The 2nd Chance lottery program in California gives players another opportunity to win prizes using non-winning scratchers or draw game tickets. Players can enter eligible tickets into prize drawings for a chance to win cash and other prizes. Here’s a detailed look at how the 2nd Chance lottery works in California.
Eligible Games for 2nd Chance Drawings
In California, 2nd Chance lottery drawings are held for select scratchers and draw games. Currently, the following games are eligible:
- Scratchers games – Around 10-15 scratcher games are eligible at any given time. Games change periodically as new scratchers are introduced and old ones are retired.
- SuperLotto Plus – All SuperLotto Plus tickets are eligible, even non-winners.
- Mega Millions – All Mega Millions tickets are eligible, even non-winners.
- Powerball – All Powerball tickets are eligible, even non-winners.
For scratchers, players can enter non-winning tickets worth $1 or more into the 2nd Chance drawings. For SuperLotto Plus, Mega Millions, and Powerball, players can enter all tickets into the drawings, winning or non-winning.
How to Enter Tickets into 2nd Chance Drawings
To enter eligible tickets into the 2nd Chance drawings, players must create an account on the California Lottery website or mobile app. There are a few different ways to enter tickets:
- Online – Players can enter ticket codes on the Lottery website. They must create an account, log in, and submit the ticket codes.
- Mobile App – The California Lottery mobile app allows players to scan the barcode on eligible tickets to enter.
- Mail – Players can mail non-winning scratchers and draw game tickets to the address provided in the game rules. Mailed entries must include the player’s name, address, and contact information.
Each eligible ticket code or mailed ticket can only be entered once into the drawing. Entries must be received by the posted end date for that drawing.
Prizes Offered in 2nd Chance Drawings
The prizes available in the 2nd Chance drawings vary for each lottery game. Here are some examples of prizes offered:
- Scratchers games – Prize packages up to $5,000, electronics, trips, concert/sporting event tickets, and more.
- SuperLotto Plus – Prizes ranging from $500 up to $1 million.
- Mega Millions – Prizes from $500 up to $1 million.
- Powerball – Prizes ranging from $500 to $1 million.
For scratchers games, the prizes are usually themed around the game. For example, a music-themed game may offer concert tickets and music equipment. The 2nd Chance prizes for SuperLotto Plus, Mega Millions, and Powerball are usually cash prizes.
How the Drawings Work
The California Lottery conducts random computerized drawings to select the winning entries. Each eligible entry has an equal chance of winning. Here are some key points about the drawing process:
- Drawings are held 1-2 times per month for each game.
- The number of prizes awarded varies, but typically multiple prizes are given out in each drawing.
- The dates, entry deadlines, and prizes are announced ahead of time for each drawing.
- Drawings are conducted by Lottery officials under secure protocols.
- Drawings are not public events, but some smaller prize drawings are occasionally streamed online.
- Winners are notified by email or mail depending on their account preferences.
Results are posted on the California Lottery website after the drawings occur. Winners have a deadline to claim their prize or it will be forfeited.
Claiming 2nd Chance Prizes
To claim a 2nd Chance drawing prize, winners must complete a Claim Form and provide identification to verify their identity and age. Here is the process to claim prizes:
- Prizes up to $599 can be claimed at any California Lottery retail location.
- Prizes between $600 – $499,999 can be claimed at Lottery district office locations.
- Prizes over $500,000 must be claimed at the Lottery headquarters in Sacramento.
- Winners have specific deadlines to claim their prize, typically within a few weeks of the drawing.
- If a prize is not claimed in time, it will be forfeited and a new winner may be selected.
- Taxes are withheld from prize winnings over $600 as required by law.
Eligibility Requirements
To enter and claim 2nd Chance lottery prizes, players must meet some eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 or older to enter drawings.
- Must be a California resident.
- Cannot be owned/operated by a gambling entity or lottery retailer.
- Must provide valid identification and a completed Claim Form to claim prizes.
- Prizes are subject to all federal and state tax withholding requirements.
In addition, Lottery employees, retailers, and vendors are generally restricted from participating. Players should review the official rules for each drawing for full details on eligibility.
Strategies for Winning 2nd Chance Prizes
While the drawings are random, there are a few strategies players can use to increase their odds of winning:
- Enter more tickets – The more eligible entries you submit, the better your chances to win. Buying more scratchers or draw game tickets gives you more entries.
- Play when jackpots are high – Games like SuperLotto Plus and Mega Millions see more ticket sales when jackpots grow. More entries mean bigger prize pools.
- Enter non-winning tickets – For scratchers, entering more non-winners may improve your odds versus only entering winning tickets.
- Scan mobile app – Using the mobile app to scan and enter tickets is the quickest way to enter and avoids mail issues.
However, since drawings are random, your best strategy is simply to enter as many eligible tickets as possible. Buying more tickets and consistently entering all of them into 2nd Chance gives you the highest chance at winning a prize.
Lottery Proceeds for Education
It’s important to note that all California Lottery profits go to support public schools and colleges. So even if you don’t win a 2nd Chance prize, playing the games still benefits education in California. Since the Lottery began in 1985, it has contributed over $39 billion to public education.