Missoula, MT – The Montana Lottery announced that the annual Montana Millionaire game will go on sale Sunday, November 1, at 5:30 a.m. This year the game expands to 720,000 tickets, an increase of 100,000 over last year’s 620,000. Each ticket costs $20 and the draw will award six grand prizes of $1 million each.

Ticket Availability and Expected Demand

Historically, Montana Millionaire tickets have sold out quickly. In 2025, all 620,000 tickets were purchased in roughly six and a half hours. The year before, 500,000 tickets vanished in under three hours. With an additional 100,000 tickets on offer, the lottery expects a similarly brisk pace, though the extra supply may give early risers a few more minutes before the racks empty.

Early‑Morning Sale and Daylight‑Saving Time

The sale time of 5:30 a.m. aligns with the state’s tradition of early‑morning ticket lines. This year, the start coincides with the end of daylight‑saving time, giving Montanans an extra hour of sleep before the rush. Whether the extra hour eases the scramble remains to be seen.

Additional Game Features

Beyond the six $1 million grand prizes, the 2026 game includes:

• 9,700 instant‑win prizes – 7,000 awards of $100 and 2,700 awards of $500.
• A $250,000 “Quarter‑Million Monday” drawing scheduled for November 30.
• A $20,000 second‑chance drawing for members of the Montana Lottery Player’s Club.

These supplemental prizes are intended to increase participation and give more players a chance at a win.

Community Response

Montanans across the state have embraced the tradition of lining up at local retailers, often in pajamas and with coffee in hand. The lottery’s officials note that the ticket volume now approaches the state’s population, underscoring the game’s popularity as a community event.

What to Expect

Lottery officials anticipate another rapid sell‑out, though the exact timing will depend on how many people take advantage of the extra hour of sleep and the expanded ticket pool. Residents are encouraged to arrive early, especially in smaller towns where retailer inventory may be limited.

How to Purchase

Tickets will be available at all authorized Montana Lottery retailers beginning at 5:30 a.m. on November 1. Purchasers can also buy tickets online through the Montana Lottery’s official website, though the physical ticket rush remains a hallmark of the game’s culture.

Looking Ahead

The Montana Millionaire game marks its 20th anniversary this year, and the lottery hopes the expanded offering will continue to bring excitement and potential life‑changing winnings to Montanans. The organization will monitor sales closely and provide updates on sell‑out times as the morning progresses.

Original reporting: NewsTalk KGVO 1290 (Townsquare) — read the source article.