Illinois Lotto Gets Extra Draws & Price Increase

Tuesday April 6th 2021

IL Lotto now offers more ways to become a millionaire with two new Lotto Million draws that each have a $1 million prize, in addition to the game's main jackpot. The ticket price has also doubled to $2.

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The game's matrix has also dropped from 6/52 to 6/50, creating better odds of winning. The overall chance of taking home a prize in the main draw is now 1 in 6.9 - it previously stood at 1 in 7.36.

All Lotto plays are now automatically entered into the separate Lotto Million 1 and Lotto Million 2 draws, which take place straight after the main game. The Lotto Million draws each offer a $1 million prize in addition to any winnings on the main draw.

"We're always looking for ways to improve the player experience at all levels," said Illinois Lottery Acting Director Harold Mays. "The changes to the Lotto game will increase the odds of winning and will give our players more chances to become a millionaire."

Otherwise, the Lotto game remains the same player favorite as before. The main jackpot draw is held every Monday, Thursday and Saturday night at 9:22 PM CT. Make sure to check the winning Lotto numbers and see if you've won a prize.

The Extra Shot add-on continues to be available for $1 more per line. Extra Shot increases the value of non-jackpot prizes won in the main Lotto draw by up to 25 times. Extra Shot does not apply to the jackpot or the Lotto Million draws.

In the last 10 years, Lotto players have won over $650 million, including 51 prizes worth $1 million or above. The top Lotto prizes hit since 2011 are: $27,000,000 won on a ticket purchased in New Lenox; $22,500,000 won on a ticket purchased in Prospect Heights; and $20,250,000 won on a ticket purchased in Taylorville.

How to Claim an Illinois Lotto Prize

Illinois Lottery claim centers are open for in-person prize redemption. Winners will need to make a claim appointment on the Lottery's website.

In March, the Lottery opened a new claim center in Chicago, located in the George Dunne Cook County Office Building at 69 W. Washington St., Suite LL06.

Visitors are required to wear a face mask to the claim appointment and will need to bring the signed original ticket, claim form, photo identification, and proof of social security number.

Another option is to submit an online E-Claim to the Lottery for prizes up to $10,000. Winners will need to provide a clear photo of the front and back of the signed ticket plus proof of identification (photo of driver's license, state ID number, or social security card).

Prizes of $600 and below may also be paid out by a Lottery retailer.

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