Lottery Doubles Top Prize of Easy 5's Instant-Win Option, ezmatch, During April

Beginning March 30 through the end of April, the Louisiana Lottery will double the top prize on ezmatch, the instant-win component of its match-5 jackpot game, Easy 5. In addition, ezmatch players will enjoy a richer prize payout and better odds on four other prize levels.

When players add ezmatch to their Easy 5 ticket for an additional dollar, five ezmatch numbers print in a column on the ticket along with a corresponding instant prize amount for each number.  The player wins an ezmatch prize for each number that matches their Easy 5 numbers.

"The best part about Easy 5 with ezmatch is that it gives players a chance to win now and win later," explained Lottery President Rose Hudson. "To sweeten the deal even more, we're bringing back our ezDay$ of April promotion, which doubles the ezmatch top prize to $500."

Last fiscal year, the Lottery’s Easy 5 ticket sales increased 27 percent with a 36 percent bump in ezmatch sales during the ezDay$ of April promotion.

"With Powerball and Mega Millions experiencing record jackpots over the last year, we wanted to continue giving players reasons to sample the unique features of our other draw-style games," Hudson added. "In particular, Easy 5’s favorable overall odds and easy play style combined with the instant-win ezmatch ticket add-on make Easy 5 a fun option."

With drawings on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Easy 5 offers a starting cash jackpot of $50,000 that grows until it is won. Each play costs $1. Besides the jackpot, the game features three other prize levels and overall prize-winning odds of 1 in 8, the best of any Louisiana Lottery draw-style game. Ezmatch can be added to a player's Easy 5 ticket for $1 more, and any prizes won can be claimed immediately at a retailer. With overall winning odds of 1 in 6.56 and a 66.25 percent prize payout during the promotional period, ezmatch will also feature seven prize levels that range from $2 to $500.

Lottery ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. Anyone with a gambling problem, or friends of anyone with a gambling problem, is encouraged to call toll-free 1-877-770-7867 for assistance. For security purposes, players should sign the back of their tickets after purchasing.

More information about how to play Easy 5 with ezmatch, including enhanced prizes during the April promotion, can be found on the Lottery's website at www.louisianalottery.com/ezdays.

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