How to Become a “Millionaire for Life”: 9 Expert Money Hacks You Can Start Today

INTRODUCTION Lottery players across the United States are counting down to February 22, 2026, the date when the brand-new multi-state draw game “Millionaire for Life” begins awarding a breathtaking prize: $1 million a year—every year—for the rest of the winner’s life. Replacing the long-running Lucky for Life game, this daily drawing is set to roll out in 30 states plus the District of Columbia, instantly becoming one of the richest annuity jackpots in U.S. lottery history. WHY MILLIONAIRE FOR LIFE IS MAKING HEADLINES • Life-changing top prize: Instead of a single lump sum, winners collect $1 million every year with no fixed end date, creating true generational wealth. • Daily drawings: Tickets will be drawn seven nights a week at 10:15 p.m. ET, giving players 365 chances a year to strike it rich. • Broad availability: Jurisdictions from Ohio to Connecticut, Tennessee to West Virginia have already confirmed participation, and more lotteries are expected to join before launch. HOW TO PLAY 1. Pick 5 numbers from 1–48 and one “Cash Ball” from 1–18. 2. Each play costs $2; add-on options such as EZ Match (where available) let players win instant cash at the time of purchase. 3. Match all five numbers plus the Cash Ball to claim the $1 million-a-year grand prize. Matching fewer numbers still yields cash prizes starting at $4. ODDS AND PAYOUTS • Grand prize odds: 1 in 23 million (approx.). • Secondary prizes: Up to $25,000 a year for life for matching five numbers without the Cash Ball. • Overall odds of winning any prize: 1 in 8.3. Unlike Mega Millions or Powerball, Millionaire for Life offers fixed prizes rather than jackpots that grow with ticket sales, giving players clear expectations every draw. TAX CONSIDERATIONS Annual prize payments will be subject to federal tax withholding and, where applicable, state taxes. Because the annuity lasts for life, winners should consult financial advisors about estate planning to ensure heirs continue to benefit. WHY LOTTERY OFFICIALS ARE EXCITED State lottery directors say the new game freshens their product line while maintaining the “for life” appeal that made Lucky for Life popular. The daily format is expected to boost retail traffic and digital engagement by creating nightly appointment viewing for the draw. TIPS FOR PLAYERS • Buy tickets early on launch day; heavy demand could lengthen in-store lines. • Use a players club account or mobile app (where legal) to secure your numbers and receive win notifications. • Sign the back of your ticket immediately and store it safely—annuity prizes require meticulous documentation. COMPARISON TO OTHER “FOR LIFE” GAMES Millionaire for Life dwarfs Cash4Life’s $1,000-a-day top prize and offers better grand-prize odds than the national mega-lotteries, making it a unique middle ground between daily draw games and billion-dollar jackpots. WHAT’S NEXT Retailers will begin selling tickets on February 21, 2026, with the inaugural drawing held the following evening. Early sales data and first-week winners are likely to dominate news cycles, so keep an eye on your state lottery’s official channels for real-time updates. BOTTOM LINE With its daily drawings, expansive footprint and lifetime $1 million payout, Millionaire for Life is poised to become 2026’s blockbuster lottery sensation. Whether you’re a seasoned jackpot chaser or a casual player looking for a shot at financial freedom, this new game offers a compelling reason to dream—and to mark February 22 on your calendar.