Which is the best lottery to play when you want better odds of winning? Sure, odds of hitting the jackpot get the most talked about in the news. As in, the odds of hitting the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350. But have you considered the overall odds of winning any prize?
There are a total 9 ways to win Mega Millions, from the jackpot down to $2. You have 1 in 24 overall chances of winning a prize at some level.
Winner winner: See which states have won Mega Millions.
Some lottery games have overall odds as high as 1 in 4! But what lottery games have the best odds? Take a look at how some of your favorite lottery games stack up in:
*Jackpocket state!
Note: We're not including Pick 3 and Pick 4 style games because odds vary depending on your play type – box, straight, etc.
⚡️ Feeling inspired? Get in the game on the Jackpocket lottery app for mobile or desktop.
Which Games Have the Best Lottery Odds in New York?
Your best bet in NY? Cash4Life. You've got a 1 in 8 shot of winning a prize. (Take 5 is a close second!).
| Game | Overall Odds of Winning | Top Prize | Minimum Prize |
| Cash4Life | 1 in 8 | $1,000 a day for life | $2 |
| Take 5 | 1 in 8.77 | ~$50,000 | Free play (Quick Pick) |
| Pick 10 | 1 in 17 | $500,000 | $4 |
| Mega Millions | 1 in 24 | Starts at $20 million | $2 |
| Powerball | 1 in 25 | Starts at $20 million | $4 |
| New York Lotto | 1 in 92.05 | Starts at $1 million | 5th prize |
Which Games Have the Best Lottery Odds in New Jersey?
The NJ lottery game with the best odds is Pick-6 with XTRA! You have 1 in 7 overall odds of winning a prize.
| Game | Overall Odds of Winning | Top Prize | Minimum Prize |
| Pick-6 with XTRA | 1 in 7 | Starts at $2 million | $2 |
| Cash4Life | 1 in 8 | $1,000 a day for life | $2 |
| Jersey Cash 5 with XTRA | 1 in 11 | Starts at $100,000 | $2 |
| Mega Millions | 1 in 24 | Starts at $20M | $2 |
| Powerball | 1 in 25 | Starts at $20M | $4 |
Which Games Have the Best Lottery Odds in Ohio?
Ohioans may decide to try their luck playing Lucky for Life or Rolling Cash 5—both games have 1 in 8 overall odds of winning.
| Game | Overall Odds of Winning | Top Prize | Minimum Prize |
| Lucky for Life | 1 in 8 | $1,000 a day for life | $3 |
| Rolling Cash 5 | 1 in 9 | Starts at $100,000 | $1 |
| Mega Millions | 1 in 24 | Starts at $20 million | $2 |
| Powerball | 1 in 25 | Starts at $20 million | $4 |
| Classic Lotto | 1 in 54 | Starts at $1 million | $2 |
Which Florida Lottery Games Have the Best Odds?
It's a close one, but Fantasy 5 has the best overall odds of winning among Florida draw games. Florida Lotto comes in second. Both games offer a Free Ticket as the minimum prize.
| Game | Overall Odds of Winning | Top Prize | Minimum Prize |
| Fantasy 5 | 1 in 7.58 | $100,000 | Free Ticket ($1) |
| Florida Lotto | 1 in 7.61 | Starts at $1 million | Free Ticket ($2) |
| Cash4Life | 1 in 8 | $1,000 a day for life | $2 |
| Jackpot Triple Play | 1 in 15.24 | $250,000 | $1 |
| Mega Millions | 1 in 24 | Starts at $20 million | $2 |
| Powerball | 1 in 25 | Starts at $20 million | $4 |
Which Games Have the Best Lottery Odds in Minnesota?
When in Minnesota, play North 5. You've got 1 in 6 overall odds of winning.
| Game | Overall Odds of Winning | Top Prize | Minimum Prize |
| North 5 | 1 in 6 | Starts at $25,000 | $1 |
| Lotto America | 1 in 9.63 | Starts at $2 million | $2 |
| Gopher 5 | 1 in 12 | Starts at $100,000 | $1 |
| Mega Millions | 1 in 24 | Starts at $20 million | $2 |
| Powerball | 1 in 25 | Starts at $20 million | $4 |
Which Games Have the Best Lottery Odds in Colorado?
There's a lot to love in Colorado... Like the Colorado Lottery game Cash 5, which has 1 in 5.22 overall odds of winning.
| Game | Overall Odds of Winning | Top Prize | Minimum Prize |
| Cash 5 | 1 in 5.22 | $20,000 | $1 |
| Lucky for Life | 1 in 8 | $1,000 a day for life | $3 |
| Mega Millions | 1 in 24 | Starts at $20 million | $2 |
| Powerball | 1 in 25 | Starts at $20 million | $4 |
| Colorado Lotto+ | 1 in 30 | Starts at $1 million | $3 |
Which Games Have the Best Lottery Odds in Arkansas?
Arkansas, you have 1 in 8 overall odds with Lucky for Life or 1 in 9 overall odds with Natural State Jackpot.
| Game | Overall Odds of Winning | Top Prize | Minimum Prize |
| Lucky for Life | 1 in 8 | $1,000 a day for life | $4 |
| Natural State Jackpot | 1 in 9 | Starts at $50,000 | $1 |
| LOTTO | 1 in 18.3 | Starts at $250,000 | $2 |
| Mega Millions | 1 in 24 | Starts at $20 million | $2 |
| Powerball | 1 in 25 | Starts at $20 million | $4 |
Which Games Have the Best Lottery Odds in Arizona?
Take a chance on Fantasy 5 in Arizona! You have 1 in 9.62 overall odds of winning a prize.
| Game | Overall Odds of Winning | Top Prize | Minimum Prize |
| Fantasy 5 | 1 in 9.62 | Starts at $50,000 | $1 |
| Mega Millions | 1 in 24 | Starts at $20 million | $2 |
| Powerball | 1 in 25 | Starts at $20 million | $4 |
| The Pick | 1 in 39 | Starts at $1 million | $3 |
Which Games Have the Best Lottery Odds in Massachusetts?
Bay Staters who play Lucky for Life have 1 in 7.8 overall odds of winning a prize.
| Game | Overall Odds of Winning | Top Prize | Minimum Prize |
| Lucky for Life | 1 in 8 | $1,000 a day for life | $3 |
| Mega Millions | 1 in 24 | Starts at $20 million | $2 |
| Powerball | 1 in 25 | Starts at $20 million | $4 |
| Megabucks Doubler | 1 in 54 | Starts at $500,000 | $2 |
| Mass Cash | 1 in 72 | $100,000 | $10 |
Top tips to determine the best lottery to play
When it comes to the best odds in a lottery game, it’s important to remember that most states offer various lottery games with different prizes and formats. Local lotteries usually have smaller prizes than national games like Powerball and Mega Millions which both have starting jackpots of $20 million. Check out the games in your state and pick one with the lotto odds and prizes you like. Keep these tips in mind the next time you try your luck with your favorite game!
Take the 2nd chance
When determining the best lottery to play, some people opt for games with second-chance promotions. Numerous states conduct second-chance drawings for losing tickets, presenting another opportunity to win. Visit your state's lottery website to find out if there's a game with a second-chance drawing available for you to join.
Don’t forget scratch-offs!
A scratch game like Set for Life in Colorado can have overall lottery odds of is 1 in 2.57 and some very nice prizes up for grabs. But be aware that they do cost more than your typical $2 Powerball ticket. Your state lottery drops new scratch games all the time so check your official state lottery website for the current lineup.
But please, remember: it’s just a game! You should never spend more than you can afford on any lottery ticket. Read more of our tips on playing the lottery responsibly.
