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Frequently Asked Questions - Powerball
Mega Millions Lotto MatchPlay Cash 5 Scratch About the Lottery MyLottery General/Other Second-Chance Drawing
What are the odds in Powerball? The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1:195,249,054. The odds of winning any prize are 1:36. You can find more information on our Web site here: http://www.coloradolottery.com/index.cfm/ID/22/How-to-Play-Powerball/
What are the key differences between Powerball and Mega Millions?
The games are very similar with top prizes available for players who match all numbers drawn. Mega Millions jackpots start at $12 million; Powerball $20 million. Jackpot odds for Mega Millions are 1 in 176 million with overall odds of 1:40; Powerball jackpot odds are 1 in 196 million and overall odds are 1:36. Tickets cost $1 per line of play for both games and each game has an optional multiplier feature: Megaplier for Mega Millions and Power Play for Powerball. Mega Millions drawings are held on Tuesday and Friday evenings; Powerball drawings are held on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
When can I purchase Powerball tickets?
Powerball tickets are available for sale at 4:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. Sales are suspended at each evening at 11:59 p.m for system balancing. On Wednesday and Saturday drawing nights, sales are suspended at 7:30 p.m. and resume at 4:30 a.m. after system balancing has concluded.
What states, other than Colorado, participate in Powerball?
Powerball is played in 42 states, Washington D.C. and the US Virgin Islands.
Power Play is an exciting way to pump up your Powerball winnings. For an additional $1 per line of play, you can multiply your winnings by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times! A Power Play number from 2 to 5 is drawn at the time of the Powerball drawing. The Power Play number becomes the multiplier applied for that drawing. If you match at least the Powerball, your winnings will be multiplied by that number. (Power Play will not, however, multiply the jackpot amount.) For example, if you purchase the Power Play option and win the Match 4 prize of $100, and the Power Play number is 3, you would win $300 instead of $100.
Are subscriptions available for Powerball? Can I buy Powerball tickets online?
We do not offer an online or mail-in subscription service. We offer Advance Play through our retailers where you can play up to 26 draws for Powerball, Mega Millions, MatchPlay and Lotto, and up to 91 draws for Cash 5 (13 weeks). Check the Advance Play box on the edge of your play slip. The retailer will ask you how many draws you'd like to play, and charge you accordingly. The same numbers will be played for all drawings purchased.
Do I have to match the numbers in the exact order drawn? No. You can match the numbers drawn in any order.
Do I have to match the numbers in the exact order drawn?
No. You can match the numbers drawn in any order. Advance Play allows you to purchase up to 13 weeks of tickets at one time (26 draws for Powerball, Mega Millions, MatchPlay and Lotto, and 91 draws for Cash 5). Check the Advance Play box on your play slip, and then tell your retailer how many draws you'd like to play. The same numbers will be used for all of the drawings you request. You can check your ticket after all your drawings have been conducted and collect your winnings at once, or collect them as you go along. If you choose to collect your winnings after each drawing you win, be sure you get a replacement ticket. Advance Play is available at Lottery retail locations throughout Colorado.
What is the percentage of people who choose Quick Picks versus those who pick their own numbers?
In Colorado, about 80 percent of purchases are Quick Picks.
How can I find winning Powerball numbers?
Current winning numbers and access to past winning numbers can be found on the home page of the site (http://www.coloradolottery.com) or sign-up to become a member of MyLottery and winning numbers can be sent direct to your cell phone or email address. Click here to join MyLottery now. Lottery results are also publicized by most television stations and daily newspapers. Lottery retailers can print winning numbers reports for current and past drawing dates.
At what amount do Powerball jackpots begin? The Powerball jackpot starts at $20 million, and increases until it is hit when a winner matches all 6 numbers (5 numbers plus the Powerball).
When did Colorado join Powerball? The Colorado Lottery began ticket sales for Powerball on August 2, 2001, with the first drawing taking place on August 4, 2001. Powerball tickets can be purchased at all Colorado Lottery retailers.
What does the cash value equal for Powerball? The advertised Powerball jackpot is the estimated value of the annuity, which is paid in 30 graduated payments over 29 years. Winners also have the option of choosing the cash value which is approximately 50 percent of the annuitized value.
What is the Match 5 Bonus Prize and how does it work?
When the Powerball jackpot reaches the largest previous Powerball jackpot amount, the amount of the jackpot prize will increase by no more than $25 million per draw. Any jackpot prize money collected in excess of the increased jackpot amount will be placed into a Bonus Prize pool and will accumulate until there is a jackpot winner. At that time, the money in the Bonus Prize pool will be divided equally among all winners of the Match 5 prize. If there are no Match 5 winners, the Bonus Prize will be divided equally among all winners of the Match 4 + Powerball ($10,000) prize. The Bonus Prize will be paid in one lump cash sum.
Why is the cash value for Powerball less than 50% of the annuitized value?
The difference between the cash jackpot and the annuity jackpot depends on how much we can make in interest earnings. The more interest that we can make, the higher the annuity jackpot - and the lower the cash percentage. In times of high interest rates, the annuity prize will go UP and the difference between the two jackpot amounts will increase. It is not that we have reduced the cash; but that we have been able to increase the annuity prize. All of the cash jackpot and the interest earned is paid to the winner for the annuity. Rising interest rates increase the annuity jackpot (reduces the cash percentage), but a change in the payment method of the Powerball annuity prize is the big reason for the increased interest earnings to build the annuity prize. The annuity is now paid out as a graduated annuity. Each payment is 4% higher than the previous year's payment to help keep up with inflation.
Why is there a difference between the cash payouts in the Powerball and Mega Millions games?
A fixed percentage of every Mega Millions and Powerball ticket sold goes into its CASH jackpot. The cash jackpot is all the money that the lottery has on hand from the sale of tickets in the game. If a player chooses the cash option, then the Lottery will pay the entire cash amount to the winner (less income tax withholding amounts required by federal and state laws). The Lottery also offers an ANNUITY jackpot option that can help reduce taxes and offers the winner a 100% guranteed income stream over time. The two games offer different types of annual income streams, giving the players more options. If a winner elects the annuity option, then the Lottery will invest the entire cash amount before taxes are deducted. The difference between the CASH jackpot and the ANNUITY jackpot is the interest earnings that build over time. The Powerball annuity jackpot earns more interest for two reasons. 1. The Powerball Annuity Jackpot invests more money for a longer period of time. The Powerball annuity is paid out in graduated amounts (rising by 4% per year to keep up with inflation) over 29 years (30 payments). The annual payments grow larger to keep pace with the winner's expected cost of living. The Mega Millions annuity is paid out over 25 years (26 payments) with equal payments each year. In both cases, the first payment is an immediate cash payment. 2. The Powerball Annuity Jackpot is invested in a wider variety of securities than the Mega Millions Jackpot, allowing more interest to be earned. All of the securities used to support both games' jackpots offer significant levels of U.S. Governmental backing. It is important to understand that the Lottery is invested in these securities; not the winner. The winner has a contract with the states to pay the annual prize payment, no matter what happens to the securities. Since the two games' jackpots are invested differently, if the CASH jackpots are the same, the Powerball jackpot will pay a larger ANNUITY over time than Mega Millions. If the ANNUITY value of the jackpots is the same, then Megal Millions' CASH jackpot will be larger than Powerball's CASH jackpot. The CASH jackpot amounts present the true present-day values of the jackpots. A winner who wishes to take the CASH jackpot should compare only the CASH jackpot amounts. The ANNUITY jackpot amounts will be important for those winners who plan to select a long-term, fully guaranteed income stream.
Is the cash amount the jackpot amount after taxes?
No. When we advertise a prize of $100 million paid over 29 years (30 payments), we actually have less than $50 million in cash. When someone wins the jackpot and wants cash, we give them all of the cash in the jackpot prize pool. If the winner wants the annuity, we invest the $50 million in cash to fund the annuity payments. The winner gets the cash plus the interest earned. When you see an estimated jackpot annuity prize, we are estimating both sales and what the market's prices on certain securities will be. The annuity jackpot amount and the cash jackpot amount that we announce are always estimates until sales are final and, for the annuity jackpot, until we take bids on the purchase of securities. Federal and State Income tax apply to whatever income you actually receive in a given tax year, whether it is wages or lottery prizes. If you take the cash amount (say $50 million), then you pay income tax on $50 million. If you take the annuity (say $100 million), then you pay income tax on the money you actually receive each year. Just like your wages, a withholding amount is required to be taken out immediately. The lottery will send you a W2-G form and you figure your actual tax at tax time.
What are the odds in Mega Millions? The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1:175,711,536. The odds of winning any prize are 1:40. You can find more information on our Web site here:
When can I purchase Mega Millions tickets?
Mega Millions tickets are available for sale at 4:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. Sales are suspended each evening at 11:59 p.m. for system balancing. Sales are suspended on Tuesday and Friday drawing nights at 7:30 p.m. and resume the next morning at 4:30 a.m.
What states other than Colorado participate in Mega Millions? Mega Millions is played in 38 states and Washington D.C.
When did Colorado join Mega Millions?
We began selling Mega Millions tickets on May 16, 2010. The first drawing was held on May 18, 2010. Mega Millions tickets can be purchased at all Colorado Lottery Jackpot game retailers.
Megaplier is an exciting way to increase your Mega Millions winnings. For an additional $1 per line of play, you can multiply your non-jackpot winnings by 2, 3 or 4 times! The Megaplier number is chosen from a wheel spin with 2s, 3s and 4s. Any non-jackpot prize won on a Mega Millions play will be multiplied by the Megaplier number drawn if you purchased the Megaplier feature. For example, if you win the Match 4 price of $10,000 and the Megaplier is 3, you would win $30,000 instead of $10,000. And if you win the Match 5 prize of $250,000, and you also purchased Megaplier, your winnings could be multiplied by 4 and you could win a nice $1 million without hitting the jackpot*! * Mega Millions may reduce prize levels for Mega MIllions and/or Megaplier, including the Match 5+0 prize, if the number of winners claiming prizes exceeds the available draw sales and prize reserves.
Are subscriptions available for Mega Millions?
We do not offer online or mail-in subscription service. We offer Advance Play through our retailers where you can play up to 26 draws for Powerball, Mega Millions, MatchPlay and Lotto, and up to 91 draws for Cash 5 (13 weeks). Check the Advance Play box on the edge of your play slip. The retailer will ask you how many draws you'd like to play, and charge you accordingly. The same numbers will be played for all drawings purchased. Advance Play allows you to purchase up to 13 weeks of tickets at one time (26 draws for Powerball, Mega Millions, MatchPlay and Lotto, and 91 draws for Cash 5). Check the Advance Play box on your play slip, and then tell your retailer how many draws you'd like to play. The same numbers will be used for all of the drawings you request. You can check your ticket after all your drawings have been conducted and collect your winnings at once, or collect them as you go along. If you choose to collect your winnings after each drawing you win, be sure you get a replacement ticket. Advance Play is available at Lottery retail locations througout Colorado.
What is the percentage of people who choose Quick Picks versus those who pick their own numbers? In Colorado, about 80 percent of purchases are Quick Picks for Jackpot games.
When and where are the drawings held?
Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesday and Friday evenings at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Drawings are held at WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia.
At what amount does the Mega Millions jackpot begin? The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $12 million, and increases until it is hit when a winner matches all 6 numbers (5 numbers plus the Mega Ball).
What are the jackpot payout options?
If you are a Mega Millions jackpot winner, you will have the choice of a Cash Option or an Annuity. The Annuity option provides annual payments over a 26-year period.
What does the cash value equal for Mega Millions? The advertised Mega Millions jackpot is the estimated value of the annuity based on estimated sales. The cash value is equal to all the cash in the Mega Millions jackpot prize pool, or approximately 50 percent of the annuitized value.
How long do I have to collect a Mega Millions prize? Players have 180 days from the date of the drawing to collect prize winnings.
What happens to Mega Millions payments if the winner dies before collecting?
If a winner dies before receiving all 26 annual payments, Mega Millions will continue to pay the annual payments, as scheduled, to the winner's designated beneficiary or to the winner's estate.
What happens if I lose a ticket? The Colorado Lottery is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets. Protect yourself by signing the back of your tickets. Lottery tickets are bearer instruments. Unless signed, anyone in possession of the ticket can file a claim.
What are the key differences between Powerball and Mega Millions?
The games are very similar with top prizes available for players who match all numbers drawn. Mega Millions jackpots start at $12 million; Powerball $20 million. Jackpot odds for Mega Millions are 1 in 176 million with overall odds of 1:40; Powerball jackpot odds are 1 in 196 million and overall odds are 1:36. Tickets cost $1 per line of play for both games and each game has an optional multiplier feature: Megaplier for Mega Millions and Power Play for Powerball. Mega Millions drawings are held on Tuesday and Friday evenings; Powerball drawings are held on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
How can I find winning Mega Millions numbers?
Current winning numbers and access to past winning numbers can be found on the home page of the site (http://www.coloradolottery.com) or sign-up to become a member of MyLottery and winning numbers can be sent direct to your cell phone or email address. Click here to join MyLottery now. Lottery results are also publicized by most television stations and daily newspapers. Lottery retailers can print winning numbers reports for current and past drawing dates.
Why do Mega Millions and Powerball show different Cash Option amounts for similar-sized jackpots?
A fixed percentage of every Mega Millions and Powerball ticket sold goes into its CASH jackpot. The cash jackpot is all the money that the lottery has on hand from the sale of tickets in the game. If a player chooses the cash option, then the Lottery will pay entire cash amount to the winner (less income tax withholding amounts required by federal and state laws). The Lottery also offers an ANNUITY jackpot option that can help reduce taxes and offers the winner a 100% guaranteed income stream over time. The two games offer different types of annual income streams, giving the players more options. If a winner elects the annuity option, then the Lottery will invest the entire cash amount before taxes are deducted. The difference between the CASH jackpot and the ANNUITY jackpot is the interest earnings that build over time. The Powerball annuity jackpot earns more interest for two reasons.
Since the two games' jackpots are invested differently, if the CASH jackpots are the same, the Powerball jackpot will pay a larger ANNUITY over time than Mega Millions. If the ANNUITY value of the jackpots is the same, then Mega Millions' CASH jackpot will be larger than Powerball's CASH jackpot. The odds of winning the Lotto jackpot are 1:5,245,786. The odds of winning any prize are 1:35. You can find more information on our Web site here: http://www.coloradolottery.com/index.cfm/ID/36/Colorado-Lottery---How-to-Play-Lotto/
How can I find winning Lotto numbers? Current winning numbers and access to past winning numbers can be found on the home page of the site (http://www.coloradolottery.com) or you can sign-up to be a member of MyLottery and have winning numbers sent directly to your cell phone or email address. Click here to join MyLottery now. Lottery results are also publicized by most television stations and daily newspapers. Lottery retailers can print winning numbers reports for current and past drawing dates.
Lotto tickets are available for purchase at 4:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. They are suspended at 11:59 p.m. for system balancing. On Wednesday and Saturday drawing nights, sales are suspended at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased on Wednesday and Saturday drawing nights after the game balances and drawing has been certified until 11:59 p.m.
Are subscriptions available for Lotto?
We do not offer an online or mail-in subscription service. We offer Advance Play through our retailers where you can play up to 26 draws for Powerball, Mega Millions, MatchPlay and Lotto, and up to 91 draws for Cash 5 (13 weeks). Check the Advance Play box on the edge of your play slip. The retailer will ask you how many draws you'd like to play, and charge you accordingly. The same numbers will be played for all drawings purchased.
Advance Play allows you to purchase up to 13 weeks of tickets at one time (26 draws for Powerball, Mega Millions, MatchPlay and Lotto, and 91 draws for Cash 5). Check the Advance Play box on your play slip, and then tell your retailer how many draws you'd like to play. The same numbers will be used for all of the drawings you request. You can check your ticket after all of your drawings have been conducted and collect your winnings at once, or collect them as you go along. If you choose to collect your winnings after each drawing you win, be sure you get a replacement ticket. Advance Play is available at Lottery retail locations throughout Colorado.
Lotto winning numbers are picked by a stand-alone computer (a computer that is not connected to any network) that is locked in a secure room in a building located some distance away from the Lottery offices. The numbers are drawn using a random number generator based on quantum vision technology. Quantum vision technology basically means the computers use decaying radiation as part of the random generation process instead of a computer chip. For each Lotto drawing, two “test” drawings are held to ensure everything is in working order. After the two test drawings, the real drawing is held and the numbers entered into the Lottery’s system, which runs the numbers selected by the computer against all of the tickets purchased to determine if there is a winner. In order to ensure the integrity of each drawing, an employee of an independent certified public accounting firm (auditor), and a member of the Lottery’s security team are present for the entire process. In addition, an independent company, Gaming Laboratories (GLI), performs audits and test drawings to ensure everything is working properly and the games are fair. You are welcome to witness a drawing to see how it is done. If you would like to set up a time to witness a drawing, or would like more detailed information about random number generation or quantum vision technology, please contact Mari Boyd at 719-546-5318.
Where do I find Lotto prize payouts?
Click here for Lotto payout information.
What is the starting jackpot for Lotto? The Lotto jackpot usually starts at $1 million and increases until it is hit when a winner matches all 6 numbers drawn.
Why doesn't the Lottery pay out more for smaller prizes in Lotto drawings? Players want a growing jackpot and Lotto jackpots increase according to ticket sales. Lotto games are traditionally driven by jackpot size and not the size of the smaller prizes. For more mid-range prizes, try playing Cash 5. $2 - you get 3 lines of play for $2. Each ticket represents one 'play'. Each line is an opportunity to win the jackpot, and numbers matched on all lines can be added up to win a prize.
What are the odds in MatchPlay? The overall odds of winning any prize are 1:6. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1:2,760,681.
When are drawings for MatchPlay? Drawings for MatchPlay are held twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays at approximately 7:40 p.m. Drawings are conducted in Pueblo.
What is the MatchPlay jackpot?
The jackpot starts at $100,000 and increases by at least $10,000 until the jackpot is hit. The jackpot is won by matching six (6) numbers straight across one line. The jackpot cannot be claimed as an annuity. It must be claimed as a lump sum.
How can I tell if I've won, and how much I've won?
Follow these tips:
1) Line Play: Look across each line and count the numbers that match the numbers drawn. If you match at least three numbers across any line, you win. You can win on any one, or all three of the lines.
The ONLY way to win the jackpot is to match 6 numbers across one of the lines.
How can I find winning MatchPlay numbers? You can find winning numbers on our Web site, by becoming a member of MyLottery so that numbers can be sent directly to your cell phone or email address, from local newspapers or by asking any Lottery retailer for a winning numbers report. Sign up to be a MyLottery member.
Can I get a MatchPlay subscription?
We do not offer an online or mail-in subscription service. We offer Advance Play through our retailers where you can play up to 26 draws for Powerball, Mega Millions, MatchPlay and Lotto, and up to 91 draws for Cash 5 (13 weeks). Check the Advance Play box on the edge of your play slip. The retailer will ask you how many draws you'd like to play, and charge you accordingly. The same numbers will be played for all drawings purchased.
Can I cancel my MatchPlay ticket? Once tickets are printed they cannot be cancelled.
Does the same number on multiple lines count as a match?
In Line Play, for example, if you have the number "16" on line ‘A’ and line ‘C', it counts as one match for Line ‘A’ and one match for Line ‘C’; it will also count as two matches for Combined Play.
What happens if two or more people win the jackpot? If two or more people win the MatchPlay jackpot, the jackpot amount will be divided equally among all winning players.
How can I find winning Cash 5 numbers? Current winning numbers and access to past winning numbers can be found on the home page of the site (http://www.coloradolottery.com). Sign-up to become a MyLottery member and have winning numbers sent to direct to your cell phone or email address. Click here to join MyLottery now. Lottery results are also publicized by most television stations and daily newspapers. Lottery retailers can print winning numbers reports for current and past drawing dates.
When can I buy Cash 5 tickets?
Cash 5 tickets can be purchased at 4:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and at 8 a.m. on Sundays. Ticket sales are suspended at 7:30 p.m. for draw break. Sales resume until 11:59 p.m. after system balancing.
Are subscriptions available for Cash 5?
We do not offer an online or mail-in subscription service. We offer Advance Play through our retailers where you can play up to 26 draws for Powerball, Mega Millions, MatchPlay and Lotto, and up to 91 draws for Cash 5 (13 weeks). Check the Advance Play box on the edge of your play slip. The retailer will ask you how many draws you'd like to play, and charge you accordingly. The same numbers will be played for all drawings purchased. Advance Play allows you to purchase up to 13 weeks of tickets at one time (26 draws for Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto and MatchPlay, and 91 draws for Cash 5). Check the Advance Play box on your play slip, and then tell your retailer how many draws you'd like to play. The same numbers will be used for all of the drawings you request. You can check your ticket after all your drawings have been conducted and collect your winnings at once, or collect them as you go along. If you choose to collect your winnings after each drawing you win, be sure you get a replacement ticket. Advance Play is available at Lottery retail locations throughout Colorado.
Cash 5 winning numbers are picked by a stand-alone computer (a computer that is not connected to any network) that is locked in a secure room in a building located some distance away from the Lottery offices. The numbers are drawn using a random number generator based on quantum vision technology. Quantum vision technology basically means the computers use decaying radiation as part of the random generation process instead of a computer chip. For each Cash 5 drawing, two “test” drawings are held to ensure everything is in working order. After the two test drawings, the real drawing is held and the numbers entered into the Lottery’s system, which runs the numbers selected by the computer against all of the tickets purchased to determine if there is a winner. In order to ensure the integrity of each drawing, an independent certified public accountant (auditor), citizen witness and a member of the Lottery’s security team are present for the entire process. In addition, an independent company, Gaming Laboratories (GLI), performs audits and test drawings to ensure everything is working properly and the games are fair. You are welcome to witness a drawing to see how it is done. If you would like to set up a time to witness a drawing, or would like more detailed information about random number generation or quantum vision technology, please contact Mari Boyd at 719-546-5318.
How can I tell if my Scratch game has expired? Players have 180 days after a game has ended to claim a Scratch prize. In order to determine if your game is still valid, go to the Scratch section of this Web site and click on "All Current Games." If your game is listed there, it is still valid. Games that have ended will have a "Last Day to Claim" listed under the game. You can also check here: http://www.coloradolottery.com/documents/retailer_forms/uploads/ScratchUpdate.pdf
How can I find out how many top prizes remain in a Scratch game? You can find this information on the Colorado Lottery's Web site in the Scratch game top prizes remaining sectionor you can ask any Colorado Lottery retailer for a Scratch Game Top Prizes Remaining report, which is available on their terminal.
Where can I find information on winners on your Web site?
Information on winners can be found listed under the "Winners" section of our Web site.
Where do I find Second-Chance Drawing information?
If the odds for a Scratch game are 1 in 4, why don't I win if I buy four tickets? The odds of winning Scratch games vary. If the odds of winning in a game is 1 in 4, this doesn't necessarily mean that if four tickets are purchased, one would be a winner. Odds are based on the total number of tickets available for sale in a game, not on an individual purchase.
How are Scratch tickets distributed?
Our Scratch tickets are produced and distributed in a completely random, double-blind system. First, prizes are scattered randomly throughout the entire run of the ticket. No one at the Lottery, or the printer, knows where the winning tickets are placed - that is generated through a random number generation system. Next, the tickets are shipped to our warehouses for distribution. Tickets are randomly pulled from the entire ticket run and shipped to random retailers. There is no rhyme or reason to the ticket distribution. So, randomly placed prizes are randomly distributed to random retailers. We have no way of knowing where the winning tickets are shipped or where they will show up. The reason it seems as though some locations have more winners is simply a matter of sales - if more tickets are purchased in the Denver Metro Area, it would follow that a commensurate number of winners would be located in the Denver Metro Area - and those retailers who sell a lot of tickets will have a greater likelihood of getting a pack with a winner in it just because they sell that many more tickets and have to replace them with new packs of tickets.
We’re sorry to hear that didn’t have better luck with your ticket purchases. Please keep in mind that odds listed on our tickets apply to the entire universe of tickets, not individual purchases. The odds also include break-even prizes. Your non-winning tickets may be eligible for one of our second-chance drawings, which provides another shot at the top prize. For a listing of games that include second-chance drawings and information on how to enter, follow this link or paste it into your browser: https://www.coloradolottery.com/index.cfm/ID/55/Second-Chance-Drawings/
Can citizens receive sample void Scratch tickets from the Lottery? No. Ticket printing costs prevent the Lottery from making sample or void tickets available to players.
How are the proceeds from the Colorado Lottery distributed?
Colorado Lottery proceeds are distributed according to the will of the voters through a 1992 amendment to the state constitution. That amendment provided a formula to phase out Lottery funding of the State Capital Construction Fund and to introduce a new proceeds recipient, the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund (GOCO).
How do I go about recommending a project for Lottery funding?
The place to start is with the public agency that will be receiving the Lottery funds. This will typically be a local parks and recreation service provider, such as your city or town, your county, and/or your park and recreation district. Sometimes it may be Colorado State Parksor the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
How can I contact my local parks and recreation services provider? Local governments are listed in the blue pages of your telephone directory. The Colorado Municipal League, Colorado Counties, Inc.and the Special District Associationalso provide links to some local agencies' Web sites.
Where can I find out about Lottery job opportunities?
Below is a link to the state Web site, where you can find all job openings, including any available at the Lottery, as well as the application form. If there are job openings at the Lottery, the positions are listed under the Department of Revenue. www.gssa.state.co.us/announce/Job+Announcements.nsf/$about?OpenAbout
How do I unsubscribe from your email alerts?
Log onto MyLottery using your current user ID and password. This can be done from the home page link or by clicking on the MyLottery link in the horizontal navigation at the top of the page. After you log in you can access a link called "Unsubscribe" that can be found in a box on the right side of the page. That will take you to a personalized page that tells you what you are currently receiving and also includes two links. The first allows you to change your email preferences, the other allows you to unsubscribe from all lottery emails. If you want to unsubscribe you should click that link.
I forgot my password, how do I retrieve it?
Go to the MyLottery homepage by following this link: https://www.coloradolottery.com/index.cfm/ID/118/Login/ At the bottom of the Log In box, you’ll see a link titled “Forgot Password.” Just click on that link and provide your email address, and your password will be sent to you.
How do I stop receiving text messages from you?
When you receive your next text message, respond by texting "stop", and that will take your phone off the mailing list. Or log into your MyLottery account and update your profile to remove the option to receive messages to your phone.
Why am I not getting my email alerts that I signed up to receive?
Check your spam filters to ensure that emails from the Lottery aren’t being blocked from reaching you. Add MyLottery [Mylottery@coloradolottery.com] to your "Safe Senders" list and to your address book. We tend to have problems with Comcast and We do send out an email with the numbers drawn after every draw for Powerball, Lotto and Cash 5 - but only to persons who have signed up to receive them. If you stopped receiving them, it is likely because your Internet provider has blocked us. When we are aware of an If you are not getting our email and try to sign up again, you will either succeed in signing up again or you will be told that you are already signed up. If you can sign up again, that means that our system has dropped you from the list because your We do not send out spam. You must sign up to receive our emails. Every email contains a link that allows you to drop off the list.
Why aren't winning numbers updated within a specific time period on the Web site? Although the Colorado Lottery has the initial winning number information within minutes of each drawing, we do not post the information until it has gone through a verification process. Only then is the information posted.
How can I claim a Lottery prize?
The Lottery offers players a number of ways to claim prizes. You can mail the signed ticket to the Lottery's Pueblo Headquarters with a Lottery claim form, or in person at any one of the Lottery's four claims centers. Winning Powerball jackpots must be claimed at either the Lottery's Pueblo headquarters or Denver claims center. Lotto jackpots may be claimed at any of the Lottery's four offices. Click the link below for information on how to claim and to access the Lottery's claim form.
Can I buy Colorado Lottery tickets by phone, mail, or on the Internet?
We do not offer an online or mail-in subscription service. We offer Advance Play through our retailers where you can play up to 26 draws for Powerball, Mega Millions, MatchPlay and Lotto, and up to 91 draws for Cash 5 (13 weeks). Check the Advance Play box on the edge of your play slip. The retailer will ask you how many draws you'd like to play, and charge you accordingly. The same numbers will be played for all drawings purchased.
What happens if I lose a winning ticket?
Losing a Lottery ticket is like losing cash. Protect yourself by signing the back of your ticket and filling in your address. Unless signed, anyone who has the ticket can file a claim.The Colorado Lottery is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets. Yes. You do not have to be a citizen of the United States to purchase Colorado Lottery tickets. The only difference is you will be taxed at a higher rate than citizens. Non-citizens are taxed at 34% (30% Federal; 4% State).
We suspect that you tried to cash your ticket during one of our draw breaks. We suspend the selling and cashing of jackpot tickets on the nights of our drawings in order to rebalance our system. For Powerball, tickets cannot be sold or validated on Wednesdays and Saturdays, beginning at For Lotto, tickets cannot be sold or validated Wednesdays and Saturdays, beginning at For Cash 5, tickets cannot be sold or validated Monday through Sunday, beginning at We suggest cashing your ticket outside of these time periods to avoid any problems. If you did have problems cashing a ticket and it wasn’t during a draw break, let us know, and we’ll investigate the problem.
I received an email saying that I won the Lottery. Is this legitimate?
No. It is a common scam. In Colorado, people who have won $599 or more must come to a Lottery office to claim their prize. Here are three things that you should do upon receipt of these kinds of emails: 1 - Do not reply to these emails 2 - Delete them without opening them and 3 - Add the address to your junk mail listing Remember, it's a good rule of thumb to keep your bank account information and your mother's maiden name secure. And you should never send money to these people. For more information on lottery scams, click on the link listed below: http://www.coloradolottery.com/index.cfm/ID/95/Security-Tips/
What happens to the annuity when a jackpot winner dies? Payments of the remainder of the prize goes to the estate of the deceased winner.
What is the percentage of Federal and State withholding taxes that are deducted from my prize? Current tax withholding for U.S. citizens for prizes over $5,000 is 25% Federal and 4% State, for a total of 29%.
What happens to prizes that go unclaimed? Unclaimed prizes of any amount, whether $1 or more than $1 million, eventually are allocated to the Lottery's proceeds beneficiaries: Conservation Trust Fund, Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Great Outdoors Colorado and School Health and Safety.
The Colorado Lottery Web site has a Number Frequency section listed under Numbers Fun. Here’s the link to that information: http://www.coloradolottery.com/index.cfm/ID/24/Check-Your-Numbers/
How are the drawings conducted for Jackpot games?
Mega Jackpot Games In-State Jackpot Games Both the ADM and the ball drop machines are inspected by third-parties and certified by auditors prior to use.
Is it possible to purchase Colorado Lottery tickets online or through the mail?
We do not offer an online or mail-in subscription service. We offer Advance Play through our retailers where you can play up to 26 draws for Powerball, Mega Millions, MatchPlay and Lotto, and up to 91 draws for Cash 5 (13 weeks). Check the Advance Play box on the edge of your play slip. The retailer will ask you how many draws you'd like to play, and charge you accordingly. The same numbers will be played for all drawings purchased.
Can I buy tickets on the Internet?
Colorado Lottery tickets can only legally be purchased at a Colorado Lottery sales terminal within the borders of Any Internet lottery site that purports to sell Powerball tickets, or “shares” of Powerball tickets to purchasers or to run a “service” for you, is operating illegally. They are not authorized by the Multi-State Lottery Association or by any
How can I claim a prize for a Colorado Lottery ticket if I live outside the state?
To claim a prize from out of state, fill out the claim form found by following this link or pasting it into your browser: http://http://www.coloradolottery.com/documents/claim_forms/claimform2009.pdf
Can I charge the purchase of Lottery tickets? According to the Colorado statute, tickets must be sold on a cash-only basis. The Lottery has interpreted "cash-only" to include checks, money orders and debit cards. Each individual Lottery retailer may have a different policy regarding accepting checks and debit cards for purchase. It is up to the retailer to determine which method of payment they will accept.
Can minors purchase Lottery tickets and/or claim prizes? Tickets can be purchased as gifts for people under 18 years-old, but not by minors themselves. Anyone under the age of 18 must have received the ticket as a gift to claim the prize.
How long do I have to claim/redeem a winning ticket?
Colorado Lottery tickets (Powerball, Lotto, Cash 5 and all Scratch games) can be redeemed up to 180 days after the drawing date for jackpot games or the announced end of game for each Scratch game. Information on game-end dates for Scratch games can be found by clicking on the link below: http://www.coloradolottery.com/index.cfm/ID/56/Drawing-and-End-Dates/
What kinds of Second-Chance Drawings does the Lottery conduct?
The Lottery has two types of second-chance drawings...Top Prize Second-Chance Drawings, which are held after the end of the game has been set by the Director. The prize for Top Prize Second-Chance drawings is equal to the top instant prize amount for the game. We also have Promotional Second-Chance Drawings, which can be held at any time after the game is launched. Some Promotional Second-Chance Drawings happen as early as 10 weeks after the game launches. The prize for Promotional Second-Chance drawings is usually for an amount less than the top prize, and can include cash, merchandise or experiential prizes. Just because we have held a Promotional Second-Chance Drawing does not necessairly mean the game has ended. Sometimes, we continue to sell games after the drawing because there are many instant prizes remaining. The best way to keep track of which games have drawings, and when they occur is on our Web site: https://www.coloradolottery.com/index.cfm/ID/55/Second-Chance-Drawings/
The number entered may not be valid because: 1) Not enough digits were entered: all games have 22-digits. 2) The number entered is incorrect. Ensure that all latex is removed from your ticket and that all 22-digits are clearly visible before re-entering the ticket number. 3) The number entered is for a game that is not-eligible for a second-chance drawing. 4) The second-chance drawing for this game has been closed. For information on games eligible for second-chance drawings and second-chance drawing end dates, click here.
We offer a variety of second-chance drawings, mostly for our Scratch games. Our drawings require Internet registration. Follow this link or paste it into your browser and it will provide you with a list of games that include second-chance drawings and how enter your non-winning tickets: To enter, look for the Second Chance Entry Form Access link on the upper right hand corner of the page and click on the bar that says "Log In as Guest." That will take you to our online entry form. Simply fill it out, being sure to enter your 22-digit number on your ticket very carefully.
How are second-chance drawings conducted?
The Internet drawings are held in our main office in Pueblo. Present at each drawing are conducted by a Lottery Security Investigator, an independent auditor, a citizen witness, and our drawing manager. Each entry is assigned a unique number when it is entered into the database on our host site. The day of the drawing, the entries are downloaded from our host site to 2 CDs (1 primary and 1 backup). The citizen witness uses a random number generator that has the total number of entries as its parameters to select the drawing winner and minimum of 10 alternates. The winning entry number and alternates are entered into a program that extracts the winner’s information from the host site and also the primary CD to ensure the information matches.
All of our drawings are public events. The only thing we ask is if someone plans to attend they let us know in advance to allow our front desk and drawing manager to be expecting them.
Where is the number on the ticket to enter the second-chance drawing? If you can't find the 22-digit code you need to enter a second-chance drawing, please scratch all of the latex off the front of your ticket. The 22-digit code “floats” in the play area between the top of the ticket and the bottom of the ticket, but should be revealed once you have scratched the whole ticket. If you scratch the whole ticket and still don’t find a number, you can bring your ticket to our office, or contact our drawing manager.
How will I be notified if I win a second-chance drawing?
Our drawing manager’s first point of contact with winners is typically by phone. She will also try sending an email if she is unable to reach someone by phone. Finally, she will send a certified letter through the mail to notify an individual whose name has been drawn as a winner. We make every effort to contact the person whose name was drawn and we have 15 working days to make contact before moving on to alternates. Winners, once contacted, have 15 working days to claim a second-chance drawing prize.
In order to be eligible to enter a non-winning scented crossword ticket into our system, the entry box located above the prize key must contain the words “entry, entry, entry.” If you don’t see those words, then your ticket is not eligible for entry, even if it is a non-winning ticket. This rule is explained on the back of our crossword tickets as well under the game information posted on our Web site.
Where can I find a list of second-chance drawing winners?
The winners of our second-chance drawings can be found by following this link or pasting it into your browser: http://www.coloradolottery.com/index.cfm/ID/61/Past-Winners/
If you’re interested in a recent drawing and don’t see the winner posted, that usually means that we’re still in the process of contacting that individual or that individual has not yet claimed his or her prize. We will not post the winner’s name until the prize has been claimed. We appreciate your patience through that process. |
Abel Tapia, Director
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