Colorado Lottery - Guide to CO Lotto Games & Laws

Learn everything you need to know about colorado's lottery and scratch-offs

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Established in 1982, the Colorado Lottery has been operational for over 40 years, overseen by the Colorado Lottery Commission. Since 1996, the Colorado Lottery has also been a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association, along with 37 other US lottery jurisdictions.

Throughout its history, the state lottery has awarded more than $6.5 billion in prizes and contributed over $3.5 billion to the Conservation Trust Fund, Great Outdoors Colorado, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The lottery continues to support the state, with about 70% of all yearly revenues going to beneficiaries.

This Colorado lottery guide will inform you of the many different lottery games available, when they are drawn, what other gambling options are available, and much more. You can get a sense of what to anticipate from the best scratch-off casinos online by using this guide.

Colorado Online Lottery

The Colorado Online Lottery is an innovative platform that enables Colorado residents to play various state-run lottery games virtually. It offers a user-friendly interface where participants can purchase tickets, check draw results, and claim winnings for games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and Colorado Lotto+. The platform also provides a range of instant win games and interactive games, creating a more engaging lottery experience. Furthermore, the online lottery supports responsible gaming and contributes a portion of its earnings to fund state education.

How to get the Colorado Online Lottery app

  • Go to the official Colorado Lottery website on your mobile device.
  • Click on the ‘Get the App’ button which will direct you to the appropriate app store based on your device’s operating system (Apple Store for iOS devices, Google Play Store for Android).
  • Click on the ‘Install’ button and wait for the app to download and install on your device.
  • Once the app is installed, open it and either log in to your existing account or register a new one.

The Colorado Online Lottery offers a range of services to its users. Apart from the main lottery games, it provides a selection of instant win games that give users the chance to win cash prizes instantly. It also features interactive games for a more engaging gaming experience.

Moreover, the platform has a results checker tool, allowing users to quickly and easily check if their tickets have won. The app also offers a ‘Scan to Check’ feature, enabling users to scan their physical lottery tickets to see if they’ve won. Lastly, the app has a responsible gaming feature, offering support and tools to help users play responsibly.

Colorado Multi-state Draw Games

The Colorado Lottery offers a range of multi-state draw games that give players the chance to win big while supporting good causes in the state. These games, which include Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lucky for Life, are played across multiple states, leading to larger jackpots and more chances to win. Note that legal gambling age differs per state, so you must be within the approved age for Colorado to participate. Here’s a closer look at each of these games.

Powerball

Powerball is one of the most popular multi-state lottery games, known for its massive jackpots that can reach over a billion dollars. Players pick five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. The game draws twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Each ticket costs $2.

Powerball ticket

The largest Powerball jackpot won by a Colorado player was $133 million in September 2017 by Judy Finchum.

Key points to note:

  • Powerball draws are held twice a week.
  • The ticket price is $2.
  • The game has produced a Colorado jackpot winner.
Matching numbers Prize amountOdds
Matching 5 + Powerball$194,000,0001 in 292,201,338
Matching 5 + $1,000,0001 in 11,688,054
Matching 4 + Powerball$50,0001 in 913,130
Matching 4$1001 in 36,525
Matching 3 + Powerball$5001 in 14,495
Matching 3$201 in 580
Matching 2 + Powerball$201 in 702
Matching 1 + Powerball$101 in 92
Matching Powerball only$71 in 38

Mega Millions

Mega Millions is another multi-state lottery game that draws on Tuesdays and Fridays. Players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and a Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Tickets cost $2 each. In 2019, a lucky Colorado player won a $2 million Mega Millions prize. 

Mega Millions

Key points to note:

  • Mega Millions draws are held twice a week.
  • The ticket price is $2.
  • Colorado has had a $2 million Mega Millions winner.
Matching numbers Prize amountOdds
Matching 5 + Mega BallJackpot 1 in 302,575,350
Matching 5 $1,000,0001 in 12,607,306
Matching 4 + Mega Ball$10,0001 in 931,001
Matching 4$5001 in 36,792
Matching 3 + Mega Ball$2001 in 14,547
Matching 3$101 in 606
Matching 2 + Mega Ball$101 in 693
Matching 1 + Mega Ball$41 in 89
Mega Ball only$21 in 37

Lucky for Life

Lucky for Life is a multi-state game that offers a top prize of $1,000 a day for life. Players pick five numbers from 1 to 48 and a Lucky Ball number from 1 to 18. Draws are held on Mondays and Thursdays, and tickets cost $2 each.

Lucky for Life

In 2016, a Colorado player won the second-tier prize of $25,000 a year for life.

Key points to note:

  • Lucky for Life draws are held twice a week.
  • The ticket price is $2.
  • A Colorado player has won the second-tier prize.
Matching numbers Prize amountOdds
Matching 5 + Lucky Ball$1,000/Day for Life1 in 30,821,472
Matching 5 $25,000/Year for Life1 in 1,813,028
Matching 4 + Lucky Ball$2001 in 8,433
Matching 4$1501 in 3,413
Matching 3 + Lucky Ball$201 in 201
Matching 3$251 in 250
Matching 2 + Lucky Ball$31 in 15
Matching 1 + Lucky Ball$61 in 50
Lucky Ball only$41 in 32

Colorado Draw Games

Colorado, also known as the Centennial State, is not only famous for its stunning landscapes but also for its local draw games. These games offer a thrilling chance for residents to win big while contributing to the state’s economy. Here are some of the local draw games available in Colorado.

Colorado Lotto+

Colorado Lotto+ is a popular in-state game that is drawn twice a week. To participate, players select six numbers from 1 to 40. Players can choose their own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the lottery terminal randomly picks the numbers.

Each play costs $2, but for an additional $1, you can add the Plus option for a second chance to win. The jackpot starts at $1 million and grows until someone wins. There are also smaller prizes for matching fewer numbers. 

In 2020, a man from Pueblo won a $2 million jackpot from the Colorado Lotto+.

  • Key Points to Note
  • Colorado Lotto+ is drawn on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  • Tickets must be purchased before 7:30 p.m. on draw days.
  • The Plus option gives players a second chance to win.

Cash 5

Cash 5 is another local draw game that offers players the chance to win up to $20,000. Players select five numbers from 1 to 32. Like the Lotto+, players can choose their own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick.

Each play costs $1 per lottery ticket. On the fun side, the top prize is $20,000 for matching all five numbers. There are also smaller prizes for matching two, three, or four numbers.

In 2019, a woman from Denver won the $20,000 top prize in the Cash 5 game.

  • Key Points to Note
  • Cash 5 is drawn daily.
  • Tickets must be purchased before 7:30 p.m. on the day of the draw.
  • Prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date.

Pick 3

Pick 3 is a daily game that offers players the chance to win up to $500. Players select three numbers from 0 to 9 and choose how to play them: straight (exact order), box (any order), straight/box (either order), or combo (all possible combinations).

Tickets start at 50 cents for a straight bet and go up to $3 for a combo bet. Prizes range from $40 to $500 depending on the bet type and amount wagered. In 2018, a man from Colorado Springs won $500 in the Pick 3 game.

  • Key Points to Note
  • Pick 3 is drawn twice daily.
  • Tickets must be purchased before 1:30 p.m. for the midday draw and before 7:30 p.m. for the evening draw.
  • Prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date.

Colorado’s local draw games provide fun and excitement for players while contributing to the state’s economy. Whether you’re a regular player or just looking for a little excitement, these games offer something for everyone.

Colorado Lottery Number Drawing Schedule

The Colorado Lottery offers a variety of games, each with its own unique draw schedule. Below is a table detailing the draw days and times for each game.

GameMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
Mega Millions9:00 PM8:00 PM
Powerball8:59 PM7:59 PM
Lucky for Life10:38 PM10:38 PM
Pick 31:36 PM 7:36 PM 1:36 PM 7:36 PM 1:36 PM 7:36PM 1:36 PM 7:36 PM 1:36 PM 7:36 PM 1:36 PM 7:36 PM 1:36 PM 7:36 PM 
Cash 57:35 PM7:35 PM7:35 PM7:35 PM7:35 PM7:35 PM7:35 PM
Time Zone: MST

Colorado Scratch Tickets

The Colorado Lottery offers a variety of Scratch Tickets, providing players with instant fun and the possibility of instant wins. These tickets are a popular choice among lottery enthusiasts for their accessibility and wide range of themes. With a small investment, players can enjoy the thrill of scratching off the panels to reveal potential prizes. From small change to life-changing jackpots, these scratch tickets offer something for everyone.

Scratch off nameTicket PriceMaximum Win
Triple Diamond$10$100,000
Mega Millionaire$20$2,000,000
Bankroll Blast$5$50,000
Lucky 7s$1$7000
Colorado Crossword$3$20,000
Money Mania$2$20,000
Bonus Cashword$3$50,000
Super $75,000 Poker$5$75,000
Gold Rush$10$200,000
Cash Explosion$20$500,000

Colorado Lottery Laws

The Colorado Lottery is a government-operated lottery system that has been providing fun and excitement to residents since its establishment in 1983. It is regulated by the state government, ensuring fair play and integrity in all games. The lottery offers a variety of games, including scratch tickets, draw games, and multi-state games. The revenue generated from the lottery supports various environmental and recreational projects in the state.

AspectColorado Lottery Law
Legal age for lottery game18 years
Tax on winnings24% federal, 4% state
Anonymity for winnersNo 
Limit to claim win180 days
Online lotteryYes 

Overview of the Colorado Lottery

The Colorado Lottery, operated by the state government, has been offering a wide range of lottery games since its inception in 1983. It is headquartered in Pueblo, Colorado, and its games include scratch tickets, draw games, and multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions. The lottery’s official website provides comprehensive information about the games, winning numbers, where to play, and how to claim prizes. The biggest win in Colorado Lottery history was a Powerball jackpot of $133.2 million in September 2017.

AspectColorado Lottery Law
Company NameColorado Lottery
Founded Date 1983 
HeadquartersPueblo, Colorado
Website Addresswww.coloradolottery.com
Biggest Win in History$133.2 million (Powerball, September 2017)

The Colorado Lottery is not just about fun and games; it also contributes significantly to the state’s economy. The proceeds from the lottery are used to fund various environmental and recreational projects across the state. This includes protecting Colorado’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. The tax on lottery winnings is 24% for federal tax and 4% for state tax, which is automatically withheld from winnings over $5,000.

Other Gambling in Colorado

Laws for gambling in the US are left for states to decide, and Colorado is one of the few states that offer a diverse range of legal gambling options for residents and visitors alike. The state allows casino gambling in three historic gold mining towns: Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. Casinos offer a variety of games including slot machines, poker, blackjack, and roulette. 

Additionally, Colorado has a state lottery that includes scratch-off tickets and participation in multi-state draw games such as Powerball and Mega Millions. The state also legalized sports betting in 2020, allowing both online and in-person wagering at licensed casinos. Bingo and raffles are permitted for charitable purposes, and social gambling is also allowed under certain conditions.

Colorado Lottery Winners

Over the years, the Colorado Lottery has turned dreams into reality for countless participants, awarding vast sums and making headlines. From the Rockies to the eastern plains, tales of unexpected windfalls have captured the imaginations of Coloradans, showcasing the transformative power of a simple ticket. These monumental moments of sheer luck serve as hopeful tales and constant reminders of the potential rewards of taking a chance. Presented below is a table spotlighting some of the most noteworthy winners in Colorado’s lottery history.

NameDateWin AmountGame
Claude G.Sept 16, 2017$133 millionPowerball 
Judy Z.June 5, 2013$20 millionMega Millions
Kim T.       March 25, 2006$27 millionLotto
Tom and Kathleen M.        Nov 11, 2014$90 millionPowerball

FAQ 

What does the phrase “Second Chance” on my ticket mean?

Your lottery ticket’s reference to “Second Chance” refers to an additional chance that many lotteries give players to win rewards even if their ticket didn’t win in the initial drawing. Players can frequently put these unsuccessful tickets into an additional drawing or contest. 

Can I play lotteries for real money at online casinos in California?

As of my current knowledge base update in 2023, you cannot play lotteries for real money at online casinos in California. The state’s laws do not permit online gambling, which includes online lottery games. You are allowed to purchase tickets for state-run lotteries, but these must be bought in person from a licensed retailer.

Why do Colorado lotteries not offer fixed prizes?

Colorado lotteries, similar to many other state lotteries, do not offer fixed prizes because they operate on a pari-mutuel basis. In this system, the prize amounts are determined by the total ticket sales and the number of winners in each prize category. Therefore, if more people win a particular category, the individual prize amount for that category will be smaller. This allows for potentially larger jackpots when fewer people win but also means prize amounts can fluctuate from draw to draw.

Can winners of the Colorado lottery maintain their anonymity?

Yes, as a winner of the Colorado lottery, you have the right to remain anonymous. Colorado is one of the few states that respect the privacy of lottery winners and does not require them to publicly disclose their identity. This means you can claim your winnings without the fear of public exposure or unwanted attention. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a legal advisor before claiming large winnings.

Is there an app for the Colorado Lottery?

Yes, there is an official app for the Colorado Lottery available for download on both iOS and Android devices. It allows users to check winning numbers, scan tickets to verify winnings, enter second-chance drawings, and find nearby retailers. The app also offers interactive games and provides information on where the lottery proceeds are used within the state.

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