The New Mexico Lottery offers a variety of lottery games for residents and visitors to play in the state. The most popular games include Powerball, Mega Millions, Roadrunner Cash, Pick 3, Lucky Numbers Bingo, and various scratcher games. Playing the lottery in New Mexico is easy; all you need to do is purchase a ticket or make a wager at an authorized lottery retailer. Here is a quick overview of how to play the lottery in New Mexico:
- Find an authorized lottery retailer – These include convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and other locations throughout the state. Look for the official New Mexico Lottery logo.
- Select a game – Popular choices are Powerball, Mega Millions, Roadrunner Cash, Pick 3, and scratcher tickets with various themes.
- Choose your numbers – This applies to games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and Pick 3 where you pick your own numbers. For scratchers, the numbers are pre-printed.
- Purchase your ticket – Tell the retailer which game and numbers you want or pick out a scratcher ticket. Pay for your ticket.
- Check your ticket – Make sure the numbers, game, and date are correct before leaving the retailer.
- Claim any prizes – For scratchers, you can instantly redeem winning tickets with the retailer. For drawing games, hold onto your ticket and check online to see if you won a prize.
The New Mexico Lottery makes playing lottery games easy and convenient throughout the state. With just a quick visit to a local retailer, you can be on your way to playing popular national draw games like Powerball and local favorites like Roadrunner Cash. Read on to learn more detailed information about playing different New Mexico Lottery games.
Playing Powerball and Mega Millions in New Mexico
Powerball and Mega Millions are the two big national lottery jackpot games available in New Mexico. Both games offer incredibly large jackpot prizes that can grow into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Here is key information about playing Powerball and Mega Millions in New Mexico:
- Powerball drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 8:59 PM MT.
- Mega Millions drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 8:00 PM MT.
- To play, you pick 5 main numbers between 1-69 plus the Powerball number between 1-26. For Mega Millions, pick 5 numbers between 1-70 and the Mega Ball between 1-25.
- Tickets cost $2 per play. You can multiply your prize amounts by adding the Power Play or Megaplier options for an extra $1 per play.
- Match all 5 numbers plus the Powerball or Mega Ball to win the jackpot prize.
- Lower tier prizes range from $4 for matching just the Powerball up to $1 million for matching 5 numbers but not the Powerball.
Powerball and Mega Millions offer some of the biggest lottery jackpots in the world. Tickets can be purchased in New Mexico at any authorized lottery retailer. Make sure to get your ticket before the drawing to have a chance at becoming the next big lottery winner!
Playing Roadrunner Cash
Roadrunner Cash is New Mexico’s exclusive lottery drawing game only available in the state. Here are the key details about playing Roadrunner Cash:
- Drawings take place every night at 8:00 PM MT.
- Pick 5 numbers between 1-37 or opt for Quick Pick and let the computer randomly select them.
- Each ticket costs $1 per play.
- If you match all 5 numbers in exact order, you win the Roadrunner Cash jackpot prize.
- Lower tier prizes range from $2 for matching 2 numbers up to $1,000 for matching 4 numbers.
- A separate Roadrunner’s Nest drawing can multiply non-jackpot winning prizes between 2X to 10X.
Roadrunner Cash is New Mexico’s own exclusive jackpot drawing game. With nightly drawings and a shot at a four or five figure cash prize, it’s a favorite among local lottery players. Grab a $1 ticket during your grocery store run or stop at a convenience store to try your luck at Roadrunner Cash.
Pick 3
Pick 3 is a popular New Mexico Lottery numbers game with twice daily drawings. Here’s how to play Pick 3:
- Pick 3 drawings are held twice a day at 12:25 PM and 8:25 PM MT.
- Choose 3 numbers between 0-9 or select Quick Pick.
- Straight plays match your numbers in exact order while box plays match your numbers in any order.
- Pick your play type – Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Front Pair, or Back Pair.
- Tickets cost as low as 50 cents up to $5 depending on the play type.
- Prizes start at $25 for straight $0.50 plays and go up to $2,500 for straight $5 tickets.
With low cost tickets and decent prizes, Pick 3 is an appealing choice for players looking for quick and easy number match games. Drawings twice a day give you more chances to win.
Scratcher Games
Instant win scratcher tickets offer immediate gratification and prizes up to $250,000 in New Mexico. Here’s a quick guide to playing scratchers in the state:
- Scratcher tickets range from $1 to $30 per ticket.
- Various play styles – match numbers, symbols, reveal prize amounts, bingo, crossword, etc.
- Scratch the latex coating off gently to reveal if you won or lost.
- Prizes from free $1 tickets up to $250,000 top prizes.
- Claim smaller prizes instantly at retailers or claim office for bigger wins.
- Second chance contests allow entering losing tickets for drawings.
With new batches of scratcher games constantly being released, there is always a fresh selection to choose from. Go for the $30 tickets for a chance at six figure top prizes or stick to $1 or $2 tickets for affordable gameplay.
Lucky Numbers Bingo
If you enjoy playing bingo, try your hand at Lucky Numbers Bingo offered by the New Mexico Lottery:
- Tickets are $2 per play.
- Pick 5 numbers between 1-75 or choose Quick Pick.
- Drawings are held every 4 minutes daily.
- Matches are determined by comparing your numbers to 20 balls drawn.
- Get a complete straight line, 4 corners, or an X pattern to win.
- Prizes range from $1 up to $1,199 for covering the whole card.
At just $2 a ticket, Lucky Numbers Bingo is an inexpensive and fast paced lottery game. With a new drawing every 4 minutes, you could win a prize in just a matter of minutes!
Where to Purchase Tickets
You can purchase New Mexico Lottery tickets at hundreds of authorized retailers across the state. Here are some of the most convenient places to buy lottery tickets:
- Convenience stores – Most have self-service lottery terminals for easy purchasing.
- Gas stations – Many gas stations sell lottery tickets near the register or at kiosks.
- Grocery stores – Major chains like Albertsons, Smith’s, and Walmart.
- Liquor stores – Alcohol retailers commonly offer lottery games.
- Drug stores – Pharmacies and chains like Walgreens typically sell lottery tickets.
- Delis – Some corner stores and delis will have lottery games available.
Look for the green and red New Mexico Lottery logo at retailers that sell tickets. You can also find authorized seller locations on the Lottery website or download the official app.
Claiming Lottery Prizes
When you score a winning lottery ticket in New Mexico, here’s how to claim your prize:
- Scratcher tickets and Lucky Numbers Bingo can often be instantly redeemed at retailers for smaller prizes.
- For draw game prizes over $600 and scratchers over $1,000, you’ll need to claim at a Lottery Claims Center office.
- Bring valid photo ID and your winning ticket to the Lottery office.
- Prizes up to $60,000 can be claimed at any Lottery office. Larger prizes must be claimed at the main Albuquerque office.
- You have 90 days from the date of the drawing/end of game to claim prizes.
- Winnings can be paid out as a one-time lump sum or annually over 20 or 25 years.
Be sure to sign the back of your winning lottery ticket and keep it safe until you are ready to claim. Double check the winning numbers and prize amounts to ensure you have truly won. With six Lottery Claims Center locations around New Mexico in cities like Albuquerque, Farmington, Hobbs, Roswell, and Santa Fe, you can conveniently collect lottery winnings across the state.
Responsible Lottery Play
When playing the various New Mexico Lottery games, keep these tips in mind for responsible play:
- Set a budget for lottery expenditures and stick to it.
- Only use discretionary income – don’t spend money set aside for bills or necessities.
- Don’t chase losses – stick to your budget even after losing.
- Play for fun, not as a way to make money.
- Balance lottery play with other recreational activities.
- Don’t spend your grocery or rent money on tickets.
- Don’t borrow money to play the lottery.
- Limit the frequency of lottery play and avoid compulsions.
- Don’t let lottery play become an obsession.
Playing the lottery responsibly means keeping things light and fun. Avoid excessive spending and remember your chance of winning is quite low. Stick to your budget and always play within your means. If gambling becomes unhealthy, resources exist to help like calling 1-800-GAMBLER.
Lottery Proceeds for Education
The New Mexico Lottery dedicates its net revenues to providing funding for vital education programs and schools across the state. This means when you play the lottery in New Mexico, you are helping students succeed! Here are some key facts about lottery proceeds for education:
- By law, 30% of lottery revenues go toward tuition assistance for in-state college students.
- K-12 public schools receive 40% of net revenues each year.
- Around 22% goes to the Lottery Tuition Fund, supporting New Mexico colleges.
- The remaining 8% funds important capital outlay projects at New Mexico public schools.
- Over $910 million has gone to the New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship program.
- School capital outlay projects have received $220 million.
Thanks to players, the New Mexico Lottery has provided over $1 billion in funding for critical education initiatives since 1996. By participating in lottery games, you are helping New Mexico students get access to higher education and supporting vital improvements at K-12 schools.
The History of the New Mexico Lottery
The New Mexico Lottery has an interesting history since starting in 1996. Here are some key moments in the lottery’s story:
- Approved by public referendum vote in November 1994.
- First New Mexico Lottery tickets went on sale April 27, 1996.
- Original product lineup included Powerball, Roadrunner Cash, Pick 3, and scratchers.
- First executive director was Tom Shaheen who oversaw startup.
- First Powerball jackpot won was $3.9 million in Albuquerque in 1997.
- Largest Powerball jackpot won was $232.1 million from a Tucumcari couple in 2006.
- Lucky Numbers Bingo launched in 1999.
- Mega Millions replaced The Big Game in 2010.
- Record Powerball jackpot of $1.58 billion sparked huge 2016 sales.
- Current lottery executive director is John Baumgartner.
For over 25 years, the New Mexico Lottery has contributed funding for education and awarded over $1.2 billion in total prizes to players. It’s come a long way since those first ticket sales in 1996.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about playing the lottery in New Mexico:
Is gambling legal in New Mexico?
Yes, certain forms of gambling like a state lottery, casinos, horse racing, and sports betting are legal in New Mexico for those over 21. The lottery was approved by public vote in 1994.
What time do lottery drawings take place?
Powerball drawings are held Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8:59 PM MT. Mega Millions drawings are on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:00 PM MT. Roadrunner Cash drawings are nightly at 8:00 PM and Pick 3 takes place twice a day at 12:25 PM and 8:25 PM.
What is the minimum age to play the lottery in New Mexico?
You must be at least 18 years old to purchase and play lottery games in New Mexico.
Can lottery tickets be purchased online in New Mexico?
No, New Mexico does not currently allow online lottery sales. Tickets must be purchased in-person at authorized retailers.
How much of ticket sales go towards education in NM?
About 30% of net lottery revenues in New Mexico fund college tuition assistance. Another 40% goes to supporting K-12 public schools. Overall, about 72% of revenues are returned to education programs.
What should I do if I lose my winning ticket?
Losing a winning ticket is unfortunate. The New Mexico Lottery will only pay prizes to whoever holds the valid winning ticket. Check carefully and retrace your steps if possible. Report lost tickets to the lottery, but replacements cannot be issued.
Conclusion
Playing the lottery in New Mexico is fun and easy. The New Mexico Lottery offers national games Powerball and Mega Millions, in-state games like Roadrunner Cash and Pick 3, plus instant win scratchers. Pick up tickets at authorized retailers throughout the state. Remember to play responsibly and check your tickets carefully after drawings. With portions of proceeds aiding education, playing the lottery in New Mexico benefits students across the state. Just remember to play within your means and enjoy it as entertainment. Good luck hitting that jackpot!
