Understanding Prize Tiers: It's Not Just About the Jackpot
Everyone dreams of the top prize, but there are thousands of winners in lower prize divisions every week. Here's how they work.
The Prize Pyramid
Think of a lottery's prize pool as a pyramid. The jackpot is the very top—valuable but won by a few. The vast majority of winners and prize money is distributed across the lower, wider levels, known as divisions or tiers.
When you play one of our lottery games, you're not just playing for the grand prize. You're automatically entered to win in multiple prize categories, called "divisions". Each division has its own requirements for winning (a specific combination of main and supplementary/special numbers) and its own prize amount. Knowing about these tiers helps you understand all the different ways you can win.
Why Lower Divisions Matter
While a Division 6 or 7 prize might not be life-changing, these smaller wins are an exciting part of the game. The odds of winning *any* prize are dramatically better than winning the jackpot alone, which means there are many more winning experiences to be had across all prize levels.
A Breakdown of Prize Divisions (Using Starlight Millions as an Example)
Most of our games have a similar tiered structure. Let's look at the different ways you can win:
Division 1 (The Jackpot)
Requirement: Match all main winning numbers + the special ball (e.g., the Star Ball).
This is the grand prize that makes headlines.
Division 2
Requirement: Match all main winning numbers, but not the special ball.
This is often a substantial six-figure prize.
Mid-Tier Divisions (3, 4, 5)
Requirement: Match a combination of fewer main numbers, sometimes with the special ball.
These prizes can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Lower-Tier Divisions (6, 7, 8, 9)
Requirement: Match as few as 2 main numbers + the special ball.
These smaller prizes are the most common and add to the fun of the game.
The Key Takeaway
Don't just focus on the jackpot. There are many prize divisions and many ways to become a winner. Every win, big or small, is an exciting moment!