# Lottery — Quick Reference

## How it works

Read the exact number pools, draw date, entry price and prize terms. A ticket may contain several entries. Printed scratch cards and fresh random draws use different mechanisms.

## The key numbers

Single full-match probabilities for the stated uniform draw formats:

- **Illustrative six from 49, no bonus requirement:** 1 in 13,983,816.
- **Powerball, five from 69 plus one from 26:** 1 in 292,201,338. The prize chart uses a $2 base play.
- **Mega Millions, five from 70 plus one from 24:** 1 in 290,472,336. Current price: $5, with a multiplier included.

These are jackpot/full-match probabilities, not return percentages or the chance of any prize.

## One thing to know

Different full combinations cover different jackpot outcomes. Repeated copies of one combination do not make it more likely to be drawn. Prize sharing is a separate question.

## The math in plain English

Expected return needs ticket cost, every prize tier, jackpot value and sharing/cash terms. There is no universal return percentage for all lotteries or scratch cards. A count of unclaimed top prizes alone does not reveal the number of unsold tickets.

For a fictional constant 55% return only, $1,040 spent would have $572 expected prizes and $468 expected net loss. This is a model, not an actual lottery offer or a promised result.

## Sources and scope

[Powerball prize chart](https://www.powerball.com/powerball-prize-chart), [Mega Millions rules](https://www.megamillions.com/How-to-Play.aspx) and [California Lottery Scratchers](https://www.calottery.com/en/scratchers). Checked September 5, 2026. The six-from-49 and spending examples are specified mathematical models.

[Full Lottery guide](https://www.playbookrg.com/brand/content/games/lottery/) · Playbook RG · Free to copy and adapt under CC0. External sources have their own terms.