The much-anticipated Montana Millionaire tickets for 2025 are about to hit the shelves — and if past years are any indication, they won’t be there for long. Every year, thousands of Montanans and visiting players line up before sunrise, hoping to snag one of these golden tickets before they vanish, sometimes in just a couple of hours.
This year, the Montana Lottery is bringing even more excitement, with extra tickets, more million-dollar prizes, and an all-new bonus drawing worth a quarter of a million dollars. If you plan to play, now’s the time to get ready — because 2025 promises to be the biggest and fastest-selling Montana Millionaire yet.
Montana Millionaire 2025: Bigger, Better, and More Prizes Than Ever
The Montana Lottery has officially confirmed that 620,000 Montana Millionaire tickets will be printed and sold in 2025 — an increase of 120,000 from last year’s 500,000. This marks the largest ticket release in the game’s history, giving more players a chance to participate while still maintaining limited availability that keeps the game thrilling and competitive.
Tickets will officially go on sale on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 5:30 a.m. (Mountain Time). Each ticket costs $20, and can be purchased at any licensed Montana Lottery retailer throughout the state.
Despite the increased number of tickets, the Montana Lottery expects the 2025 edition to sell out faster than ever before. Last year’s 500,000 tickets were completely gone in under three hours, and officials anticipate a repeat performance — possibly an even faster one — as anticipation continues to grow.
A Look Back: Why Montana Millionaire Has Become a Holiday Tradition
The Montana Millionaire isn’t just a lottery game anymore — it’s a local tradition that marks the start of the holiday season. Since its debut in 2007, the raffle has transformed from a small state game into a Montana-wide phenomenon.
For many, buying a ticket on November 1 has become as much a part of the season as Thanksgiving or Christmas shopping. People line up outside gas stations, convenience stores, and lottery retailers across the state before dawn, some even camping overnight just to secure their tickets.
The charm lies in its simplicity:
- A fixed number of tickets.
- Guaranteed million-dollar prizes.
- Instant wins that pay cash right away.
The limited nature of the game means players know exactly how many tickets exist — and that they’re competing within a defined pool. That sense of exclusivity is part of why Montana Millionaire tickets have become one of the most sought-after items in the state every November.
Grand Prizes: Five Million-Dollar Winners Await
One of the biggest updates for the 2025 Montana Millionaire is the increase in grand prizes. This year, five lucky winners will each receive $1 million — one more than last year’s four grand prize winners.
The final drawing for these prizes will take place on December 26, 2025, just after Christmas. It’s become somewhat of a Montana tradition for the state to celebrate a few brand-new millionaires during the holiday season, and this year will be no different — except that there’s an even greater chance of walking away with the grand prize.
Each of the winning tickets will be drawn from the total pool of sold tickets. And since the tickets sell out every year, the odds remain consistent, creating a fair and transparent raffle where every ticket has the same shot.
New Feature for 2025: Quarter Million Monday
Adding more excitement to the season, the Montana Lottery has introduced a brand-new prize tier called Quarter Million Monday.
On December 1, 2025, one winning ticket will be drawn for a $250,000 prize. What makes this special is that the winning ticket for this draw remains eligible for the grand prize drawing later in December, giving that player two opportunities to win life-changing money.
This early-December drawing is designed to keep the momentum going between the start of ticket sales and the big end-of-month finale. It’s also a clever way to reward players who bought tickets early.
Instant-Win Prizes: Thousands of Immediate Winners
Beyond the grand and bonus prizes, the instant-win system continues to be a fan favorite. The Montana Lottery has confirmed that thousands of instant-win tickets will again be mixed into the 620,000-ticket batch.
These instant prizes offer quick cash rewards — no waiting, no drawings. Players can claim their winnings immediately at any authorized retailer. For 2025, the instant prizes include:
| Prize Amount | Number of Winning Tickets |
|---|---|
| $500 | 2,500 winners |
| $100 | 6,100 winners |
This means over 8,000 players will win something instantly, long before the grand prize drawings even happen. For many, that immediate gratification adds to the excitement — and helps justify getting up before dawn to buy tickets.
How and Where to Buy Montana Millionaire Tickets
If you plan to play this year, you’ll need to be strategic — because the competition for Montana Millionaire tickets is fierce.
Here’s how to prepare:
- Mark Your Calendar: November 1, 2025, at 5:30 a.m. MT.
- Buy In-Person Only: Tickets can only be purchased at licensed Montana Lottery retailers within the state.
- Bring Cash or Card: Most retailers accept both, but payment methods vary.
- Check Store Hours: Some retailers open earlier than others. Find one that opens before 5:30 a.m. for the best chance.
- Hold Your Ticket Safely: Once purchased, sign the back immediately. Lost or unsigned tickets cannot be replaced or claimed by another person.
You don’t need to be a Montana resident to play — anyone 18 or older who buys a ticket inside the state is eligible.
When and Where to Check Winning Numbers
After each drawing, winning numbers for the Montana Millionaire will be available on:
- The official Montana Lottery website.
- Local news outlets and television stations.
- Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, where the Montana Lottery posts official results.
For instant-win tickets, players can scan their tickets immediately at any retailer or use the Montana Lottery mobile app to verify if they’ve won.
Odds and Prize Distribution for 2025
Each Montana Millionaire ticket has an equal chance of winning. The odds depend on the number of tickets printed and the prizes offered. Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 odds:
| Prize | Number of Prizes | Approximate Odds |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000,000 | 5 | 1 in 124,000 |
| $250,000 | 1 | 1 in 620,000 |
| $500 Instant Win | 2,500 | 1 in 248 |
| $100 Instant Win | 6,100 | 1 in 102 |
While those odds might seem long, they are significantly better than multi-state lottery games like Powerball or Mega Millions, where odds stretch into the hundreds of millions.
Past Winners and Notable Moments
The Montana Millionaire has created dozens of millionaires since its inception. In 2024, four players won the $1 million prizes, with winning tickets sold in cities including Great Falls, Butte, and Dillon.
The Quarter Million Monday drawing from that year went to a Helena resident who bought their ticket at a small local gas station — proving that in this game, any location can produce a winner.
One of the reasons the Montana Millionaire is so beloved is that many winners are everyday Montanans — teachers, farmers, nurses, and small business owners. Their stories often make headlines and inspire others to try their luck in the following year’s game.
Claiming Your Prize
For small instant-win prizes ($100 or $500), you can cash in directly at most retail locations.
For large prizes like $250,000 or $1 million, winners must visit the Montana Lottery Headquarters in Helena to claim their prize in person.
To claim, you’ll need:
- The original signed ticket.
- A valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport).
- Completed claim paperwork provided by the Lottery office.
All large winnings are subject to federal and state taxes. Most winners choose to receive the prize as a one-time lump sum.
Where the Money Goes
A key part of the Montana Lottery’s mission is to give back to the state. Proceeds from the Montana Millionaire help fund education, health services, and public programs across the state.
That means when you buy a ticket, you’re not just taking a shot at life-changing money — you’re also contributing to Montana’s schools, community initiatives, and local infrastructure.
This “play with purpose” model has helped maintain strong public support for the lottery, ensuring it remains a highlight of the Montana holiday season year after year.
Tips for First-Time Players
If you’re new to the Montana Millionaire game, here are some helpful tips to boost your experience:
- Arrive early: Tickets often sell out within hours.
- Bring a backup plan: Know two or three retailers nearby, in case one sells out first.
- Buy multiple tickets responsibly: Some people purchase several to improve their odds, but remember — only spend what you can afford to lose.
- Keep your ticket secure: Treat it like cash. Unsigned tickets can be claimed by whoever holds them.
- Check your numbers carefully: Don’t rely solely on the cashier — verify online or with the official app.
Why 2025 Could Be the Biggest Montana Millionaire Yet
Everything about the 2025 Montana Millionaire points to a record-breaking year — more tickets, more prizes, and more excitement. The addition of the Quarter Million Monday prize has added a mid-season thrill, while the fifth million-dollar prize gives players an even greater incentive to participate.
With the Montana Lottery’s proven track record of transparency and community contribution, this annual event continues to combine entertainment with positive impact for the state.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Montana Millionaire tickets offer more opportunities than ever before to join Montana’s growing list of lucky millionaires. Whether you’re a long-time player or someone buying a ticket for the first time, it’s an experience filled with anticipation, excitement, and the hope of a life-changing win.
As November 1 approaches, remember to set your alarm early, find your nearest retailer, and prepare for the rush — because once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Are you planning to grab your Montana Millionaire ticket this year? Share your thoughts, strategies, or past experiences in the comments below — and stay tuned for the winning numbers this December!