Lottery Reports More Than $6.8 Million in Winning Draw-Style Tickets & More Than $7.3 Million Claimed from Scratch-off Tickets during December

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The Louisiana Lottery Corporation reported more than $6.8 million in winning tickets for its draw-style games during December. Also during the same month, scratch-off players claimed more than $7.3 million in cash prizes.

December's winning draw-style tickets totaled $6,807,325 which included one "match-5" Powerball prize of $200,000, 10 Powerball prizes of $10,000 each, and 147 "match-5" Lotto prizes averaging $2,008 each. Pick 3 prizes totaled $1,798,040 and Pick 4 prizes totaled $1,885,100. 

Easy 5 prizes totaled $183,606 with an additional $255,057 in ezmatch prizes. For an additional $1, players can add ezmatch to their Easy 5 ticket for the chance to win up to $250 instantly.   

"Last month, over 30,000 Power Play purchasers won a bonus total of $571,960 in addition to their regular Powerball prize," Lottery President Rose Hudson said.  For an additional $1, the Power Play option offers Powerball ticket purchasers the chance to multiply any nonjackpot-related prize up to five times depending upon the Power Play multiplier number randomly selected during the drawing.

Lottery draw-style game players have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim any winnings.

In addition to $7,334,251 in scratch-off cash prizes paid during December, players also claimed $1,462,887 worth of free tickets. Scratch-off players have 90 days from the official game closure date to redeem a winning ticket.

According to Lottery policy, scratch-off games are closed when all top prizes are claimed.

While actual game performance and the amount of prizes claimed will vary from month to month, the Lottery allocates at least 50 percent of sales to fund prizes. At least 35 percent of sales is transferred to the state treasury for the Minimum Foundation Program that funds public education in Louisiana. Retailers are paid at least 5 percent in commission, and the Lottery retains less than 10 percent of sales to operate.

"We encourage players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing and to check them promptly after the drawing. Even if a ticket does not win the jackpot, it could possibly have won a smaller prize," Hudson added.

Hudson reminded ticket purchasers to play responsibly, encouraging anyone who has a gambling problem, or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem, to call toll-free 1-877-770-7867 for help.  Ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age.