The Ohio midday lottery drawing takes place every day at 12:29 PM Eastern Time. This makes it a convenient lottery for players to participate in over their lunch break. Ohio has been running a midday drawing since the Ohio Lottery began in 1974. While the time has remained consistent, the games included in the midday drawing have changed over the years. Currently, the midday drawing includes Pick 3, Pick 4, Roll Down, and the Buckeye 5. Understanding when the Ohio midday drawing occurs and what games are included can help interested players plan when to purchase tickets and check results.
What is the Ohio midday lottery?
The Ohio midday lottery refers to a regularly scheduled drawing administered by the Ohio Lottery. A “midday” drawing is one that takes place around 12:00 PM or noon. Ohio holds a midday lottery drawing at 12:29 PM Eastern Time every day. This midday drawing includes several lottery games offered by the Ohio Lottery. Players can buy tickets for the midday drawing games until 12:15 PM on the day of the drawing. Many players find it convenient to purchase their midday tickets on their lunch breaks. The winning numbers for each midday drawing game are selected using random number generators. Players can then check if their tickets contain the winning numbers. Those with winning midday tickets can claim lottery prizes.
Ohio Lottery Drawing Games Included in the Midday Drawing
The Ohio midday drawing includes results for the following lottery games:
- Pick 3
- Pick 4
- Roll Down
- Buckeye 5
Of these games, Pick 3 and Pick 4 are among the most popular. They involve picking three-digit and four-digit numbers respectively. Players choose numbers ranging from 0 to 9. There are several different ways to play and win prizes in Pick 3 and Pick 4. Roll Down is a unique rolling jackpot game where the jackpot decreases until there is a winner. Buckeye 5 is a classic lottery game where players try to match five numbers out of 1 to 45 to win a top prize.
When to Purchase Midday Drawing Tickets
Those interested in participating in the Ohio midday drawing need to purchase their tickets by 12:15 PM Eastern Time on the day of the desired drawing. Ticket sales cut off 15 minutes before the 12:29 PM drawing time. Players can buy midday drawing tickets in the following ways:
- At authorized Ohio Lottery retailers
- Using the Ohio Lottery website or mobile app
- With a Lottery subscription service
Purchasing tickets in-person at retail locations gives players the most flexibility in timing. However, online and subscription ticket ordering can be more convenient. Players should buy their midday tickets early enough on drawing day to allow time for ticket processing and validation before the sales cutoff.
Checking Midday Drawing Results
The winning numbers for each Ohio midday drawing lottery game are typically available within five minutes after the 12:29 PM drawing. Players can check their midday tickets against the results in several ways:
- Ohio Lottery website
- Ohio Lottery mobile app
- Ohio Lottery retail locations
- Ohio Lottery social media pages
- Local television and radio partners
The Lottery encourages players to carefully check their tickets to verify wins. Winning draw game tickets can be redeemed for prizes at any Ohio Lottery office. Prizes over $599 should be claimed at the Lottery’s headquarters in Cleveland. Players have 180 days from the drawing date to claim midday drawing prizes.
History of the Ohio Midday Drawing
The Ohio Lottery has held a midday drawing every day since it began offering draw games in 1974. While the drawing time has remained 12:29 PM, the included games have changed. A look back at the history of Ohio’s midday drawing demonstrates how the Lottery’s offerings have evolved.
1970s to 1990s
During the early years of the Ohio Lottery, the midday drawing consisted of a single game – Pick 3. This popular three digit game gave players their first opportunity to participate in a midday drawing. In 1981, the Lottery introduced Pick 4 to the mix. Also a three digit game, Pick 4 increased the midday lineup to two games. This drawing time frame of Pick 3 at 12:29 PM continued through the 1980s and 1990s. The Lottery also briefly experimented with a midday Super Lotto game in the mid-1990s before discontinuing the offering after a year.
2000s
A major expansion of the Ohio midday drawing came in 2006. The Lottery introduced its first jackpot-style rolling game to the midday drawing – Rolldown. This game changed the midday lineup by offering a progressive jackpot. In 2008, the Buckeye 5 game was added to create a four game midday drawing. While Pick 3 and Pick 4 were still drawn at 12:29 PM, Rolldown and Buckeye 5 results were announced after 1:00 PM. This enabled proper sales cut-off times for all games. The decade from 2000-2010 saw the midday drawing offerings double from two games to four games.
2010s
Only minor changes occurred to the makeup of the Ohio midday drawing during the 2010s. Around 2015, the Lottery adjusted the structure so that all four midday games were drawn at 12:29 PM. This eliminated the gap between games. However, it required earlier sales cut-off times before the unified drawing. Otherwise, the midday lineup, drawing time, and game designs remained consistent throughout this decade. Players could count on seeing Pick 3, Pick 4, Rolldown, and Buckeye 5 results at 12:29 PM daily.
Frequency of the Midday Drawing
The Ohio Lottery conducts its midday drawing seven days a week. It occurs 365 days per year with no exceptions. This makes Ohio unique among states that offer midday lottery drawings. Many hold drawings Monday through Saturday but not on Sundays or holidays. Ohio’s commitment to a daily midday drawing provides consistency for players. They can play midday games and check results at 12:29 PM Eastern Time on any calendar day.
Daily Midday Drawings
Conducting Ohio’s midday drawing every day without interruption makes it easy for players to get into a routine. Purchasing midday tickets on the way to or from work is convenient when the drawing happens at the same time Monday through Sunday. Ohio Lottery officials say that offering a midday drawing on holidays helps generate sales when more players are off work. The Lottery also believes holding midday drawings daily prevents player confusion that can occur when drawings skip days.
No Changes on Weekends or Holidays
The Ohio Lottery does not alter its midday drawing schedule for weekends or holidays. The Pick 3, Pick 4, Rolldown, and Buckeye 5 drawings all continue to occur at 12:29 PM Eastern Time on:
- Saturdays and Sundays
- Federal holidays
- State holidays that are not observed by the Lottery
Midday drawing games remain available for purchase on days when Ohio Lottery offices are closed. This demonstrates the organization’s commitment to serving its customers without disruption seven days a week.
Ohio Midday Drawing Game Details
While the drawing occurs at the same time every day, the included midday games each have unique features and structures. Understanding specifics on the Pick 3, Pick 4, Rolldown, and Buckeye 5 games can help players select their favorites.
Pick 3
| Game | Pick 3 |
|---|---|
| Game Type | 3-Digit Draw Game |
| Main Goal | Match 3-digit number to drawing |
| Number Range | 000 to 999 |
| Average Odds | 1 in 1,000 |
| Top Prize | $500 |
| Cost Per Play | $1 |
Pick 3 gives players a way to win up to $500 by matching a 3-digit number. Tickets cost $1 per line. There are several bet types, including exact order, any order, combination, and box wagers. Players select numbers from 0 to 9 with no duplicates. Drawings are held twice daily.
Pick 4
| Game | Pick 4 |
|---|---|
| Game Type | 4-Digit Draw Game |
| Main Goal | Match 4-digit number to drawing |
| Number Range | 0000 to 9999 |
| Average Odds | 1 in 10,000 |
| Top Prize | $5,000 |
| Cost Per Play | $1 |
Pick 4 also involves selecting a set of numbers to match the drawing. It offers ways to win prizes up to $5,000. Players pick 4 digits from 0 to 9 without duplicates. Bet types include straight, box, combo, and front/back pairs. Tickets cost $1 each. The game has two drawings per day.
Rolldown
| Game | Rolldown |
|---|---|
| Game Type | Progressive Jackpot |
| Main Goal | Match 5 of 39 numbers plus bonus |
| Number Range | 1 to 39 |
| Average Odds | 1 in 3.84 million |
| Starting Jackpot | $100,000 |
| Cost Per Play | $1 |
Rolldown is a unique jackpot-style game where the top prize decreases until there is a winner. To win, players match 5 of 39 numbers plus the bonus ball. Jackpots start at $100,000 and count down by $5,000 each day until won. Tickets are $1 each. Rolldown drawings are held twice daily in Ohio.
Buckeye 5
| Game | Buckeye 5 |
|---|---|
| Game Type | 5 Number Draw Game |
| Main Goal | Match 5 of 45 numbers |
| Number Range | 1 to 45 |
| Average Odds | 1 in 501,942 |
| Top Prize | $100,000 |
| Cost Per Play | $1 |
Buckeye 5 involves choosing 5 numbers out of a pool from 1 to 45. Players who match all five numbers win the game’s top prize. Lesser prizes are awarded for matching 4, 3, or 2 winning numbers. Tickets cost $1 each. Drawings are held twice per day. Buckeye 5 is currently Ohio’s only midday game with a five number format.
How to Play the Ohio Midday Drawing Games
Playing the Ohio midday drawing lottery games is straightforward. However, each game has its own specific rules and ways to win prizes. Here are the basic steps to follow for participating in Pick 3, Pick 4, Rolldown, and Buckeye 5:
Pick the Right Game
Review the details on each game and decide which appeals most to you. Think about game styles, prize structures, and personal number preferences.
Select Your Numbers
For Pick 3, Pick 4, and Buckeye 5, choose the allowable amount of numbers from the permitted ranges. Rolldown requires picking 5 numbers from 1-39 plus a bonus ball.
Choose Your Bet
Some games like Pick 3 and Pick 4 have different bet types such as straight, box, combo, etc. Select the bet matching your strategy.
Purchase Your Ticket
Buy your official game ticket from an authorized lottery retailer or via the Ohio Lottery app by the required cutoff time.
Check for Winning Numbers
After the midday drawing occurs at 12:29 PM ET, look up the winning numbers. Compare them carefully to your ticket.
Claim Prizes if You Win
Follow Ohio Lottery prize claiming procedures if you have a winning midday ticket. Be sure to meet the 180 day deadline.
Tips for Playing the Midday Drawing Games
Use these tips to improve your chances and experience with the Ohio midday drawing:
- Buy tickets early to avoid last minute rushing.
- Consider using special numbers like birthdays.
- Try different bet types like box and combo.
- Take advantage of subscription services for convenience.
- Use the Ohio Lottery app to easily check results.
- Never play with money you cannot afford to lose.
- Claim big prizes in person at Lottery headquarters.
- Review game odds, rules, and number frequencies.
- Have fun and think positively!
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Ohio midday drawing held?
The Ohio midday drawing occurs daily at 12:29 PM Eastern Time.
What days does the midday drawing happen?
The midday drawing is conducted seven days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays.
What games are included in the midday drawing?
The current midday drawing lineup includes Pick 3, Pick 4, Rolldown, and Buckeye 5. It has included these four games since 2008.
How can I buy midday drawing game tickets?
Midday tickets can be purchased in-person at authorized retailers, via the Lottery website or mobile app, or through a subscription service until 12:15 PM on drawing days.
Where can I find midday drawing results?
Winning numbers are posted shortly after 12:29 PM on the Lottery website, app, social media, and through local news media partners.
What is the biggest midday drawing prize possible?
The top prize for the midday drawing games is $100,000 for Buckeye 5. Rolldown jackpots can also exceed $100,000.
Conclusion
The Ohio midday drawing gives players convenient daily opportunities to participate in lottery games like Pick 3, Pick 4, Rolldown, and Buckeye 5. Understanding the 12:29 PM drawing time, included games, ticket purchasing process, and results checking can help you successfully play. The midday drawing’s longevity demonstrates its popularity among Ohio Lottery players. Be sure to use responsible play practices and enjoy the experience. Good luck on winning prizes in the next Ohio midday drawing!