The Colorado Lottery offers a variety of games that give players the chance to win big jackpot prizes. One exciting feature of some Colorado Lottery games is the jackpot bonus draw. This allows players to enter for a chance to win a share of the growing jackpot prize without matching all the numbers on their ticket. Here is an overview of how you can enter a jackpot bonus draw when playing Colorado Lottery games that offer this feature.
What is a jackpot bonus draw?
A jackpot bonus draw gives players an extra way to win part of a large, accumulating jackpot prize. When the advertised jackpot for a game reaches a certain amount, a jackpot bonus draw entry is printed on qualifying tickets for that game. If your ticket includes a jackpot bonus draw entry, you are automatically entered into a separate drawing for a chance to win a share of the jackpot.
Jackpot bonus draws help increase the excitement around growing jackpots and give more players the thrill of winning a big prize. The jackpot bonus drawing winners don’t have to match all the numbers on their ticket like a traditional jackpot winner would. The jackpot bonus draw creates more winning experiences and drives more players to participate when the jackpots get large.
Which Colorado Lottery games offer jackpot bonus draws?
Currently, two Colorado Lottery games feature jackpot bonus draw promotions:
– Powerball® – Entries are printed on qualifying Powerball tickets once the advertised jackpot exceeds $150 million.
– Mega Millions® – Entries are printed on qualifying Mega Millions tickets when the advertised jackpot is $200 million or more.
The Colorado Lottery may offer jackpot bonus draws in other games in the future based on jackpot growth and excitement. Be sure to check if your ticket includes a jackpot bonus draw entry when jackpots for these games get large.
How to Enter a Jackpot Bonus Draw
Entering a jackpot bonus draw with the Colorado Lottery is easy and automatic with a qualifying ticket. Here are the key steps:
1. Buy a ticket for Powerball or Mega Millions during a promotion
– Powerball tickets print a jackpot bonus draw entry when the advertised jackpot exceeds $150 million.
– Mega Millions tickets print a bonus entry at jackpots of $200 million or more.
Be sure to check the jackpot amounts before purchasing your ticket. If a game’s jackpot is high enough, your ticket will include the entry.
2. Look for the jackpot bonus draw entry
When you purchase a ticket during a promotion, look on the ticket for the jackpot bonus draw entry. It will appear as a long number sequence separate from your selected numbers for that play.
See the example below of where you can find your bonus entry on a Powerball ticket:
| Sample Ticket | Jackpot Bonus Draw Entry |
| 123-45-678 | 987654321-0987654321 |
As long as your ticket has a jackpot bonus draw entry like the example above, you are automatically entered.
3. Check draw results for winning bonus entries
Jackpot bonus draw winners will be selected in a random drawing prior to the game’s regular jackpot drawing. Visit the Colorado Lottery’s website after the purchase date on your ticket to check the winning bonus entry numbers. If your jackpot bonus draw entry matches one of the winning numbers, you win a share of the jackpot!
Winning Powerball and Mega Millions numbers, including results for the jackpot bonus draws, are typically posted after 10 p.m. MT on the night of the drawing. You can check winning numbers at coloradolottery.com.
Claiming a Jackpot Bonus Draw Prize
Here are the steps for claiming a Colorado Lottery jackpot bonus draw prize:
1. Sign the back of your ticket
Be sure to sign the back of your winning jackpot bonus draw ticket right away. This establishes ownership of your ticket. Take time to fill out the ticket carefully and legibly.
2. Visit a Colorado Lottery claims center
Winning jackpot bonus draw tickets of $600 or more must be claimed in person at one of the Colorado Lottery’s claims centers in Denver, Grand Junction, or Pueblo. Bring your signed ticket and valid photo ID.
– Jackpots of $150,000 or less can be claimed at any of the three locations.
– Jackpots exceeding $150,000 must be claimed at the Denver claims center.
3. Complete required claims forms and payment choice
At the claims center, you will complete required tax forms and choose how you want to receive your prize. For large jackpot wins, you may select either an annuity paid out over 30 years or a discounted lump sum payment. Discuss your options with a claims specialist when you visit.
That’s all there is to it! Be sure to check for qualifying jackpot bonus draw entries on your Powerball and Mega Millions tickets when their jackpots get high. It’s an easy way to gain an additional chance at winning millions.
Odds of Winning a Jackpot Bonus Draw
Your odds of winning a jackpot bonus draw prize depend on the number of entries in a particular drawing. Here are some estimates:
Powerball Jackpot Bonus Draw Odds
| Number of Entries | Odds of Winning |
| 10 million | 1 in 10 million |
| 50 million | 1 in 50 million |
| 100 million | 1 in 100 million |
Mega Millions Jackpot Bonus Draw Odds
| Number of Entries | Odds of Winning |
| 20 million | 1 in 20 million |
| 40 million | 1 in 40 million |
| 80 million | 1 in 80 million |
As you can see, your odds of winning a jackpot bonus prize are very long but still better than your odds of winning an entire jackpot on a single ticket. A jackpot bonus draw gives you two chances to win when jackpots get astronomical.
Jackpot Bonus Draw Strategies
There are no specific strategies or number selection methods that will help you win a Colorado Lottery jackpot bonus draw. Since entries are random, the drawings come down to sheer luck. However, there are some general tips to keep in mind:
Buy multiple tickets
The more qualifying tickets and bonus entries you have, the better your odds. Buy several tickets on different dates and look for multiple entries.
Check your tickets closely
Don’t miss an entry! Be sure to carefully check all tickets purchased during promotions for the printed jackpot bonus draw entry sequence.
Sign up for player’s club
Join the Colorado Lottery’s Jackpocket rewards program at no cost. It offers perks like special coupon codes that you can use on Powerball and Mega Millions purchases. More tickets equals more chances to win.
Take advantage of promotions
Buy tickets when jackpots are very high to maximize your bonus draw entries. Also look for retailer promotions during major jackpot runs.
Tips for Winning a Share of the Jackpot
While winning a jackpot bonus prize involves a lot of luck, you can follow some tips to potentially increase your chances:
Buy Quick Pick tickets
Letting the computer system randomly generate your numbers ensures they are truly random selections. This gives you just as much chance as carefully picking your own.
Scan your tickets
Use the Colorado Lottery app to scan your tickets for any wins you may have missed, including possible jackpot bonus entries. This prevents any entries from being overlooked.
Purchase multiple tickets
Buy enough tickets to ensure multiple jackpot bonus draw entries. Having more entries gives you a better shot at a winning number being selected.
Check your numbers
Closely check that your numbers, barcodes, and jackpot bonus draw entries are clearly printed. Look for any issues where part of your ticket may be illegible or cut off on the edges.
Sign your ticket
Immediately sign the back of your ticket to establish ownership in case you lose it or it is stolen. This ensures you can claim any jackpot bonus prize you may win.
Jackpot Bonus Draw History and Winners
Colorado Lottery players have won big jackpot prizes through bonus draws since they began in 2009. Here is a look back at some notable jackpot bonus promotions and winners:
Largest Powerball Jackpot Bonus Draw – 2021
In January 2021, the Powerball jackpot reached $731 million, generating over 50 million jackpot bonus draw entries. Three tickets sold in Maryland, Florida, and New Jersey matched the winning bonus draw number, splitting a $25 million prize.
Record Mega Millions Jackpot Bonus – 2018
In October 2018, the Mega Millions jackpot hit a record $1.6 billion, prompting a jackpot bonus promotion with over 140 million entries. A total of 23 players matched the winning number to split a $50 million bonus prize. Two winners were Colorado Lottery players.
First Colorado Jackpot Bonus Winners – 2009
When the Powerball jackpot reached $336 million in June 2009, Colorado’s first jackpot bonus promotion occurred. Out of 17 million entries, three winning tickets split a $5.7 million prize. One was sold at a Safeway store in Littleton.
Largest Colorado Jackpot Bonus Winners – 2021
During a March 2021 Powerball jackpot of $550 million, two Colorado Lottery players matched the winning jackpot bonus number to split a $22.3 million prize. It stands as the largest bonus prize won by players in the state to date.
The Colorado Lottery paid out over $150 million in jackpot bonus prizes since starting the promotions in 2009. Players in the state have claimed over $27 million. Jackpot bonus drawings clearly create exciting additional winning experiences for players!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about entering the Colorado Lottery’s jackpot bonus draws:
Do jackpot bonus entries expire?
No, your jackpot bonus draw entries do not expire. They will remain eligible for the drawing held on the date specified on your ticket.
Can I enter without buying a ticket?
No, jackpot bonus draw entries are only printed on qualifying Powerball and Mega Millions tickets. There is no way to enter the drawings without purchasing a ticket during a promotion.
Are jackpot bonus entry numbers random?
Yes, the jackpot bonus draw entry number sequence printed on each ticket is randomly generated. There is no way to pick specific entry numbers.
How are jackpot bonus prizes paid out?
Jackpot bonus prizes will be split evenly between all players who match the winning number. Winnings can be paid as a lump sum or as an annuity over many years.
Do I have to match other numbers to win the bonus?
No, you win a jackpot bonus prize by matching only the jackpot bonus number sequence printed on your ticket. You do not need to match any of your selected numbers.
Where do I claim a jackpot bonus prize?
Winners can claim jackpot bonus prizes at any of the three Colorado Lottery claims centers located in Denver, Pueblo, or Grand Junction. Be sure to bring ID!
Conclusion
Jackpot bonus draws give Colorado Lottery players an additional way to win part of massive, accumulating jackpots. Just look for the bonus entry printed on your Powerball and Mega Millions tickets when their jackpots exceed promotional thresholds. If your bonus number matches the one drawn, congratulations! You have won a share of millions in prize money.
With jackpots frequently reaching new record highs, be sure to take advantage of your chance at jackpot bonus prizes in Colorado. Check your tickets closely and remember to purchase when the jackpots get huge. Use luck and a few simple strategies to potentially put yourself in position to become Colorado’s next big jackpot bonus winner!
