New Fantasy 5 Starts on Monday, July 16

NR 07-13-01 ... The Florida Lottery officially announced today that a new Fantasy 5 game will start on Monday, Jul 16. New Fantasy 5 is based on 36 numbers and replaces the current Fantasy 5 which, as some long-time players might remember, had itself replaced an earlier version of Fantasy 5. According to the Lottery, New Fantasy 5 will offer exciting modifications – including bigger jackpots, increased lower-tier prizes, a “roll down” feature, and a free Quick Pick ticket for matching 2 out of 5 numbers.

Fantasy 5 was originally launched on 2 May 1989 with a matrix of 39 numbers. Four years later, on 30 Apr 1993, the game was restructured to a 26-number matrix in order to increase the number of top prize winners, each one collecting a smaller individual prize payout nonetheless. Players responded positively, and Fantasy 5 continued to make major contributions to Lottery revenue. Total Fantasy 5 sales since 1989 have surpassed $3.9 billion now, thereby generating over $1.4 billion for Florida’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.

Even with the game’s successful runs between 1989 – 1993 and 1993 – 2001, Fantasy 5 is due for another change now. Lottery players have spoken again, and this time they requested a return to larger top prizes. “As with any consumer business, we look to our customers for direction and for ideas about how to improve our products,” said Lottery Secretary David Griffin. “We conducted surveys and held focus groups with active Lottery players, and more than 70% of them said they wanted these types of changes.”

The most significant change to the revamped game is the top prize. Old Fantasy 5 top prizes averaged $19,500 per winner, while new Fantasy 5 top prizes will average an estimated $100,000 per winner. The increased top prizes are attained by offering a larger play matrix of 36 instead of 26 numbers. The old 26-number Fantasy 5 matrix was the smallest in the country for a game with five numbers.

Another important change is the new “roll down” feature. If no one wins the Fantasy 5 top prize, the money in the top-prize pool "rolls down" to the 4 of 5 prize category and is shared equally among all winners in that category. Furthermore, all players who match 2 of 5 numbers now will receive a free Fantasy 5 Quick Pick ticket for the next draw.

Why is the Lottery changing Fantasy 5?

Like any good business, the Lottery is responding to the wishes of its customers. Players have been requesting bigger top prizes and higher lower-tier prizes. The new Fantasy 5 game offers both bigger estimated prizes and exciting new features.

What new features does Fantasy 5 offer?

The New Fantasy 5 game offers bigger estimated top prizes, increased lower-tier prizes, a "roll down" feature, and a free Quick Pick Fantasy 5 ticket for matching just two numbers.

What is a “roll down?”

If no one wins the Fantasy 5 top prize, the money in the top-prize pool "rolls down" to the 4 of 5 prize category and is shared equally by all winners in that category.

How do I claim my free Fantasy 5 ticket for matching two numbers?

Simply take your winning Fantasy 5 ticket to any Florida Lottery on-line game retailer for redemption. Free Fantasy 5 Quick Pick tickets cannot be canceled.

Can I use my existing Fantasy 5 play slip [based on 26 numbers]?

No. The new Fantasy 5 game requires that you use a new play slip. The old 26-number play slips will work until Sunday, Jul 15. The new 36-number play slips will begin working on Monday, Jul 16.

Can I still purchase Fantasy 5 Advance Play tickets?

Yes. Fantasy 5 Advance Play tickets are available for up to 30 consecutive drawings.

What are the odds of winning the new Fantasy 5 game?

Please see the comparison chart below.

Comparison Chart Between Old & New Fantasy 5 Games

Revised: 07-16-01