How to Calculate Lottery Taxes in North Carolina
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NC Lottery Results & Winning Numbers
Stay up-to-date with the latest North Carolina Lottery results and winning numbers from today’s and last night’s draws!
Powerball Results
- 24
- 29
- 32
- 49
- 63
- 11
- 11
- 2
Powerball
- 03
- 09
- 15
- 35
- 57
- 19
Double Play
ESTIMATED JACKPOT:
$118,000,000
NEXT DRAWING: Sat, Apr 25, 2026
Mega Millions Results
- 07
- 16
- 32
- 35
- 40
- 12
ESTIMATED JACKPOT:
$163,000,000
NEXT DRAWING: Tue, Apr 28, 2026
Lucky for Life Results
- 07
- 11
- 13
- 45
- 47
- 09
TOP PRIZE:
$1,000/day for life
NEXT DRAWING: Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Cash 5 Results
- 03
- 06
- 09
- 11
- 27
Cash 5
- 09
- 26
- 28
- 30
- 41
Double Play
ESTIMATED JACKPOT:
$110,000
NEXT DRAWING: Sat, Apr 25, 2026
Pick 4 Results
- 5
- 7
- 8
- 2
- 7
Day (3pm)
- 2
- 0
- 7
- 9
- 2
Evening (11:22pm)
TOP PRIZE:
$5,000
NEXT DRAWING: Sat, Apr 25, 2026
Pick 3 Results
- 3
- 9
- 0
- 8
Day (3pm)
- 7
- 1
- 8
- 2
Evening (11:22pm)
TOP PRIZE:
$500
NEXT DRAWING: Sat, Apr 25, 2026
NC Lottery Scratch Offs Games
At LottoEdge, scratch offs are kind of our thing. Daily we analyze actual North Carolina Lottery scratch data for every prize in every game! You heard that right.
We run thousands of calculations on the data and then provide our members simple rankings of game odds.
We provide multiple rankings so no matter how you like to play or what prizes you are after, we have a ranking tailer made for you.
Below is just a sample of the rankings and game details we cover.
How Much Does a Lottery Ticket Cost?
The cost of lottery tickets in North Carolina varies greatly from game to game with scratch offs having the widest range. Price shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing a game.
It’s important to keep in mind that the odds of winning will also vary by game. Before you purchase a ticket, be sure to review not just the overall odds but the individual prize odds in the game. For a full list of prize odds, you can click on any game in the table below.
| GAME | BASE TICKET PRICE | OVERALL ODDS |
|---|---|---|
| Powerball | $2 | 1 in 24.9 |
| Mega Millions | $5 | 1 in 23 |
| Lucky for Life | $2 | 1 in 7.8 |
| Carolina Cash 5 | $1 | 1 in 10.5 |
| Pick 4 | $0.50 or $1.00 | 1 in 10,000 (Exact) |
| Pick 3 | $0.50 or $1.00 | 1 in 1,000 (Exact) |
| Scratch Offs | Varies |  |
What Lottery Drawing is Tonight?
Stay up-to-date on all the lottery draws with our convenient calendar. It includes the drawing times and sales cut-off times for each game, so you’ll never miss a chance to play again.
| GAME | DAY | DRAW TIME | SALES END |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerball | Mon / Wed / Sat | 10:59 pm | 9:59 pm |
| Mega Millions | Tues / Fri | 11:00 pm | 10:45 pm |
| Lucky for Life | Daily | 10:30 pm | 9:30 pm |
| Cash 5 | Daily | 11:22 pm | 10:59 pm |
| Pick 4 | Daily | 3:00 pm 11:22 pm | 3:00 pm 11:00 pm |
| Pick 3 | Daily | 3:00 pm 11:22 pm | 3:00 pm 11:00 pm |
What are the 2nd Chance Drawings & Lucke Rewards?
Second Chance
Even if you didn’t win the first time, don’t give up. The North Carolina Education Lottery (“NCEL”) offers players a second chance to win cash with seasonal programs such as Holiday Spectacular. To play, you must be an NC Education Lottery member. Sign in and enter a qualifying ticket in a second chance drawing during the promotional period.
Lucke-Rewards
The Lucke-Rewards program provides more chances to play and win. By using the Lucke-Reward code or barcode on your tickets, you can enter them into your account to earn points. Earn even more points by completing a variety of activities, such as referring a friend or playing a game or answering a survey. The more you engage with the Lottery, the more chances you have to earn points and get automatic entries for prizes in Second Chance drawings.
Need a Lottery Account? Download the latest app and create an account.
Want some tips on playing the Lottery?
We’ve pulled together some tips to help you play.
Got any additional tips? Let us know.
✓ TIP 1
FIRST TUESDAY
Set your calendars! New NCEL scratch offs are released the 1st Tuesday of every month.
✓ TIP 2
SCRATCH OFF ODDS
Scratch off ticket odds almost always beat draw games BUT the odds change daily. Check back frequently to keep up with the latest odds changes!
✓ TIP 3
TICKET GIVEAWAYS
If you’ve got Facebook, don’t miss out on extra giveaways. Follow the North Carolina Education Lottery's Facebook page for free ticket giveaways!
✓ TIP 4
2ND CHANCE DRAWINGS & LUCKE REWARDS
When playing a game with a Second Chance Drawing, always make sure to enter your ticket. Its a free bonus chance to win. Same goes for entering your Lucke Rewards points!
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 Under $600
- Any Lottery Retailer
- Regional Claims Centers
- State Lottery Headquarters
- By Mail
Prizes $600 to $99,999
- Regional Claims Centers
- State Lottery Headquarters
- By Mail
Prizes $100,000 and Up
- State Lottery Headquarters
Need Additional Info or Claims Forms?
- Visit the Official NC Lottery Claims Page
Can I Play the NC Lottery Online?
YES! The NC Lottery currently allows players to purchase some draw games online as well as play a variety of digital instant games.
Below is a summary of online gambling options that are legal in the State of North Carolina.
| GAMES | NC LOTTERY ONLINE | LICENCED 3RD PARTIES |
|---|---|---|
| Draw Games | YES | - |
| Digital Instants | YES | - |
| Sportsbook | - | BETMGM |
| Casino | - | - |
| Poker | - | - |
| Bingo | - | - |
| Daily Fantasy | - | YES |
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AVAILABLE IN THE US).
Commonly Asked Question by Players
At LottoEdge, 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 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.
Buying Tickets
Can I play the lottery online?
Yes! You’ll be happy to know that you can buy tickets for your favorite draw games online plus an exciting array of digital instant games.
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 old do I have to be to play the lottery in the State of North Carolina?
If you’re 18 or older, you can play!
Where can I buy tickets?
There are over 6,800 retailers selling NCEL tickets across North Carolina. You can also buy your favorite draw games online with your NCEL account.
Claims / Winners
How long do I have to collect a prize?
In North Carolina, 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 days after the drawing that the ticket was purchased for.
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.
Where can I see a list of 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 official Lottery Winners Page.
Games
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.
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 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.
How can I watch the live lottery 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.”
Others
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.
About the North Carolina Lottery
The North Carolina Education Lottery was created by the North Carolina State Lottery Act in 2005, making it one of the nation’s youngest lottery systems.
In 2022, the NC Lottery Commission reported $3.88 billion in ticket sales with more than $900 million for education. The lottery raises on average about $2.5 million a day for education programs.
Since its inception, the lottery’s total contribution has exceeded $9.2 billion.
All of the net proceeds of the Lottery go to benefit the state’s education system.
About 40% of the money raised by the lottery – $386 million – pays salaries for teachers, principals and custodians among other education employees. The rest pays for school construction, college financial aid and other education expenses.
FY24 Total Sales
$4,663,277,258
FY24 Prizes Paid (% Sales)
$2,814,285,831 (60%)
FY24 To Beneficiaries (% Sales)
$1,144,937,507 (25%)
Retailers
7,072
Recent Articles
How to Calculate Lottery Taxes in North Carolina
The NC Lottery App: Must Have for Players!
What are Lottery Scratch Codes?
All NC Lottery Posts
Conclusion
Did we miss anything or have anything we need to update? Drop us a note and tell us what you think.
Sources:
nclottery.com
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.