New York Lotto

New York Lotto is one of the most popular lottery contests in the Big Apple, with drawings held at approximately 11:21 PM every Wednesday and Saturday. The game features six winning numbers along with a bonus number. These are randomly drawn by a special lotto machine which holds 59 numbered balls. In the US, there are several TV stations that broadcast the lotto drawings live, so you can view the New York Lotto results in real time. Alternatively, you can always visit HitYah to check the winning numbers.

New York Lotto’s jackpot amount always depend on the expected sales. If no one hits the winning numbers, then the first prize jackpot will be carried over to the next draw. This will go on until a ticket finally matches all the numbers. Remember that the first prize money is carried over to the next jackpot, if the six numbers are not hit in the draw. Odds of winning the first prize jackpot are 1 in over 45 million, while chances of matching three numbers are 1 in 96.

How to Play the New York Lotto

The minimum amount you can spend on a New York Lotto payslip is $1 for two game panels. However, if you want to play the entire ten-game lottery ticket, you can choose to pay $5. In each panel, you will see 59 numbers, and you have to choose six numbers among the pool. You can also save time by using the Quick Pick. The computer will then randomly select your numbers.

Features of the New York Lotto

Play it Again – You can buy a duplicate of a lotto ticket you bought within 30 days by conveniently using the Play it Again feature. Simply hand the retailer your payslip and tell them that you wish to ‘Play it Again.’ You will then receive a ticket with the same numbers, bet type and bet amount which you can use for the preceding draw in the schedule. You do not have to pay for an additional fee when you are using the ‘Play it Again’ feature. All you have to pay for is the cost of the new ticket.

Bonus Number – To win the second prize, you have to match at least five out of the six numbers drawn plus the bonus number. The bonus number serves as an extra number used solely for the purpose of awarding the second prize. This number is not something you select on your lotto ticket as an additional feature.

History of the New York Lotto

Before the 20th century, lottery contests were held in New York as a venue for raising funds for non-educational needs. It is worth noting that the New York City Hall was built with the help of lottery ticket sales. Other lottery contests in the city have helped build and repair ferries, canals, roads and bridges. Through the years, lotteries were also organised to raise funds for non-public needs. Churches were even constructed, reconstructed or enhanced, thanks to the help of lotteries.

It was on 8 November 1966 that the citizens of New York voted for the approval of a constitutional amendment which authorised a lottery run by the government. 60% voted in favour of the referendum with lottery proceeds  to be “applied exclusively, or in aid or support of, education.” The New York Lottery then began in 1967 initially carrying the slogan, “Your Chance of a Lifetime to Help Education.” The lottery has generated around $34 billion for educational support.

The first person to win a big jackpot from the New York Lottery was Lou Eisenberg. In 1981, he won the $5 million jackpot. His win was during an ear where winners could not choose a lump sum in lieu of annuity payments. On 1 February 2013, the operations of the New York Lottery were merged with that of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, forming the New York State Gaming Commission.

Playing the New York Lotto Online

You do not have to be physically located in New York just to join the city’s lotteries. By visiting one of HitYah’s featured online lottery shops, you can buy your tickets using your computer or mobile device. The online lotto shop will then scan your tickets and you can see them online in your account. In some cases, if you win, you will receive a text message or an e-mail notification. Other lottery online shops also give assistance for players with big jackpot wins so that they can collect the prize in person. Needless to say, you can be located in the UK, South Africa or anywhere in the world and still play lotteries from New York City.