Draw games remain some of the most widely played lottery options in the United States. From massive multi-state jackpots to state-exclusive games with fixed prizes, each draw game offers a different structure, schedule, and set of odds.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular draw games and what makes each one distinct, so you can find the one that best aligns with your preferences.
Multi-state jackpot games
The biggest draw games operate across multiple states, pooling ticket sales to create substantial jackpots that can reach hundreds of millions of dollars.
POWERBALL©
POWERBALL© is known for its rolling jackpots that start at $20 million and grow until someone wins. Players select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one POWERBALL© number from 1 to 26. Drawings happen three times a week – every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET.
The Power Play option, available for an additional $1, multiplies non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times depending on the multiplier drawn. With nine prize tiers ranging from $4 to the jackpot, POWERBALL© offers multiple ways to win. The odds of hitting the jackpot are one in 292.2 million.
MEGA MILLIONS®
MEGA MILLIONS® underwent a major update in April 2025, bringing improved odds and bigger prizes. Players pick five numbers from one to 70 and one Mega Ball from one to 25. The game draws twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM ET.
Each $5 ticket now includes a built-in multiplier feature. Previously an optional add-on, the multiplier is now automatically included at no extra cost. With each draw, a multiplier between 2X and 10X is selected and applied to non-jackpot prizes – potentially increasing wins up to $10 million for matching the five white balls.
The jackpot starts at $20 million and grows faster than before when there’s no winner. The updated format also offers improved odds of winning the jackpot and ensures that every prize won is more than the $5 ticket cost.
The main differences between these two games come down to ticket price, multiplier inclusion, drawing schedules, and odds structure. POWERBALL© offers three draws per week at a $2 base price with an optional multiplier, while MEGA MILLIONS® includes its multiplier automatically in the $5 ticket price with two draws per week.
Millionaire for Life™
Launched in February 2026, Millionaire for Life™ features daily drawings and a top prize of $1,000,000 a year, for life! There’s a second major prize level and seven set cash prizes up for grabs, and you can play online through iPLAY or at a licensed retailer.
Mid-tier multi-state games
LOTTO AMERICA©
Operating in fewer states than POWERBALL© or MEGA MILLIONS®, LOTTO AMERICA© offers a middle ground between massive jackpots and more favorable odds. You choose five numbers from one to 52 and one Star Ball from one to 10.
Drawings occur on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 11:00 PM ET. The jackpot starts at $2 million and grows with each rollover. The All-Star Bonus option, available for an additional $1, multiplies non-jackpot prizes.
Because LOTTO AMERICA© operates across fewer states, the jackpots don’t reach the same heights as POWERBALL© or MEGA MILLIONS®. However, the smaller number pools mean better overall odds of winning.
State-exclusive games
West Virginia offers several draw games available only within the state, providing local alternatives to national games.
Cash25
Exclusive to West Virginia, Cash25 features a fixed top prize of $25,000 that doesn’t roll over. Players select six numbers from one to 25, and drawings take place four times a week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 6:59 PM ET.
The fixed prize structure and limited number pool make Cash25 distinct from rolling jackpot games. Each play costs $1, making it an accessible option for players who prefer consistent prize amounts.
Daily 3 and Daily 4
These games offer daily opportunities to play with straightforward number selection. Daily 3 requires picking a three-digit number (000-999), while Daily 4 uses a four-digit number (0000-9999).
Both games draw every evening except Sunday at 6:59 PM ET. Multiple play types are available, including exact order matches and any order combinations. The top payout for Daily 3 is $500 for a $1 exact bet, while Daily 4 pays up to $5,000 for an exact match[1] .
What sets them apart
The key differences between draw games come down to several factors.
Jackpot size and structure: Multi-state games like POWERBALL© and MEGA MILLIONS® offer the largest potential prizes but the longest odds. State games like Cash25 provide fixed, smaller prizes with better odds of potentially winning.
Drawing frequency: Some games draw multiple times per week (POWERBALL©, LOTTO AMERICA©), while others draw daily (Daily 3, Daily 4). Frequency affects how often you can participate.
Number pools: Larger number pools (like MEGA MILLIONS®’ one to 70) create longer odds but support bigger jackpots. Smaller pools (like Cash25’s one to 25) offer more favorable odds with correspondingly smaller prizes.
Prize structures: Rolling jackpots grow until won, while fixed prizes stay constant regardless of ticket sales. Some games offer multiplier options that increase non-jackpot prizes – either as an optional add-on (POWERBALL©’s Power Play) or automatically included (MEGA MILLIONS®’ built-in multiplier).
Play styles: Games range from simple number selection (Cash25) to more complex configurations with bonus balls (POWERBALL©, MEGA MILLIONS®) and multiple play type options (Daily 3, Daily 4).
Playing responsibly
Draw games are entirely chance-based, and no outcome is ever guaranteed. Each game clearly displays its odds and prize structures, allowing you to make informed decisions about which games align with your preferences.
[1]Can we add M4L
