Lucky for Life – North Carolina Lottery

NC Lucky for Life FAQs

• Where is Lucky for Life drawn?

  Lucky for Life drawings are held in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

• Is it possible for the Lucky Ball number to be the same as one of the five white ball numbers?

  Yes. The five white ball numbers and the one Lucky Ball number are drawn from separate sets of balls, so the Lucky Ball number could be the same as one of the white ball numbers.

• Which has better odds, picking my own numbers or requesting a Quick Pick?

  Whether you pick your own numbers or have the lotto terminal randomly select numbers for you, the odds of winning are the same.

• How much do Lucky for Life tickets cost?

  Lucky for Life tickets cost $2 per play.

• Can I purchase Lucky for Life tickets in advance?

  To play multiple upcoming draws, request from 2 to 28 Multi Draws either on the playslip or through the retailer. Multi Draws will include the next upcoming draw and be consecutive from that draw. Draws cannot be skipped.

• How late can I purchase Lucky for Life tickets on a draw night?

  Lucky for Life sales are suspended at 9:30 p.m. ET on draw nights.

• Can a Lucky for Life ticket be voided or canceled?

  No. Once a Lucky for Life ticket has been printed, it cannot be canceled.

• Can I buy Lucky for Life tickets online or by mail?

  Yes. Lucky for Life tickets may be purchased from a licensed lotto retailer or online at the NC Lottery website.

• Do Lucky for Life tickets expire in North Carolina?

  Prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date on which the prize was won.

• Do I have to match the Lucky for Life numbers in the exact order drawn?

  No. The order of the five white balls drawn does not matter, but the one Lucky Ball number drawn must match the Lucky Ball number on your ticket.

• Can I redeem a winning Lucky for Life ticket in any state?

  Although the winning numbers are the same in all Lucky for Life states, a ticket must be redeemed in the state in which it was purchased.

• I lost my ticket. Can I claim a prize with a playslip or store receipt?

  Lucky for Life prizes can only be claimed with a ticket printed from the lottery terminal. Playslips or store receipts will not constitute proof of purchase. Lottery tickets are bearer instruments, meaning the person who presents the ticket for claim will be presumed to be the owner. Always sign the back of any lottery ticket immediately. If you lose a ticket before you sign it, you no longer have valid ownership of the ticket.

• What happens if more than one person wins the Lucky for Life top prize?

  If there is more than one Lucky for Life top prize-winning ticket, the prize may be split equally among the winners. This may apply to multiple prize tiers. See official game rules for more details.

• Why does a top prizewinner receive a smaller amount than the advertised prize?

  The advertised annuitized Lucky for Life top prize is paid less appropriate taxes and withholdings. See official game rules for more details.

• What are the Lucky for Life payout options for the Top Prize and Second Prize?

  Those who win the Top Prize or Second Prize have the option to receive a one-time cash lump sum payment in lieu of the lifetime annuity payments.  “For Life” prizes are guaranteed for a minimum of 20 years.  The lump sum option for the Top Prize is $5,750,000 (before taxes). The lump sum option for the Second Prize is $390,000 (before taxes).