Ball Machine vs Computer Drawings
Not every state draws the same way. Some states drop real numbered balls from a machine; others draw their numbers with a certified computer random number generator. Here's how each state we track does it.
Ball machine
Real numbered balls drop from a machine for the main daily games.
Computer
Numbers are generated by a certified random number generator (RNG).
No lottery
These states have no state-run lottery at all — no draw games of any kind.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Nevada
- Utah
States with video replays
These states publish official drawing videos you can watch right on their game pages. Powerball and Mega Millions also have replays.
Some states mix methods by game — for example, a state may use ball machines for its evening Pick games but a computer for Cash Pop or midday draws. Powerball and Mega Millions always use real ball machines. Drawing methods are set by each state lottery and can change over time.