Fantasy 5 is a daily lottery game offered by the California State Lottery. It provides players with the chance to win substantial prizes, including a top prize that can reach up to $1 million. With straightforward rules and daily draws, Fantasy 5 has become a popular choice among lottery enthusiasts in California.
How to Play Fantasy 5
Playing Fantasy 5 is simple and user-friendly. Here’s how you can participate:
Select Your Numbers: Choose five numbers from a pool of 1 to 39. You can either select your own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the system randomly generates numbers for you.
Decide on the Number of Draws: Fantasy 5 offers an Advance Play option, allowing you to play the same set of numbers for multiple consecutive draws. You can choose up to 12 consecutive draws on a single playslip.
Purchase Your Ticket: Each play costs $1. Ensure you purchase your ticket before the sales cut-off time at 6:30 PM Pacific Time on the day of the draw. Sales resume at 6:35 PM after a brief draw break.
Draw Schedule and Times
Fantasy 5 draws occur daily, shortly after the ticket sales close at 6:30 PM PT. The draw itself takes place immediately after this cut-off, and no sales or ticket validations can occur from 6:30 PM to 6:35 PM during the draw break.
Prize Structure and Odds
Fantasy 5 offers four prize categories, each with its own set of odds and prize amounts:
Match 5 Numbers (Jackpot): Match all five numbers to win the jackpot. The odds of winning this prize are 1 in 575,757.
Match 4 Numbers: Match four numbers to win a share of the prize allocated for this category. The odds are 1 in 3,387.
Match 3 Numbers: Match three numbers to win a share of the prize allocated for this category. The odds are 1 in 103.
Match 2 Numbers: Match two numbers to win a free Quick Pick ticket for the next draw. The odds are 1 in 10.
Overall, the odds of winning any prize in Fantasy 5 are 1 in 9.
Jackpot Details
The starting jackpot for Fantasy 5 varies between $60,000 and $80,000, depending on ticket sales. If there are no jackpot winners, the prize rolls over to the next draw, increasing the jackpot amount. There is no cap on the jackpot; it continues to grow until a winner is found. The largest jackpot ever won was $1.05 million, shared by four players on November 4, 2023.
How to Claim Prizes
Claiming your Fantasy 5 prize depends on the amount won:
Prizes Up to $599: Visit any authorized California Lottery retailer to claim your prize. Alternatively, you can mail your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form to the California Lottery headquarters.
Prizes of $600 and Above: Complete a claim form and submit it, along with your winning ticket, to a California Lottery District Office. You can also mail your claim to the California Lottery headquarters.
All prizes must be claimed within 180 days from the draw date. For detailed instructions and claim forms, visit the California Lottery’s official website.
Benefits of Playing Fantasy 5
The funds generated from Fantasy 5 ticket sales contribute significantly to California’s public education system. Approximately 95 cents of every player dollar is returned to the community through prizes, funding for public schools and colleges, and retailer compensation.
Additional Features
Second Chance Drawing: If you spend $5 or more on a single ticket, you’ll receive a Fantasy 5 – 2nd Chance code. This code gives you an extra opportunity to win prizes in a weekly drawing, which includes three $10,000 prizes and twelve $1,000 prizes. Each code is valid for 180 days from the purchase date.
Responsible Gaming
While playing Fantasy 5 can be exciting, it’s essential to play responsibly. Ensure that your participation in the lottery remains a fun and enjoyable experience. For resources and support on responsible gaming, visit the California Lottery’s official website.
Conclusion
Fantasy 5 offers a straightforward and engaging lottery experience with daily draws and the potential for substantial prizes. By understanding the game’s rules, prize structure, and claiming procedures, players can fully enjoy the excitement that comes with participating in this popular California lottery game.
