't be held more than twice a week. It's very expensive for a single ticket. People with compulsive habits will find it hard to resist temptation. At least with the Lucky For Life game you're phasing out, the tickets were reasonably priced.

2/20/2026 11:44 - Brenda F.

Wow! A dream come true!

2/20/2026 11:38 - Christy Y.

I can't get the rewards drawings to appear on either website nor app to enter my pointsNC Lottery
Hi, Christy! Please try completely closing out of the app and web browser and relaunching. If that doesn't work, please reach out to our Online Support team at https://nclottery.com/Help for more assistance.

2/20/2026 09:34 - Renew W.

Thought all new customers get ffreee 25 dollars free play ?? NC Lottery
Hi there! If you redeemed an offer and didn't receive a bonus as expected, please reach out to our Online Support team at https://nclottery.com/Help.

2/20/2026 08:53 - Cherish H.

I can't wait, I will be the first winner. Manifesting this.NC Lottery
We're crossing our fingers for you, Cherish!

2/20/2026 08:29 - Dortha M.

I like the lucky for life game this new game is to much but I will play it but not every night

2/20/2026 08:24 - Floyd P.

This should not be priced the same as a Mega ticket. At most, no more than $2-3.

New lottery draw game, Millionaire for Life, launches this weekend

February 20, 2026 Posted by NC Lottery at 1:12 PM

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