Casino
SuperLotto Plus
California's SuperLotto Plus is a twice-weekly draw game operated by the California Lottery since 1986. This guide covers the mechanics, prize structure, odds, and mathematical framework behind the game.
How SuperLotto Plus Works
Players select 6 numbers from a pool of 1 to 47, plus 1 bonus ball from 1 to 27. The draw machine selects 6 winning numbers from the main pool and 1 bonus number from the secondary pool.
The structure uses two independent pools rather than a single set of supplementary balls. The main 6/47 draw determines the top prize and most lower tiers. The bonus ball from the 1/27 pool acts as a tiebreaker or secondary qualifier for specific prize levels.
Players match combinations of main numbers and the bonus to determine their prize tier. Matching all 6 main numbers with the bonus ball wins the jackpot. Matching 6 main numbers without the bonus qualifies for a secondary prize. Partial matches of main numbers, with or without the bonus, fill the remaining tiers.
Prize Structure and Odds
SuperLotto Plus has nine prize divisions. The top prize starts at a guaranteed minimum and grows based on ticket sales and rollovers.
Tier 1 (6 main + 1 bonus): Jackpot. Odds of winning this tier are 1 in 41,416,353.
Tier 2 (6 main, no bonus): Fixed amount. The odds of matching all 6 main numbers without the bonus are 1 in 3,009,732.
Tier 3 through Tier 9 involve matching 5 main numbers with or without the bonus, 4 main numbers with or without the bonus, 3 main numbers with the bonus, and 3 main numbers alone. Each tier has progressively better odds and smaller payouts.
The odds of winning any prize in SuperLotto Plus are approximately 1 in 26. This means roughly one in every 26 tickets produced will return some prize, though most prizes are small.
The game funds prizes from ticket revenue after the state's cut. The percentage returned to players via prizes varies but typically sits between 50 and 60 percent of ticket sales. The remainder funds state education programs and retailer commissions.
Draw Schedule and Timing
SuperLotto Plus holds draws twice per week: Wednesday and Saturday evenings. The drawing window is typically 7:45 PM Pacific time, though players should confirm the exact timing on the California Lottery website.
Ticket sales close at 7:00 PM Pacific on draw days. The drawing uses two mechanical ball machines, one for the main 47-number set and one for the 27-number bonus pool.
Results post within hours of the draw. Players can verify tickets through retailers, the California Lottery website, or authorized mobile applications.
Expected Value and Player Mathematics
The expected value of a SuperLotto Plus ticket is negative. Tickets cost $1. If prizes return 50 to 60 percent of ticket revenue on average, the expected value ranges from $0.50 to $0.60 per ticket. Players should treat lottery tickets as entertainment with a known cost, not as investment.
Syndicate play does not improve expected value per player but does distribute the risk of a large win across multiple people. A 10-member syndicate sharing a jackpot receives one-tenth of the prize after taxes.
Numbers have no memory. Each draw is independent. Frequency analysis, hot numbers, and cold numbers have no predictive value. The lottery draws are randomized by mechanical machines and certified by regulatory bodies.
Jackpot annuity payments are usually spread over 29 years. Winners can elect a lump sum cash payout, which is substantially smaller. Tax withholding occurs at both federal (37 percent for top earners) and California state (13.3 percent top bracket) levels.
History and Regulation
California Lottery launched SuperLotto Plus in March 1986 as an expansion of the existing SuperLotto game. The state lottery operates under the California State Lottery Act of 1984, overseen by the California Department of Finance.
The game has been adjusted multiple times to increase prize pools and jackpot sizes. Rule changes have altered the number pools and prize structures to maintain player interest and maximize revenue for state education funding.
All drawings are conducted in public facilities with independent auditors present. The machines and ball sets undergo periodic testing and certification to ensure randomness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the main numbers and the bonus ball in SuperLotto Plus?
Players pick 6 numbers from 1 to 47 and 1 bonus number from 1 to 27. The draw machine selects 6 winning numbers from the main pool and 1 bonus number separately. The bonus number only affects certain prize tiers. Matching all 6 main numbers plus the bonus wins the jackpot. Matching all 6 main numbers without the bonus wins a smaller fixed prize in Tier 2. Lower tiers require matching fewer main numbers, with some tiers requiring the bonus and others not.
How are SuperLotto Plus jackpots paid out?
Winners can choose between an annuity or a lump sum. The annuity spreads payments over 29 years with annual increases. The lump sum is paid immediately but is substantially less than the total annuity value. Both are subject to federal income tax at rates up to 37 percent for top earners and California state income tax at up to 13.3 percent. The state withholds taxes before the winner receives payment. Winners must claim prizes within 180 days of the drawing.
What are the odds of winning any prize in SuperLotto Plus?
The overall odds of winning at least the smallest prize are approximately 1 in 26. This includes all nine prize tiers. The odds of winning the jackpot (Tier 1) are 1 in 41,416,353. Each prize tier has specific odds based on the combinations of numbers needed to match the drawn results. Most prizes awarded are in the lower tiers and return small amounts.
When are SuperLotto Plus draws held?
Draws occur twice per week on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, typically at 7:45 PM Pacific time. Ticket sales close at 7:00 PM on draw days. Players should confirm exact draw times on the official California Lottery website. Results are posted within hours of each drawing and can be verified through retailers or the state lottery platform.
Does California Lottery withhold taxes from SuperLotto Plus winnings?
Yes. The state withholds federal income tax at a standard rate and California state income tax. Prizes of $600 or more trigger withholding. Jackpot winners face federal tax rates up to 37 percent and California state tax up to 13.3 percent, depending on total income and tax bracket. The actual tax liability may differ from withholdings. Winners should consult a tax professional to understand their full obligations.
What percentage of SuperLotto Plus ticket sales go to prizes?
Approximately 50 to 60 percent of ticket revenue returns to players as prizes. The remainder funds state education programs, retailer commissions, and lottery administration. This means the expected value of a $1 ticket is between $0.50 and $0.60. Players should view lottery tickets as entertainment with a known cost rather than as a method to generate returns.
