🌟 Lucky for Life
Lucky for Life (Daily) - Wednesday, 23 September 2026
🌟 Lucky for Life Winning Numbers
US State DrawRecent Lucky for Life History
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North Carolina Lucky for Life: Winning Numbers, Odds & Life Annuity Guide
Welcome to the live winning numbers portal and official player guide for North Carolina Lucky for Life. Known nationwide as "The Game for Life," Lucky for Life drawings take place seven nights a week at 10:38 PM Eastern Time (ET), with ticket sales closing at 9:30 PM ET every evening. Lucky for Life offers an astonishing top prize of $1,000 a day for life and a second-tier prize of $25,000 a year for life, providing lifelong financial security to lucky winners.
North Carolina joined the Lucky for Life multi-state consortium on February 7, 2016. Over the years, North Carolina players have won both top "for life" tiers as well as hundreds of thousands of fixed cash prizes. The game matrix requires players to select 5 white balls from 1 to 48 and 1 green Lucky Ball from 1 to 18. The odds of matching all 5 white balls plus the Lucky Ball to capture the top prize of $1,000 a day for life are 1 in 30,821,472. The odds of winning the second prize of $25,000 a year for life are 1 in 1,813,028, while the overall odds of winning any prize stand at an outstanding 1 in 7.8.
Tickets cost $2.00 per play. Lucky for Life top-prize winners can elect between lifetime daily annuity payments ($365,000 annually, guaranteed for at least 20 years) or a one-time cash lump sum payment of $5,750,000. Second-prize winners can choose between $25,000 a year for life or a lump sum cash option of $390,000. Lower-tier prizes range from $3 for matching just the Lucky Ball up to $5,000 for matching 4 white balls plus the Lucky Ball.
Every Lucky for Life ticket purchased in North Carolina generates critical revenue for state public education, directly supporting county school building projects, early childhood education, and college financial aid. Prizes over $5,000 are subject to 24% federal tax withholding and 4.5% North Carolina state tax. In North Carolina, winning tickets must be redeemed within 180 days of the drawing date. Players can purchase tickets in stores or online via NCEL Online Play.
How North Carolina Lucky for Life Works & Game Rules
Playing Lucky for Life is simple and rewarding:
- Pick 5 Numbers: Choose 5 numbers from 1 to 48 (white balls) or select Quick Pick.
- Pick 1 Lucky Ball: Choose 1 Lucky Ball from 1 to 18 (green ball).
- Ticket Cost: $2.00 per play.
- Daily Draws: Conducted 7 nights a week at 10:38 PM ET.
- Advance Play: Play your chosen numbers for up to 28 consecutive drawings.
North Carolina Lucky for Life Prize Breakdown & Odds Table
| Division | Winning Match | Prize Payout | Cash Option | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Prize | 5 White + LB | $1,000 / Day for Life | $5,750,000 | 1 in 30,821,472 |
| Second Prize | 5 White | $25,000 / Year for Life | $390,000 | 1 in 1,813,028 |
| Tier 3 | 4 White + LB | $5,000 | N/A | 1 in 143,356 |
| Tier 4 | 4 White | $200 | N/A | 1 in 8,433 |
| Tier 5 | 3 White + LB | $150 | N/A | 1 in 3,413 |
| Tier 6 | 3 White | $20 | N/A | 1 in 201 |
| Tier 7 | 2 White + LB | $25 | N/A | 1 in 250 |
| Tier 8 | 2 White | $3 | N/A | 1 in 15 |
| Tier 9 | 1 White + LB | $6 | N/A | 1 in 50 |
| Tier 10 | 0 White + LB | $4 | N/A | 1 in 32 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Lucky for Life
What are the top two prizes in Lucky for Life?
The top prize is $1,000 a day for life (or $5,750,000 lump sum cash), and the second prize is $25,000 a year for life (or $390,000 lump sum cash).
What time are Lucky for Life drawings held?
Drawings are held every night of the week at 10:38 PM Eastern Time. Sales close at 9:30 PM ET.
Is the "For Life" prize guaranteed if the winner dies?
Yes, both top annuity tiers include a minimum 20-year payment guarantee payable to the winner's designated estate or beneficiaries.
What are the overall odds of winning any prize?
The overall odds of winning a prize in Lucky for Life are 1 in 7.8.
How long do winners have to claim their prizes?
In North Carolina, all Lucky for Life tickets must be claimed within 180 days from the drawing date.