North Carolina (NC) Lottery Results

Commonly Asked Question by NC Lottery Players

At Lotto Edge, we talk with lottery players on a daily basis and are always researching common questions asked around the web. We compiled a list of frequently asked questions that NC Lottery players are asking.

If you have a question that we haven’t covered, we will try to answer it for you. Drop us a line, we’re happy to help.

• When does the North Carolina Lottery post draw results?

  The North Carolina Lottery posts winning results immediately after each drawing. Our lottery results, while unofficial, are posted soon after each drawing as well.

• Can I play the lottery online?

  Yes. You’ll be happy to know that you can buy tickets for your favorite draw games online. The NCEL doesn’t offer any instant games online (yet).

• Can I use a debit or credit card to buy tickets?

  You can buy NCEL tickets with debit cards or cash and some retailers will also accept gift cards or checks. Credit cards are not approved for NC Lotto purchases. NCEL Online accepts debit, PayPal, and ACH.

• How long do I have to collect a prize?

  Scratch Off prizes can be collected up to 90 days after the published end of the game. Draw game prizes can be collected up to 180 after the drawing that the ticket was purchased for.

• How old do I have to be to play the lottery in the state of NC?

  If you’re 18 or older, you can play!

• Where can I buy tickets?

  There are over 6800 retailers selling NCEL tickets across North Carolina. Look for the PLAY HERE signs or check which retailers are near you. You can also buy your favorite draw games online with your NCEL account.

• How can I claim a winning ticket?

  Prize claims under $600 can be claimed at a lottery retailer, regional claim center, NCEL Headquarters or by mail.Prizes of $600 to $99,999 can be claimed at a regional claim center, NCEL Headquarters or by mail.Prizes of $100,000 and up can only be claimed at NCLottery Headquarters.For an updated list of Regional Claim Center locations and hours plus claim forms, visit the NCLottery Claims Page.

• Can winners remain anonymous?

  Unfortunately in the State of North Carolina, winners currently cannot remain anonymous.

• Does the NCEL have an App?

  Yes. The NC lottery app includes ticket scanner, including scratch off scanner and the ability to enter 2nd chance drawings.

• What are the 3 digit codes on scratch off tickets?

  These 3 digit codes are also known as validation codes. The 3 digit codes were used by retailers for sight validations prior to computers doing the validation. You can read more about the secret NC Lottery Codes on our blog.

• Where can I see a list of North Carolina Lottery winners?

  The North Carolina lottery posts recent winners in all games including scratch off winners and draw games. You can find the latest list of winners at the NC Lottery Winners Page.

• What other lottery games does NC offer?

  The NC Lottery also offers keno and fast play games. Keep up with the latest keno results on the official NC Lottery Keno Page.

• Where can I find Lottery 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.

• How Can I watch the Live Drawings?

  Live drawings take place in Raleigh and are aired on WRAL.

• Where can I find past lottery drawing results?

  NC Lottery numbers from past drawing are available from nclottery.com. Click on the game you are interested (e.g. Powerball), then click the tab “Past Draws”.

• Are there any NCLottery strategies that can help me?

  Check out our best NC Lottery scratch off rankings and find a ranking that fits your playing style. All our rankings provide you a daily updated list of the best scratch off games to play.

• Can I buy NC tickets online with the Lotter?

  No. The Lotter is a 3rd party ticket broker licensed to sell online drawing game tickets in certain states. Residents of CO, TX, OR and MN can purchase tickets online and participate in international lotteries. It is not currently available to buy NC tickets.