What time is FL Lotto drawing tonight?

The Florida Lottery offers a variety of draw games that residents and visitors can play for a chance to win big prizes. One of the most popular is the Florida Lotto, which holds two drawings per week on Wednesday and Saturday nights. For many lottery players, knowing the drawing schedule is key to making sure they don’t miss out on a chance to play. So what time is the Florida Lotto drawing held on Wednesday nights?

Overview of the Florida Lotto

The Florida Lotto is one of the biggest national jackpot games in the state. To play, players choose 6 numbers from 1 to 53. There are two drawings held each week, one on Wednesday night and another on Saturday night. Tickets can be purchased for $1 per play, and players can multiply their winnings by choosing the multiplier option when buying a ticket.

At each Florida Lotto drawing, six winning numbers are randomly selected along with a bonus ball. In order to win the jackpot, players must match all six numbers. The minimum starting jackpot is $2 million, but it continues growing until there is a winner. The record jackpot for the Florida Lotto was over $106 million in September 1990.

In addition to the jackpot, there are several smaller prizes that can be won:

– Match 5 numbers plus the bonus ball – $2,500
– Match 5 numbers – $1,152
– Match 4 numbers – $87
– Match 3 numbers – $6
– Match 2 numbers plus the bonus ball – $12
– Match 1 number plus the bonus ball – $6
– Match 0 numbers plus the bonus ball – $6

The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 80. The Florida Lotto is an exciting game with millions of dollars up for grabs on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

What Time is the Wednesday Florida Lotto Drawing?

The Florida Lotto drawing is held every Wednesday and Saturday at 11:15 pm Eastern Time. This means that on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, the drawing will also be held at 11:15 pm ET.

For players in the Eastern time zone, the drawing occurs at 11:15 pm on Wednesday nights. For those in Central Time, it is at 10:15 pm. And for players in the Mountain Time zone, the Wednesday drawing happens at 9:15 pm local time.

It’s important to note that ticket sales for each Florida Lotto drawing end at 10:40 pm ET on the night of the drawing. Tickets cannot be purchased after this time, so players need to make sure to get their tickets before the cutoff.

Find FL Lotto Drawing Times in Your Time Zone

Here is a look at when the Wednesday night Florida Lotto drawing occurs in different time zones across the United States:

Time Zone FL Lotto Drawing Time
Eastern 11:15 pm
Central 10:15 pm
Mountain 9:15 pm
Pacific 8:15 pm
Alaska 7:15 pm
Hawaii 5:15 pm

So no matter where you are located in the United States, the Wednesday night Florida Lotto drawing always takes place at 11:15 pm Eastern Time. Be sure to pay attention to the time difference in your region so that you don’t miss your chance to play!

How to Buy Tickets for the Florida Lotto

For those looking to participate in the next Florida Lotto drawing on Wednesday night, there are a few different ways to purchase tickets:

In Person

The easiest way is to visit an authorized Florida Lottery retailer in person. There are over 13,000 retailers scattered across the state. Major grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, and pharmacies tend to carry lottery tickets. Use the Florida Lottery’s retailer locator tool to find a nearby agent.

Retailers stop selling tickets for the Wednesday night drawing at 10:40 pm ET on the night of the drawing. So get to the store with enough time to spare to avoid cutoff. Tell the clerk you want to buy a Florida Lotto ticket, and they can print your ticket with your chosen numbers. You can also let the terminal randomly quick pick numbers for you if you prefer.

Online

Purchasing Florida Lotto tickets online is quick, easy, and convenient. Simply visit the Florida Lottery’s website and sign up for an account. You can then buy tickets directly through the website for any draw.

Online ticket sales end at 10:15 pm ET on the night of each drawing. So purchase your Wednesday night tickets early in the day to give yourself a buffer. The ticket will be generated with your numbers and securely stored in your account until the drawing.

Mobile App

Using the official Florida Lottery app is another option for buying tickets on the go. Download the app to your Android or iOS device. Sign up for an account, deposit funds, and then you can conveniently purchase ticket right from your phone.

As with online sales, ticket purchases through the mobile app stop at 10:15 pm ET. So get your tickets early on Wednesday. The ticket will be stored in your account and you can check for any winnings after the drawing.

Steps to Play the Florida Lotto

Playing the Florida Lotto is simple:

1. Pick Your Numbers

Each play costs $1, and you need to pick six numbers between 1 and 53. You can choose your own numbers or use the quick pick option for random numbers.

Many players have favorite numbers they always play based on important dates, ages of family members, and other meaningful numbers. Others prefer to let the computer quick pick numbers at random to mix it up.

2. Purchase Ticket

Bring your selected numbers to an authorized Florida Lottery retailer or purchase your ticket online or through the app. Be sure to buy before the 10:40 pm ET cutoff for in-person sales. Online and mobile sales end at 10:15 pm ET.

3. Check for Winning Numbers

Tune in to the drawing at 11:15 pm ET on Wednesday night. The winning 6 numbers along with the bonus ball will be selected. Check your ticket to see if you matched any numbers to win a prize.

You can watch the drawing on TV stations across Florida. The Lottery will also post the numbers online and in the app shortly after the drawing. Victory is just a few matching numbers away, so be sure to grab your Florida Lotto tickets before cutoff time on Wednesday night!

Odds of Winning FL Lotto Prizes

The overall odds of winning a Florida Lotto prize are about 1 in 80. But the specific odds vary greatly depending on the prize amount:

Prize Amount Odds of Winning
Jackpot 1 in 22,957,480
$2,500 1 in 733,745
$1,500 1 in 19,088
$87 1 in 843
$12 1 in 169
$6 1 in 81

As you can see, matching all six numbers for the multimillion dollar jackpot is extremely difficult. But scoring a smaller prize by matching just 2, 3 or 4 numbers is much more attainable. Even if you don’t hit the jackpot, smaller prizes help add to the fun and excitement!

Biggest FL Lotto Jackpots

Since the Florida Lotto began in 1988, there have been countless jackpot winners over the years. Here is a look at the 5 biggest jackpots in the game’s history:

1. $106.5 Million – September 14, 1990

The record Florida Lotto jackpot of $106.5 million was hit in September 1990 by two winners who split the prize. Each lucky ticket was purchased in Miami. At the time it was the largest state lottery jackpot ever won.

2. $94.8 Million – September 25, 2002

Just over a decade later in 2002, the Florida Lotto jackpot reached $94.8 million. A retired auto worker from West Palm Beach was the sole winner.

3. $72.7 Million – November 15, 1997

In November 1997, an 84-year-old woman from Miami won half of a $72.7 million Florida Lotto prize. The other half was claimed by a 36-year-old man from Tampa.

4. $69.5 Million – January 29, 2022

At the beginning of 2022, the jackpot climbed to a massive $69.5 million. A retired postal worker from Panama City scored the enormous prize.

5. $53.7 Million – September 12, 1990

Just two days before the record $106.5 million jackpot, the Florida Lotto top prize reached $53.7 million in September 1990. A Tampa resident hit the lucky numbers and took home the huge check.

Will the next historic Florida Lotto jackpot be won on Wednesday night? Make sure you get your tickets before the cutoff time at 10:40 pm Eastern to secure your chances!

Notable FL Lotto Winners

The Florida Lotto has produced many jackpot winners over the past three decades. Here are some notable stories:

Retired Flight Attendant – $15 Million

In June 2019, a retired flight attendant from Pensacola took home a $15 million Florida Lotto jackpot. She allowed the terminal to randomly quick pick her numbers.

Childhood Friends Split Jackpot

Two childhood friends from Fort Lauderdale split a $3 million jackpot in July 2020. One friend purchased the ticket and promised to split it if they won. He kept his word and they each took home $1.5 million.

Pool Members Split Jackpot

In August 2021, twelve members of a Broward County pool claimed a $15 million Florida Lotto jackpot. The group had played together for years and finally hit it big by splitting the prize twelve ways.

Nurse’s Birthday Surprise

A nurse from Ocala received a fabulous 50th birthday surprise in May 2022 when she scored a $2 million jackpot. She said she planned to keep working and use the money to pay off her house.

You never know who the next lucky winner will be! It could be you holding the jackpot check on Wednesday night.

Taxes on FL Lotto Winnings

If you are fortunate enough to win a Florida Lotto prize, you will owe taxes. Florida state taxes are automatically withheld from jackpots over $5,000 when you claim your prize. The amount withheld varies:

– 5% tax on winnings between $5,000 and $24,999
– 6% tax on winnings between $25,000 and $49,999
– 7% tax on winnings between $50,000 and $249,999
– 7.75% tax on all winnings of $250,000 and over

For enormous jackpots, the overall tax rate jumps to around 25% to 28% when also accounting for federal taxes. Some large prizes can be claimed annually over three decades to spread out the tax burden. But taxes will take a big chunk, so be prepared if you hit the jackpot!

Gambling Responsibly

Playing the lottery is meant to be fun, and the vast majority of people are able to enjoy it in moderation. But some individuals have trouble stopping once they start gambling. Compulsive gambling is a serious issue that can lead to financial devastation and destroy relationships.

Here are some tips for gambling responsibly:

– Only gamble with extra discretionary money, not funds set aside for necessities.
– Set a budget for lottery play and stick to it. Don’t chase losses.
– Only gamble when in a healthy state of mind, not when stressed or emotional.
– View gambling as entertainment, not as a way to make money. Going in with unrealistic expectations leads to problems.
– Balance gambling with other hobbies. It shouldn’t dominate your free time.
– Take breaks and stop if losing control. Seek help through support groups if necessary.

Practicing moderation and gambling responsibly allows you to enjoy lottery games like the Florida Lotto without it becoming an unhealthy obsession. Playing within your limits maximizes fun while minimizing risks.

Why the Lottery is Popular in Florida

The Florida Lottery has been successful for a variety of reasons since launching in 1988:

Excitement and Fantasy

Playing the lottery provides entertainment and the ability to daydream about what you would do with millions. Dropping $2 on a ticket lets you fantasize for a few days about incredible mansions and yachts. This excitement and escapism helps drive sales.

Instant Gratification

Scratch-offs and fast-paced drawings like Florida Lotto offer instant excitement and gratification. There’s a rush seeing if your numbers popped up or uncovering prize symbols. People enjoy the immediate feedback.

Prize Payouts

Compared to other state lotteries, Florida consistently has some of the best prize payout rates thanks to strong ticket sales. This attracts more players hoping to win bigger jackpots and prizes.

Convenience

With thousands of retailers plus options to play online and on mobile apps, buying lottery tickets in Florida is extremely convenient. Easy access leads to more casual purchases.

Hope and Optimism

Lotteries allow ordinary people to dream about instantly transforming their lives. The opportunity to suddenly win millions offers hope. And people love rooting for an underdog.

So the next time you’ve got a few dollars in spare change, take a shot at the Florida Lotto for a chance at millions. Just don’t spend more than you can afford, and have fun dreaming until the next drawing on Wednesday night!

Conclusion

The Florida Lotto drawing occurs every Wednesday and Saturday night at 11:15 pm ET. So for the next drawing on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, tickets sales will end at 10:40 pm ET, and the winning numbers will be chosen at 11:15 pm ET.

Players looking to participate can purchase tickets in person at authorized retailers across the state until the cutoff time. You can also conveniently buy tickets online at the Florida Lottery website or via mobile app. Just be sure to buy before sales end at 10:15 pm ET when purchasing remotely.

At each Florida Lotto drawing, six main numbers are chosen from 1 to 53 along with a bonus ball. Match all six to win the jackpot starting at $2 million, or hit smaller prizes for matching some numbers. The overall odds of winning are about 1 in 80.

Responsible gambling is always important. Only play for fun with money you can afford to lose, not your rent or grocery money. As long as you set limits and gamble with moderation, participating in lotteries like the Florida Lotto can be an enjoyable form of entertainment and give you a chance to win big!

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