California Lottery 2023 – Compare California Online Lottery Sites

California lottery games are as diverse and exciting as the state itself. In each month of 2021, people won prizes worth millions, with one lucky winner scooping the biggest prize of $700 million in December 2021. But, with so many lottery variations to choose from, you might be confused about which ones are best for you.

In this guide, we will be covering all you need to know about the California lottery. From the biggest state lottery wins and draw schedules, to the many different lottery-style games available at online casinos, such as keno and scratch cards. We’ll detail the rules and regulations, provide information on how to claim your prizes, and much more. Let’s get right into it.

Best California Lottery Sites

Though it’s not possible to purchase an actual state lottery ticket at any of these sites, all of them offer variations of the popular game that Golden State natives can enjoy online. The list below reflects our favorite California lotto sites based on the variety of games available, how much said games payout, and how easy/fast it is to withdraw your winnings. 

1. Lucky Block – Known for its free to enter jackpot
2. Wild Casino – One of the best California lottery sites for high rollers
3. BetOnline – Huge keno jackpots available in California
4. BetUS – Variety of keno games and scratch cards
5. Bovada – Well designed mobile site to play online lottery type games

Quick California Lottery Info

Playing lotteries can be fun and exciting, but it’s important to take your chances in safe and fair lotteries to protect yourself from any scams. Let’s have a closer look at the regulations to make sure you’re updated with the latest information. We’ll also discuss where and how you can play California lotteries. 

Is the Lottery Legal in California?

Yes, the California State Lottery Act authorized the sale of lottery tickets in 1984, and the first tickets were sold in October 1985. To ensure that the lottery is fair and crime-free, it is regulated by California State Lottery Commission. 

What Land-Based California Lottery Games can you Play?

• Daily 3
• Daily 4 
• Daily Derby 
• Fantasy 5
• SuperLotto Plus
• Hot Spot
• Mega Millions (multi-jurisdictional)
• Powerball (multi-jurisdictional)

Where can you Play the Lottery in California?

Californians who want to try their luck can legally buy lottery tickets from retail stores for California-based lotteries. From the official CA Lottery state website, you can find licensed vendors in your location where you can buy legal tickets.

Can you Buy Lottery Tickets Online in California?

The only way you can buy tickets online in California is through an official agent. Buying online lottery tickets is only available for the multi-jurisdictional games Mega Millions and Powerball tickets. 

First, you would need to find a secure agent and create a profile. Then the agent would go to the retail store, buy the tickets for you, and send them to you via email. You have the option to buy one single ticket online, or you can also subscribe to increase your chances of winning.

For ease of reference, you can buy online tickets from The Lotter.

Other California Lottery Options to Play Online

There are several online casinos that feature lottery-style games, like roulette and bingo. Scratch cards are slightly rarer but when gambling online in CA, you are likely to encounter them at Wild Casino, etc. The prizes can be lower but the odds of winning are greater than in the California lottery draw games. It’s possible to win up to $5 million on a single scratch card.

Another fun option to play California lottery games online is keno. There are several different versions that offer instant draws and you can win fantastic prizes instantaneously, so don’t underestimate your chances.

What are the Advantages of Playing the California Lottery Online?

• You don’t need to leave your house to try your luck playing the California lottery. In just a few clicks, you can purchase your ticket either on your computer or smartphone.
• Can you imagine hitting the jackpot and realizing that you’ve lost your ticket? When playing online lotteries, this is not an area of concern anymore. Your digital ticket will be safely stored with your registered profile and you should receive it via email too.
• Just like most lotteries, you can check the numbers drawn online. All you need to do is check whether the numbers match your digital ticket. It’s that simple. 
• Buying lottery tickets online is safe and secure. You have to create a profile online and your tickets are then registered under your name. Since you also need to verify your identity, this means that no one can claim your ticket and steal your winnings.
• From playing from the comfort of your own home, to not having to worry about losing your ticket, and playing on safe and legitimate platforms, having an enjoyable lotto experience online in California has never been easier.

California Lottery Draw Schedule

Every day is an exciting day in the California lottery world. Draws are made on a daily basis for different lottery games. The California lottery Daily 3 has two draws every day, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Whilst Daily 4, Daily Derby, Fantasy 5, and Hot Spot are drawn once every day and every four minutes in the evening. 

When it comes to the Powerball lottery, draws are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 7.59 pm, while California Mega Millions results are drawn every Tuesday and Friday at 7.59 pm.

Pacific Time Zone.

Where to Find California Lottery Results

So you’ve got your tickets and you’re eagerly waiting for the results to see if you have some winnings to claim. To check, you can visit CA Lottery and find the results for all the lotteries available in California.

Best California Online Lottery Sites Reviewed

There are several exciting lotteries in California that give you an opportunity to win big prizes. Let’s go through our top 5 lotteries based on special features like welcome bonuses, promo codes, and quick and easy payment options.

1. Lucky Block – Known for its Free to Enter Jackpots and a 200% Welcome Bonus

Lucky Block is an innovative platform that stands out in the competitive market. It was the first to introduce a free crypto-based jackpot and is built on blockchain. This means it’s fully transparent and offers generous incentives for token holders.

With Lucky Block, everyone has the chance to be a winner as the platform pays a token reward of 10% of every jackpot to token holders. This means that whether you bought a draw ticket or not if you’re a token holder, you’ll still receive a free ticket subject to terms and conditions. 

Moreover, to demonstrate their generosity Lucky Block decided to give 10% of every jackpot to charities. Token holders get to choose which charity they want to support by voting for their preferred option.

LuckyBlock has one of the best welcome bonuses around with new players automatically qualifying for a 200% welcome bonus and 50 free spins on Wanted Dead or a Wild.

The bonus is paid in 10 installments with a maximum of 10,000 EUR available to those who deposit 5,000 EUR (or crypto/fiat equivalent). The offer is valid only on the first deposit made in the casino, with the minimum deposit required 20 EUR.

So for example, a player who deposits 100 EUR will immediately receive free spins and 200 EUR in the bonus bank. And for every €600 you play for (win or loose), you get €20 paid out to your account from the bonus bank, until you have cleared the entire €200.

2. Wild Casino – Famous for Wide Game Selection

Wild Casino is known for its variety of lottery-style games that offer big jackpots with instant results. Players can choose from several keno games and scratch cards under their specialty games section, including Viking Crown of Destiny and The Two Emperors – the latter of which promises x5 free spins for a chance at $12,350. 

Whether you’re a high roller or a casual player, with its excellent selection of table games and varied minimum stakes, Wild Casino has you covered. Players will find distinct versions of classic lotto-style games like online blackjack, American & European roulette, and much more.

Newcomers to Wild Casino get to choose a welcome package of either USD or crypto. Pay with USD to benefit from a 250% match bonus worth up to $5,000. To claim, you just need to enter promo code WILD250.

Following on from your first deposit, you can also claim a 100% bonus match up to $1,000 by entering promo code WILD100 when making your next four deposits. 

3. BetOnline – Best CA Online Lottery Casino for Keno

BetOnline is one of the most popular online casinos for high-reward lottery-style games. Players can place prop bets on the first numbers drawn in state lotteries, generally, by guessing whether the first ball will feature an odd or even number.

The platform also offers several variations of keno and scratch cards, with some of the keno games boasting payouts of $80k.

Newcomers can benefit from several BetOnline promo codes where they can get up to a 100% deposit bonus match up to $1,000. This bonus can be used on your first three deposits. Claim this generous bonus offer by using the promo code BOLCASINO.

4. BetUS – Known for Themed Keno Games and Scratch Cards

BetUS runs a promotion that automatically enters its customers into a $10,000 lottery draw at select times of the year. Just log in when the promo is running to gain entry.

In addition, if you forget to purchase a ticket for the state draw, BetUS is also one of the best sites to play lottery-style games online in CA. You’ll find a variety of keno variants, for example. 

On top of that, BetUS offers generous welcome offers, promotions, and rewards to its players. BetUS promo codes and welcome bonuses can be claimed online through your mobile phone or your computer. Newcomers can also benefit from a 250% match up to $5,000 by entering the promo code CAS250.

5. Bovada – Best Mobile Platform for Numbers Games & Online Betting

Bovada has its own lottery-style game in the sports betting section under ‘Numbers Game.’ Plus, if you’re a big fan of other lottery-type titles like keno and bingo, this casino offers up plenty of variations of both. Outside of that, pickings are slim but you can still win great prizes playing the slots, rolling the dice with a live dealer, or over at the sportsbook.

It provides generous bonuses and promotions to players using Bovada casino promo codes, which can in turn be used to claim exciting offers.

If you choose to deposit with crypto, you can be rewarded with a 125% match up to $1,250 for your first three deposits. To activate this bonus, you just need to enter promo code BTCCWB1250 upon placing your first deposit.

Plus, if you don’t want to participate in the lottery directly, you can still win some money by betting on the California lottery draws over in the sportsbook section of the site. The standard betting market available is for straight wagers on the first ball drawn (odds/even). 

California Lottery Sites Compared

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to playing lottery games in California. From crypto jackpots to daily draws and instant lottery game results. Here’s a comparison table reflecting valuable information about our top 5 lottery sites in the state.

How to Claim a California Lottery Prize

There are several ways you can claim your lottery prize in California. You have 180 days to claim your prize from the date of the winning draw for all lotteries except the multi-jurisdictional ones. So for the California lottery Powerball and Mega Millions, you have one year to claim the winning draws.

If you are playing online, you will receive the funds automatically in your account. Then you can either use the money to buy more tickets or you can withdraw the winnings to your bank account.

For the state lotteries, prizes can either be claimed by mail or in person. If you would like to claim your prize by mail, you just need to sign your ticket and fill in a claim form. Take a copy of the documents and send the original documents to the below address: 

California State Lottery
North 10th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811

Lottery prizes that are $599 or lower can be claimed at all the California Lottery outlets. Take note that you need to inform the IRS of any prizes worth more than $600.

On average, the processing by the California Lottery takes between six to eight weeks until you can receive your prize. Also, keep in mind if you played online on an offshore casino you have to claim the winnings at that specific online casino.

California Lottery Rules

We’ve taken a look at the rules and regulations when it comes to lottery games to answer some questions which you might have about the games. This will give you a better understanding of what to expect when playing the California lottery:

How old do you need to be to legally purchase a lottery ticket?

Players need to be at least 18 years old to participate in the California Lottery games.

Can I stay anonymous if I win the lottery?

According to the law, the following details are matters of public record: your full name, retailer name and location, date of winning, amount of prize won, and your gross net installment payments. However, California Lottery cannot disclose your personal identifying information without your consent unless legally required to do so. 

Can I file a complaint about a Lottery vendor?

Yes, if you’re concerned about a specific lottery retailer you can call the Lottery’s Security & Law Enforcement Division toll-free at 1-800-568-8379. You will be requested to provide the following details: the retailer’s name & address, incident date & time, and an explanation of what happened.

Once you submit your complaint, a security incident report will be created followed by further action depending on the circumstances and outcome of the situation.

Do I have to pay taxes on my lottery winnings?

Yes, your winnings are subject to income taxes depending. Seeking professional advice from a tax adviser can help you get a clearer picture of your tax liability.

Lottery Games Available in California

California Lottery players can choose from a wide variety of draw games, scratch cards, and instant online lottery games. Apart from its own six local lotteries, California players can also participate in the big multi-jurisdictional games like PowerBall and Mega Millions. In recent years, we’ve also seen crypto lottery games introduced in the industry. 

Crypto Lottery Games

Crypto lottery games are now also available in California. Apart from using your cryptocurrencies to deposit payments to try your luck, you can also win fantastic crypto jackpots that go straight to your wallet. 

Lucky Block is a blockchain-designed platform where players can receive crypto winnings from daily drawn jackpots. The tickets to enter the lottery cost $5 in the form of LBlock crypto tokens. Lucky Block is a pioneer in the industry, and token holders receive a free ticket to participate in the lottery. 

Further to that, token holders get to choose a charity that they would like to support as Lucky Block donates 10% of each drawn jackpot to a particular charity. In addition to the 10% donation, token holders benefit from a 10% reward from each jackpot even if they haven’t bought a ticket for that specific lottery draw.

We’re quite impressed to see these innovative ideas being introduced into California lotteries and believe that Lucky Block will continue to surprise us as it gains popularity in the US.

California Specific Lottery Games

We’ve provided you with some general information about California lottery games available for players along with other online lottery games including crypto. Here we’d like to cover in more detail the top 3 lotteries that are specifically available for Californian players. 

1. California SuperLotto Plus – The excitement for this game kicks in every Wednesday and Saturday. Players have nine ways to win. The first jackpot starts off at $7 million and keeps increasing until someone wins. It’s super easy and simple to play, just buy a ticket for $1 per line and choose five numbers between 1 to 47. You would also need to choose a MEGA number between 1 to 27.
2. Fantasy 5 –  The odds are bigger with this game as you need to choose five numbers between 1 to 39. The draws are done on a daily basis and a ticket costs only $1. Fantasy 5 California also gives players the option to pay $5 or more on one single ticket to receive a 2nd chance code. This means that you get an extra shot at winning.
3. Daily 3 – This lottery has two drawings every day and it offers multiple ways to win a good prize. You just need to select three numbers from 0 to 9 with a chance to win and tickets start from just $1. 

Powerball

Powerball is a multi-state game currently available in 45 different states, and it’s been available in California since 2013. It only costs $2 to purchase a ticket and all you need to do is choose five lucky numbers from 1 to 69. 

You also need to choose one more number from 1 to 26. You have the option to choose your numbers manually, or if you’re feeling super lucky, you can go for the Quick Pick option and your numbers will be chosen randomly. The Powerball California draws take place at 7:59 p.m. PT on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. 

Mega Millions

Mega Millions is also a multi-state draw game available for players in 45 US states, and it was introduced in California back in 2005. The lottery is similar to Powerball only more difficult to hit the big jackpot.

Tickets are sold at $2 and players need to select five numbers from 1-70. In addition, they need to choose a sixth number from 1-to 25. Again, similarly to Powerball, you can choose your numbers or opt for the Quick Pick option. The draws take place every Tuesday and Friday at 8 pm PT. 

Tips for Playing & Betting on Lotteries in California

If you’re new to the online lottery, here are some tips that can help you out when playing. Unlike a simple scratch card lottery, it’s important that you have a good idea of how to play and what is the best strategy to use. Check out these five useful tips when it comes to playing the lottery online:

1. Understanding the Odds of winning

Winning the lottery is mostly based on luck which means that the odds of winning will determine whether you will be taking home some cash money or not. Understanding the odds can help you plan a strategy of how to play.

Before buying your ticket, have a look at the odds of winning your chosen draw since they differ dramatically at times. Then choose which one is the best for you.

2. Buying Multiple Line Tickets

Buying more than one single line of numbers for a lottery draw increases your chances of winning. Of course, this isn’t a guaranteed win, but it increases the probability of getting a match.  You can also choose to buy 5 or 10 tickets at one go to maximize your odds of winning.

Of course, this depends on your budget, and do remember that it can also result in no winnings at all, so it’s important to be cautious. 

3. Choose Random or Lucky Numbers

When lottery numbers are drawn, they are chosen randomly. So the odds of the numbers coming up in chronological order isn’t very logical or even probable. Numbers in the lottery don’t come up in sequence. So, ideally, choose numbers either through a Quick Pick, or if you have some lucky numbers, it’s better to try your luck with them. 

4. Choose the Perfect Lottery Game for You

There are plenty of lottery games to choose from. But not all the games are suitable for everyone, one size does not fit all. Following the norm is not always ideal, so it’s best to see what kind of game you most enjoy playing or have the most success with and then stick with it.  

5. Remain Calm and Patient

Playing the lottery comes with thrills and excitement. However, the probability of a huge win is low and many people never manage to win big.

When purchasing tickets, see it as a try for luck, not a guarantee of winning. Some players played for 30 years before they hit the jackpot, so avoid getting emotional about it. Lottery games are meant to be entertaining, not upsetting. 

Payment Methods at California Lottery Sites

There are several payment methods to choose from at California Lottery sites. So it really depends on your preference, payment speeds, and processing fees. Here we’ve listed the top payment methods that are widely used on different platforms.

Crypto

Several online lottery sites are also offering the option to pay with crypto such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum. This means that you can participate in the lottery using your tokens instead of real money. If you win, you can also receive rewards in the form of crypto. Then you can either buy more tickets or cash out real money. 

A pioneer in the industry of cryptocurrency is Lucky Block, a blockchain-designed platform with daily crypto jackpot draws. They’re also offering Free To Enter Jackpot tickets for token holders, plus a 10% reward from each jackpot to token holders.

eWallets

eWallets are one of the most common payment methods available on almost all online lottery sites. So if you have an account with PayPal, Neteller, or any other recognized brand, you can choose to pay by using the balance in your eWallet.

There might be some processing fees involved when withdrawing and cashing out, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions on the online lottery sites when it comes to choosing your preferred payment method.

Also, have a look at the processing time to receive your prize as transaction times might vary depending on which platform you choose.

Regular Payment Options

One can also opt for the usual regular payment options. Paying online has never been easier with the diverse selection of payment options for players. These are the most widely used payment options in the US:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• Bank Transfer
• PayPal
• PayNearMe

California Lottery App & Mobile Play

Players can play on their mobile using California casino apps by placing bets on lotteries or by participating in online lottery games. Some sites offer specific apps specifically designed for Android or iOS devices. So you would need to check so you can download a compatible app for your device. 

To download the apps, you just need to visit Apple or Google Play store and download the apps for free. Whether you decide to download the apps or not, you can still navigate the website on your device’s browser. 

Thanks to advanced technology, displays and user interfaces are specifically optimized for mobile devices so you don’t need to worry about having a low-quality version of the site. You will see the same design and easy-to-use navigation system that you’re used to on the computer but on your mobile screen.

Biggest California Lottery Wins

The biggest prize won in California’s lottery history dates back to January 2016 with an outstanding jackpot of $1.586 Billion. Last year in 2021, The California Lottery had some of the highest potential jackpot amounts in the state’s lottery history. 2021 started with a big bang as the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots amounted to $1 billion in winnings. 

It seems like January is the luckiest month in the Golden State. At the beginning of 2022, two Powerball winners were announced, and they will be sharing the fantastic prize of $315 million. For the first time ever, in the span of three months, another jackpot ticket was sold. 

Here’s a recap of The California Lottery wins month by month in 2021:

1. January –  Mega Millions – $2,390,663
2. February – Ultimate Millions California Lottery Scratchers ticket – $10 million
3. March – Bankroll Scratchers – $10 million
4. April – Money Mania Scratchers – $10 million 
5. May – Scratchers ticket – $6 million
6. June – Ultimate Millions Scratchers ticket – $10 million 
7. July – Mega Ball – $62 million
8. August – SuperLotto Plus in California- $14 million 
9. September – Scratchers tickets – $5 million
10. October – Scratchers tickets – $1 million
11. November – SuperLotto Plus – $38 million
12. December – Powerball – $699.8 million

How We Choose the Best Lotto Sites

To ensure that we are providing you with the best lottery sites available in California, we analyze these platforms thoroughly and select our top favorites based on different criteria. Our interest is that players make the most out of their time and money to have an enjoyable gaming experience. 

Range of Real Money Lottery Games

There’s a wide variety of real money lottery games to choose from in California. Some platforms like BetUS and BetOnline allow residents to bet on lottery draws, and many more CA casino sites serve up lottery-style games like bingo, keno, and scratch cards for those among you who don’t like the outlandish odds on daily lotteries in CA: SuperLotto, the Powerball and Mega Millions. 

When reviewing we also ensure that there are at least two options of how you can play. So either drawing numbers, scratch cards, or a combination of both betting on lottery outcomes and keno. The more options you have, the better as it will amplify the excitement and improve your overall gaming experience.

Bonus Offers & Promotions

Almost all online lottery platforms offer some kind of bonus and promotions for their players to claim. Some bonus options aren’t specifically offered for lottery games, but you can use them to claim other rewards on their site. You can also find rewards and benefits in the form of crypto.

When it comes to new joiners on platforms, welcome bonuses are abundantly on offer. However, we always check whether there are other ongoing promotions for loyal and returning customers. These include other temporary bonuses, free spins, cashback, free tickets, etc.

Payout Methods, Transaction Speed & Fees

When it comes to withdrawing your winnings, there are several options available. This really depends on your preference. The more flexibility and options a California casino offers, the better they rank. 

We always take into consideration how smooth the withdrawal process is, and whether or not there are any fees involved. Deposit limits and payout limits are also taken into consideration. Most importantly, when you win your prize, is that you get your winnings as easily and efficiently as possible.

Availability for California Players

Different online lottery platforms have different rules and regulations. So we make sure that the online casinos listed are available for players in California. 

The good news is that even if you don’t live in California, you can still participate in California State Lottery games. You just need to find a licensed vendor to purchase the tickets for you from a Lottery retailer in California. Also, players need to be at least 18 years of age to be able to participate in the lottery. 

Safety & Security

Playing at online lottery sites is fun and exciting, however, it’s extremely important that the platform you choose is legitimate and regulated. This will help you feel safe and secure when you are playing with real money and inputting your personal details on their platforms upon registering. 

A high level of security with encryptions is of utmost importance especially when it comes to online transactions. A site operator should have an official license with a privacy policy according to the law. Checking at the bottom of the site to ensure that they are legally licensed and approved by the state is highly recommended.

Read our related pages…

Here’s a list of other relevant pages where you can find useful information about online gaming.

• Online lotteries – Best lottery site guide listing the top 10 best lottery sites in the US.
• Keno online – All you need to know about keno in one click.
• Online sweepstakes – The best sites to enter online sweepstakes for big cash prizes.
• Bingo online – The ultimate guide to playing bingo online for real money.
• Online casino games – Covering the best online casino games in 2023.
• Online casinos – The best real money online casinos for US players.

The Overall Best California Lottery Site

Our top favorite lottery site for California-located players is the newly launched Lucky Block platform with their 200% welcome bonus, a pioneer in the industry with innovative crypto designs, donations to charity, crypto rewards, and free-to-enter jackpot tickets. 

Token holders benefit from a 10% reward on each jackpot plus a free ticket to every draw each time you log in to your account. It’s super safe and transparent since it’s built on blockchain, and token holders get to vote and choose which charity they would like to support. As their slogan goes, ‘everyone’s a winner’ with Lucky Block. 

FAQs

Can you bet on lotteries in California?

Yes, some offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline will allow you to place prop bets on certain outcomes in California state lotteries. Most commonly, the proposition bet offered is a simple Odds/Even wager on the first number drawn.

Does California have a state lottery?

Yes there are currently six California state lotteries, SuperLotto Plus, Fantasy 5, Daily 3, Daily 4, the California lottery Daily Derby, and Hot Spot. The multi-jurisdictional lotteries – Powerball and Mega Millions are also available in California.

Is there an app to buy lottery tickets in California?

The official California Lottery site has an app with a lot of information about the lotteries available. However, since state lottery tickets cannot be purchased online, you cannot buy tickets on an app.

How long does it take to get your Lottery winnings in California?

The processing time by the California Lottery takes between six to eight weeks to receive your winnings. The prize needs to be claimed within 180 days from the date of the winning draw for all lotteries except the multi-jurisdictional ones. For the Powerball and California Lottery Mega Millions, you have one year to claim your winnings.

Can I buy a Lotto ticket online in California?

There are several online lottery sites that offer lottery games. When it comes to the state lottery, tickets can only be purchased from a licensed vendor. You can also sign up with an online agent to buy the tickets for you from an official retailer, and you will receive your tickets via email.

Does California allow Indian lottery?

Yes, the State Constitution allows the State Lottery to take place. Indian tribes are authorized to operate games that are already legal in the State. So unless the state itself has prohibited gambling, Indian tribes can operate casinos and online gaming.

Which is the best lottery in California?

California’s lottery selection is diverse and exciting. The best lottery in California is the SuperLotto Plus as it gives you the highest odds of winning. A single ticket gives you a 1 in 42 million chance to win, unlike others like the Mega Millions which has 1 in 302,575,350.

Can I play the lottery online?

To play the lottery online you can choose from several online lottery sites available in California. Different platforms offer different lottery games and betting opportunities on lottery draws.