Colorado Lottery

The Colorado Lottery has come a long way since launching in 1983. While it started with just scratch tickets, it quickly expanded into draw games that are now household names across the state. Over the decades, Colorado has developed a solid lottery system featuring both local favorites and national heavy-hitters. Its commitment to supporting parks, recreation, and wildlife through lottery proceeds has also earned it widespread public trust.

Popular Games in the Colorado Lottery Portfolio

Colorado is a full participant in two of the largest multi-state lotteries: Powerball and Mega Millions. These games regularly generate enormous jackpots and draw significant player interest both in-state and across the U.S.

Powerball tickets in Colorado cost two dollars, and players can choose to add Power Play for an extra dollar to increase non-jackpot prizes. Draws are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Mega Millions is equally attractive, with drawings every Tuesday and Friday. Tickets are also two dollars, and the optional Megaplier boosts non-jackpot winnings.

Local Favorites: Lotto+ and Cash 5

The Colorado Lotto game, now called Lotto+, has been a staple since the 1980s. For just two dollars, players choose 6 numbers from 1 to 40. Jackpots start at one million dollars and grow until they’re claimed. Adding Plus for an extra dollar enters players into a second drawing with additional prizes up to $250,000.

Cash 5 is a fast-paced daily draw game introduced in 1996. Players select 5 numbers from 1 to 32, and the jackpot is fixed at $20,000. The game is affordable at just one dollar per play and offers favorable odds compared to larger lotteries.

Pick 3 and Other Daily Options

Pick 3 is another daily draw game with midday and evening drawings. Players select a 3-digit number and can choose from various play styles, including Exact Order, Any Order, and Front/Back Pair. At just 50 cents or one dollar per play, Pick 3 offers a quick and affordable way to try your luck.

Scratch Tickets and Second-Chance Promotions

Scratchers remain a mainstay of the Colorado Lottery. With prices ranging from $1 to $50 and prizes reaching into the millions, there’s a game for every budget. The CO Lottery also runs second-chance promotions through its official app and website, where non-winning scratch tickets can be entered for more chances to win.

Proceeds for a Purpose

A significant portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds goes toward environmental preservation and outdoor recreation. Since its inception, the CO Lottery has returned over $4 billion to support parks, trails, and wildlife conservation through GOCO (Great Outdoors Colorado), the Conservation Trust Fund, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Where to Play

Lottery tickets can be purchased at over 3,000 retailers across the state. While Colorado does not yet offer full online ticket sales for draw games, players can use the Colorado Lottery app to check results, enter second-chance drawings, and scan tickets.

Why It Works

The Colorado Lottery offers a balanced mix of big-jackpot national games, beloved local draw games, and engaging scratchers. With daily draws, solid odds on some titles, and a clear social impact mission, it remains one of the most respected and well-rounded lottery systems in the U.S.

Colorado Lottery FAQ

Who won the Colorado Lottery last night?

You can check the latest winners and winning numbers on the official Colorado Lottery website or at authorized retailers. For major jackpots, winning locations are often announced within 24 hours.

Where was the winning Colorado Lottery ticket sold?

Winning ticket locations are posted on the Colorado Lottery website shortly after the draw. For significant wins, press releases may be issued with store locations and city names.

How late can you buy lottery tickets in Colorado?

Sales cut off at 7:30 p.m. MT on the day of the draw for games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and Colorado Lotto+. For other games, check retailer hours or the official app.

Can you buy Colorado Lottery tickets online?

No, you currently cannot buy draw game tickets online in Colorado. However, you can play certain scratch-style games and enter second-chance drawings through the official Colorado Lottery app.

What time is the Colorado Lottery drawing?

Draw times vary:

• Powerball: 9:59 p.m. MT (Mon, Wed, Sat)
• Mega Millions: 9:00 p.m. MT (Tue, Fri)
• Colorado Lotto+: 7:35 p.m. MT (Wed, Sat)
• Cash 5: 7:35 p.m. daily
• Pick 3: 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. daily

Can Colorado Lottery winners remain anonymous?

No, Colorado law requires the Colorado Lottery to release the names and cities of winners of prizes over $600. However, prize amounts and street addresses are not made public.

Does Colorado tax lottery winnings?

Yes. State tax is 4%, and federal tax is 24% for winnings over $5,000. Some winnings may have withholding applied automatically.

How old do you have to be to play the lottery in Colorado?

You must be at least 18 years old to buy or claim a lottery ticket in Colorado.

Where does Colorado Lottery money go?

Proceeds support Colorado parks, trails, recreation, wildlife, and open space through programs like GOCO (Great Outdoors Colorado), the Conservation Trust Fund, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Can you buy lottery tickets with a credit or debit card in Colorado?

It depends on the retailer. Some stores allow credit or debit card purchases, but others may require cash. Always check with the location before purchasing.

What are the odds of winning the Colorado Lottery?

Odds vary by game. For example:

• Colorado Lotto+ Jackpot (6 of 40): 1 in 3,838,380
• Cash 5 (5 of 32): 1 in 201,376
• Pick 3 Straight: 1 in 1,000

What is a Colorado Lottery voucher?

A voucher is a printout from the retailer when a player wins a prize too large to be paid in cash on-site. It can be redeemed at a claim center or mailed for payment.

How much are Colorado Lottery tickets?

Ticket prices vary:

• Powerball/Mega Millions: $2
• Colorado Lotto+: $2 (+$1 for Plus)
• Cash 5: $1
• Pick 3: $0.50 or $1

How do I play the Colorado Lottery?

Pick your numbers (or use Quick Pick), buy a ticket at an authorized retailer, and check your results online or in-store after the drawing.

How to claim Colorado Lottery prizes?

Prizes under $600 can be claimed at retailers. Larger prizes must be claimed by mail or in person at one of the Colorado Lottery’s claim centers. Visit the official site for up-to-date claim procedures.