Introducing the New Lottery Game: Millionaire for Life
Powerball and Mega Millions are two of the most popular lottery games in the United States, known for their massive jackpots. Since 2016, these games have produced 13 jackpots of $1 billion or more. However, a new multistate lottery game is set to launch next year, offering winners the chance to become millionaires for life.
The game, aptly named Millionaire for Life, is expected to replace existing games such as Cash4Life and Lucky for Life, which both offer the opportunity to win $1,000 a day for life. Winners of Lucky for Life can also choose a $25,000 annual payout instead. The new game will be facilitated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), which also oversees Powerball and other lottery games.
Game Structure and Prizes
Millionaire for Life will follow a similar format to other major lottery games like Powerball and Mega Millions. It will feature two number pools: one with 58 numbers and another with five. To win the grand prize, players must match all five numbers from the first pool and one from the second. The grand prize is an annuity of $1,000,000 a year for life.
Matching just the five numbers from the main pool will still result in a significant payout of $100,000 a year for life. In addition, there will be seven other prize tiers, including $7,500, $500, $250, $50, $25, and two levels of $8.
According to the Montana Lottery, the odds of winning any prize are approximately 1 in 8.5, while the odds of winning the top prize are about 1 in 22,910,580. This is significantly better than the odds for Powerball and Mega Millions, which are 1 in 292.2 million and 1 in 290.47 million, respectively.
Pari-Mutuel Prize Distribution
The grand prize for Millionaire for Life will be determined on a pari-mutuel basis, meaning that if multiple players win, the prize will be split among them. For example, if 20 players match all six numbers, each would receive $50,000 a year for life.
Winners will also have the option to take a lump sum cash payment instead of the annuity. Unlike Powerball and Mega Millions, this cash option will be available for the second-tier prize as well. Additionally, players who match the five numbers from the main pool will receive their full prize regardless of how many other winners there are. However, if there are more than 20 winners, they will only receive a single lump sum payment.
Schedule and Ticket Price
Daily drawings for Millionaire for Life are scheduled to begin at 10:15 p.m. CT, according to meeting minutes from the Connecticut Lottery’s Legislative and Games Committee. The first drawing is set for February 22, 2026, as noted in South Dakota Lottery Commission meeting minutes.
Tickets for the game will cost $5 per play, matching the price point of Mega Millions after its recent overhaul. This is a significant increase from the $2 per play for Cash4Life and Lucky for Life.
State Support and Future Plans
Several states have already approved the introduction of Millionaire for Life. Officials in Montana, Connecticut, and South Dakota have voted in favor of offering the game when it launches. Colorado and North Dakota have proposed rule changes to phase out Lucky for Life and introduce Millionaire for Life in February 2026. Ohio has already implemented this change, as shown in meeting minutes.
The final drawing for Lucky for Life is scheduled for February 21, 2026, with additional details about Millionaire for Life expected early next year.
As the game prepares for its debut, it promises to offer a fresh and exciting opportunity for players to win life-changing prizes. With its improved odds and flexible payout options, Millionaire for Life is poised to become a favorite among lottery enthusiasts.
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