Debunking Myths About The California Lottery
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Latest California Lottery Results & Winning Numbers
Did you play the California lottery last night? Check the latest CA Lottery winning numbers to see if you won!
NEXT DRAWING: Sat, Apr 25, 2026
NEXT DRAWING: Fri, Apr 24, 2026
NEXT DRAWING: Sat, Apr 25, 2026
NEXT DRAWING: Thu, Apr 23, 2026
NEXT DRAWING: Thu, Apr 23, 2026
NEXT DRAWING: Thu, Apr 23, 2026
NEXT DRAWING: Thu, Apr 23, 2026
What are the Best CA Lottery Scratchers?
At Lotto Edge, scratchers are kind of our deal. We analyze CA Lottery scratcher data DAILY for every prize in every game! You heard that right.
We use fancy computers to run thousands of calculations and provide our members simple rankings of the best games to play.
We offer multiple rankings so no matter what prizes you are after or how you like to play, we have a ranking made for you.
If you love scratcher, you HAVE to check out our rankings before you spend another dollar.
Which California Lottery Game has the Best Odds?
When playing the CA Lottery, keep in mind that the chances of winning vary greatly between games. Before buying a ticket, its smart to compare the overall and individual prize odds for the games you’re interested in.
You can find a full list of prize odds by clicking on any game in the table provided.
| GAME | BASE TICKET PRICE | OVERALL ODDS |
|---|---|---|
| Powerball | $2 | 1 in 24.9 |
| Mega Millions | $5 | 1 in 23 |
| Super Lotto Plus | $1 | 1 in 23 |
| Fantasy 5 | $1 | 1 in 9 |
| Daily 4 | $1 | 1 in 10,000 (Exact) |
| Daily 3 | $1 | 1 in 1,000 (Exact) |
| Daily Derby | $2 | Varies (See Game Page) |
| CA Scratchers | Varies |
When is the Next California Lottery Live Drawing?
Stay up-to-date on all the lottery draws from by the CA Lottery with our convenient calendar. It includes the drawing times and sales cut-off times (in brackets) for each game, so you’ll never miss a chance to play again.
| GAME | DAY | DRAW TIME | SALES END |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerball | Mon / Wed / Sat | 7:59 pm | 7:00 pm |
| Mega Millions | Tues / Fri | 8:00 pm | 7:45 pm |
| SuperLotto Plus | Wed / Sat | 7:45 pm | At Draw Time |
| Fantasy 5 | Daily | 6:30 pm | At Draw Time |
| Daily 4 | Daily | 6:30 pm | At Draw Time |
| Daily 3 | Daily | 1:00 pm 6:30 pm | At Draw Time |
| Daily Derby | Daily | 6:30 pm | At Draw Time |
What are the MyAccount Second Chance Drawings from the CA Lottery?
MyAccount
Who says the third time’s a charm. Life is full of second chances. Second chance drawings are bonus chances to win and are open exclusively to players who have purchased an eligible game ticket.
Simply log into your California Lottery MyAccount and submit the 2nd Chance code on eligible scratchers.
A California Lottery account is also the best way to be the first to know about new games, promotions and events. You can even receive jackpot and winning number alerts.
Want some tips on playing the California Lottery?
Our experts pulled together some tips to help you play the CA Lottery.
Got any other tips? Let us know.
SCRATCHER ODDS
Scratcher ticket odds almost always beat draw games BUT the odds change daily. Check back frequently to keep up with the latest odds changes!
LESS POPULAR GAMES
Don't be afraid of smaller or less popular draw games. They typically have better chances of winning and less winners to split any prizes.
BE WEARY OF PROMISES
If a lottery "system" guarantees you a win, RUN. We have yet to find a reliable and consistent method for winning draw games.
CHECK PRIZE ODDS
Don't rely just on the overall odds to compare games. Smart players should check the individual prize odds before choosing a game.
Want More Expert Tips?
Get Our 5 Pro Tips for Picking Powerball & Mega Millions Numbers Based on 16 Years of Winning Results!
How to Claim Your Lottery Prize
Prizes $599 and Under
- Any Lottery Retailer
- Lottery District Office
- By Mail
Prizes $600 and Up
- Lottery District Office
- By Mail
Need Additional Info or Claims Forms?
- Visit the Official CA Lottery Claims Page
Playing CA Lottery Online / Online Gambling
The CA Lottery doesn’t currently offer the ability to buy lottery tickets on their official website or allow 3rd party ticket brokers to sell tickets.
California has also been slow to expand their gambling offerings to other services. We’ve included a full list of online gambling options legal in the State of California.
| GAME | AVAILABLE CA LOTTERY | LICENSED 3RD PARTY |
|---|---|---|
| Scratchers | No | No |
| Draw Games | No | No |
| Sportsbook | No | No |
| Casino | No | No |
| Poker | No | No |
| Bingo | No | No |
| Daily Fantasy | No | YES |
Commonly Asked Questions by California Lottery Players
We constantly talk with lottery players and search the web for commonly asked lottery questions. We’ve compiled a list of the frequently asked questions about the CA Lottery.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, drop us a note. We’re happy to help.
Buying Tickets
Can I play the lottery online?
Unfortunately, the California Lottery doesn’t currently offer the ability to purchase lotto tickets online.
Can I use a debit or credit card to buy lottery tickets?
In California, you can buy lottery tickets using cash, debit or credit card. However, it is up the retailer to determine what forms of payment they will accept.
How old do I have to be to play the lottery?
If you’re 18 or older, you can play the lottery across the State of California!
Where can I buy lottery tickets?
There are over 23,000 licensed retailers selling lottery tickets across California. Unfortunately players aren’t able to buy lottery tickets online in California yet.
Claims / Winners
How long do I have to collect a winning prize?
California lottery winning scratchers must be postmarked or received by Lottery offices within 180 days of the announced end of game date. Any winning draw game tickets must be postmarked or received by Lottery offices within 180 days of the winning draw date, except in the case of Mega Millions and Powerball Jackpots, the tickets must be postmarked or received within one year from the winning draw date.
How can I claim a winning ticket?
Prize claims under $600 can be claimed at a CA lottery retailer, local district lottery office or by mail.
Prizes of $600 and up can be claimed at a local district lottery office or by mail.
Can lottery winners remain anonymous?
Unfortunately in the State of California, winners currently cannot remain anonymous. Your full name, the name and location of the retailer who sold you the winning ticket, the date you won and the amount of your winnings, including your gross and net installment payments, are matters of public record and are subject to disclosure. The Lottery will not disclose any other personal or identifying information without your permission unless legally required to do so.
Games
Where can I find lottery draw game predictions?
Anyone or any website offering to sell you drawing game predictions should be viewed with skepticism. Drawing games are random ball drawings where the previous draws have no impact on future drawings.
Where can I find past lottery drawing results?
Past drawing are available from calottery.com. Click on the game you are interested (e.g. Powerball), then click the tab “Past Winning Numbers”.
Others
Does the CA Lottery have an App?
Yes. The CA lottery app includes features to scan a ticket to see if you are a winner, receive custom push notifications, enter 2nd Chance drawings, and find retailer and claim information.
About the California Lottery
Since it began in 1985, the California Lottery’s primary mission has been to provide supplemental funding for the state’s public schools and colleges. The Lottery has returned $39 billion in supplemental education funding, which helps schools attract and retain quality teachers, buy equipment and support critical programs.
In California, more than 23,000 retailers generate more than $8.4 billion in gross sales each year, with $5.6 billion awarded to players in prizes.
Recent Articles
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Conclusion
Did we miss anything or do you have anything we need to update? Drop us a note and tell us what you think.
If you found this helpful, make sure to check out our expert California scratcher rankings. It’s the perfect way to find the scratchers with the best odds of winning.
Sources:
Official CA Lottery Website
North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links where our partners may compensate us for certain referrals at no cost to you.
Author:
Researched and Written By: Jared James, Founder
Jared is widely recognized as a leading lottery expert, frequently cited in media publications for his insightful tips and strategies for playing the lottery. With a comprehensive background in finance and analytics, Jared has established himself as a thought leader in the industry.