New York Lottery Launches Millionaire for Life With $1m Annual Top Prize
HARRISBURG, NY – The New York Lottery will launch its new Millionaire for Life™ draw game on February 22, 2026.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The nightly game introduces a $5 price point and new lifetime prize structures that expand options for players while adding another revenue stream for state schools.
Tickets go on sale at 5 a.m. on Sunday, February 22, with the first drawing scheduled for 11:15 p.m. ET the same evening. The game’s headline prize offers $1 million a year for life, while the second-tier award provides $100,000 annually for life. Winners of the top prize may opt for guaranteed annual payments for at least 20 years or select a discounted lump-sum cash payout.
Related: Wayne Murray Hits Multi-Million Scratch-Off Jackpot Twice in Two Years
Game Structure and Prize Details
Millionaire for Life allows players to select five numbers from 1 to 58 and one Millionaire Ball™ number from 1 to 5. Cash prizes begin at the lower tiers by matching just one white ball plus the Millionaire Ball, or by matching two white balls. The game features nine prize levels in total, with overall odds of winning any prize set at 1 in 8.47.
At $5 per play, the game enters the market at a higher price point than many daily draw options but positions itself below multi-jurisdictional jackpots such as Powerball and Mega Millions. The nightly draw schedule provides consistent engagement, distinguishing it from weekly or bi-weekly formats.
Millionaire for Life joins an established lineup that includes Powerball, Mega Millions, New York Lotto, Numbers, Win 4, Take 5, Quick Draw, Money Dots and Pick 10. The addition broadens the Lottery’s mid-tier offering between smaller daily games and large rollover jackpots.
Revenue Impact and Education Funding
New York Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer said the new game strengthens the Lottery’s portfolio while continuing its role in education funding.
“This new game gives New Yorkers daily chances at winning life-changing money while raising important aid for public schools."
The New York Lottery remains North America’s largest and most profitable lottery system. In fiscal year 2024-2025, it contributed $3.6 billion to benefit public schools across the state. Officials have framed the launch as both an entertainment expansion and a funding mechanism for education.
Tickets will be available at authorized New York Lottery retailers statewide, and as part of a multistate draw structure, the game expands participation beyond a single jurisdiction.
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Alongside the launch, officials reiterated access to responsible gambling resources. New Yorkers seeking assistance can visit NYProblemGamblingHelp.org, call the state’s confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369), or text HOPENY (467369).
As the February 22 debut approaches, Millionaire for Life represents the Lottery’s latest attempt to balance player appeal with long-term public funding objectives. The nightly format, lifetime payment structure and defined odds position the game as a permanent addition rather than a promotional rollout.
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