Lottery Myths

Myth or fact?

Find some of the most common misconceptions about the lottery below. Give them a read to make sure you're not under the wrong impression.

Hover over a myth to reveal the fact behind it.

Myth

Winning numbers are selected by the Texas Lottery

Fact

As the Texas Lottery has a commitment to the fairness of its games, the drawing process is completely random and unbiased. The drawing machines are rotated every month and the designated ball sets are randomly chosen before each drawing takes place. The Texas Lottery's Security team supervises the drawings which are certified by an Independent accounting firm. The results are then reviewed by an independent statistician. The drawings take place in the Texas Lottery's studio in Austin and the public is welcome to view the drawing of the winning numbers live.

Myth

Lottery retailers know which of the scratch tickets are winners

Fact

Retailers cannot see if a ticket is a winner unless the latex on the scratch ticket is removed. When purchasing a scratch ticket, make sure the scratch material is intact and has not been tampered with or removed.

Myth

You must live in Texas in order to be able to claim a prize

Fact

Whilst tickets must be bought from a licensed lottery retailer in Texas, the Texas Lottery has no restrictions or limitations regarding the citizenship of a winner.

Myth

Mega Millions or Powerball prizes are never won in Texas

Fact

More than 40 states participate in Mega Millions and Powerball draws. Texas winners have received Mega Millions prizes worth over $1 billion and Powerball prizes worth over $400 million.

Myth

Scratch tickets are still sold after the top prizes have been claimed

Fact

The Texas Lottery sends a message to all retailers to stop selling that game once all top prizes have been claimed. They then pick up the remaining tickets for that game.

Myth

The annual payments stop in case a Lotto Texas jackpot winner passes away

Fact

If a prize winner who claimed a lottery installment prize dies, the Texas Lottery Commission pays the remaining payments to the estate of the deceased winner. This only applies to games which offer annual payments such as Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto Texas, Weekly Grand, and Monthly Bonus.

Upcoming Jackpots
Saturday's Powerball jackpot:
$171,000,000
Time remaining:
  • 0d
  • 0h
  • 0m
  • 0s
Friday's Mega Millions jackpot:
$453,000,000
Time remaining:
  • 0d
  • 0h
  • 0m
  • 0s