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How does Colorado Lottery double play work?

What is Colorado Lottery double play?

Colorado Lottery double play is an add-on feature for several Colorado Lottery draw games including Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, Cash 5, and Pick 3. It gives players a second chance to win with the same set of numbers played in the main game. For an extra $1 per play, double play duplicates the player’s chances of winning a prize.

When a player purchases a Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, Cash 5, or Pick 3 ticket in Colorado, they have the option to add the double play feature for $1 more per play. This adds a separate double play drawing using the exact same numbers played on the main ticket. So the player gets two chances to win prizes of up to $50,000 with those same numbers.

How does double play work?

Here is a breakdown of how Colorado Lottery’s double play add-on works:

– When buying a ticket for a qualifying draw game like Powerball, the player can opt-in to double play for an additional $1 per play.

– The double play selection duplicates the numbers marked for the main game onto a separate ticket for the double play drawing.

– Right after the main game drawing occurs, a separate double play drawing takes place using the same equipment and balls.

– The double play drawing has its own prize structure that offers players a second chance at lower and mid-tier prizes up to $50,000.

– Double play has its own set of winning numbers drawn. Players can match these numbers in the different prize tiers to win.

– To win a double play prize, players must match the double play numbers drawn, not the numbers from the main game drawing.

– Powerball and Mega Millions double play drawings use numbers 1-26 plus the Powerball or Mega Ball. Other games use their regular ball sets.

– Double play odds and prize payouts are fixed. They don’t change based on main game jackpot size or number of tickets sold.

– Players can win both on their main ticket and double play ticket. They are separate drawings.

– Tickets with double play cost $3 per play. $2 for the main game and $1 more for the double play add-on.

So in summary, double play takes the numbers on your main ticket and gives them a second chance to win lower tier prizes in a separate drawing for just $1 more per play. It’s an easy way to double your fun!

What are the Colorado Lottery double play prizes?

The prizes available in Colorado Lottery’s double play drawings vary by game. Here are the prize tables for each game that offers double play:

Powerball Double Play Prizes

Match Odds Prize
5 + Powerball 1 in 693,000 $50,000
5 1 in 11,688 $500
4 + Powerball 1 in 3,585 $100
4 1 in 230 $7
3 + Powerball 1 in 144 $7
3 1 in 24 $3
2 + Powerball 1 in 42 $2

Mega Millions Double Play Prizes

Match Odds Prize
5 + Mega Ball 1 in 701,000 $50,000
5 1 in 12,607 $500
4 + Mega Ball 1 in 3,894 $100
4 1 in 230 $7
3 + Mega Ball 1 in 140 $4
3 1 in 24 $2
2 + Mega Ball 1 in 35 $1

Lucky for Life Double Play Prizes

Match Odds Prize
5 1 in 1,813,028 $25,000 a year for life
5 1 in 31,785 $5,000
4 1 in 3,710 $150
3 1 in 166 $15
2 1 in 32 $3

Cash 5 Double Play Prizes

Match Odds Prize
5 1 in 144,000 $2,500
4 1 in 2,000 $20
3 1 in 80 $1

Pick 3 Double Play Prizes

Match Odds Prize
Straight 1 in 1,000 $350
Box 3-way 1 in 333 $115
Box 6-way 1 in 167 $58
Box 12-way 1 in 83 $29

As shown above, double play offers prizes ranging from free tickets up to top prizes of $50,000. The odds of winning are the same for each prize level in the double play drawing as in the main game.

What are the odds of winning double play prizes?

The odds of winning prizes in Colorado Lottery’s double play drawings are the same as the odds listed above in the prize tables. For example:

– The odds of winning $50,000 playing Powerball double play are 1 in 693,000.

– For Mega Millions double play, the odds are 1 in 701,000 of hitting 5 numbers plus the Mega Ball for a $50,000 prize.

– Lucky for Life double play odds of winning $25,000 a year for life are 1 in 1,813,028.

– Odds of hitting the Cash 5 double play top prize of $2,500 are 1 in 144,000.

– For Pick 3 double play, the odds of matching a straight (exact order) are 1 in 1,000.

The chances of winning remain fixed across prize tiers. They do not vary based on jackpot amounts, number of entries, or other factors. Double play maintains separate and consistent odds for its prizes.

How do I play Colorado Lottery double play?

Playing Colorado Lottery double play is easy – just follow these steps when purchasing your Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, Cash 5, or Pick 3 ticket:

1. Pick your numbers and make your wager for the main game as usual. This can be a Quick Pick or player-selected numbers.

2. When the retailer asks if you want to add double play, say yes.

3. Double play costs an extra $1 per play. So a $2 Powerball ticket becomes $3 with double play added.

4. Your double play numbers will mirror the numbers chosen for the main game. You don’t pick additional numbers.

5. A separate double play ticket will print with those same numbers and “Double Play” marked.

6. Watch the main game drawing as usual, plus the double play drawing right after.

7. Match your double play numbers to the separate double play drawing to win prizes up to $50,000.

It’s a simple extra step that doubles your chances at lotto excitement! For just $1 more per play, double play lets you take home two prizes if your luck is extra good.

Where does the Colorado Lottery double play money go?

The Colorado Lottery allocates its proceeds to various state beneficiaries approved by voters and the Colorado General Assembly. By law, at least 50% of lottery revenue must go towards parks and outdoor recreation. The rest helps fund education, health initiatives, and more across Colorado.

When you play double play on games like Powerball and Mega Millions, the extra $1 per ticket helps generate additional funds for these good causes and projects. So adding double play helps the lottery fulfill its mission of responsibly raising proceeds for the state in a fun way.

While double play prizes must be paid from double play income, the feature ultimately provides a lottery revenue boost. In fiscal year 2022, Colorado Lottery sales hit a record $726 million. Double play games like Powerball and Mega Millions contributed significantly.

So when you tack on double play, you get extra chances at prizes while also increasing support for Colorado parks, education, and health programs. It’s a win-win for players and the community!

Are Colorado Lottery double play prizes taxable?

Yes, lottery prizes won in Colorado, including those from double play, are considered taxable income. If your total gambling winnings for the year from all sources exceed $600, the Colorado Lottery is required to withhold state and federal taxes before paying out the prize.

Here are some key tax rules to keep in mind regarding double play prizes:

– For winnings over $600, 24% federal tax is withheld, plus 4.63% for state tax.

– Prizes $600 and under are paid in full without taxes withheld. But you must still claim the income.

– Gambling losses up to the amount of winnings can be deducted against gambling income.

– You’ll receive a W2-G form from the lottery showing the full prize amount and any taxes paid.

– Double check your exact tax liability when filing returns. Supplemental payment or refunds may be needed if incorrect amounts were withheld.

While taxes put a slight damper on lottery celebrations, double play winners still get to enjoy their good fortune. With jackpots up to $50,000, there’s plenty left over even after the IRS takes its share!

What are the pros and cons of playing Colorado Lottery double play?

Here are some key pros and cons to weigh when deciding if double play is right for you:

Pros:

– Get two chances to win for just $1 more per play

– Prizes up to $50,000 across various games

– Winnable lower and mid-tier prize levels

– Same overall odds of winning as main game

– Quick, easy add-on with no extra steps

– Raises more proceeds for Colorado programs and projects

Cons:

– No huge jackpots offered

– Added cost per ticket

– Taxes owed on prizes reduce winnings

– Potential for more losing tickets

– Doesn’t improve odds of largest prizes like jackpots

Overall, double play provides a fun extra opportunity to play your favorite numbers twice and walk away with two prizes. The $1 extra cost seems a small price to pay for doubling your excitement! But weigh the pros and cons carefully as you decide if it fits your lottery budget and preferences.

How old do you have to be to play Colorado Lottery double play?

You must be at least 18 years old to legally purchase Colorado Lottery tickets, including those with the double play add-on. This is the age requirement enforced by all U.S. lotteries.

Retailers that sell lottery tickets are trained to check IDs and ensure customers meet the minimum age before processing ticket sales. Underage gambling is illegal and taken seriously.

So while doubling your lottery excitement with double play sounds enticing, make sure you are legally old enough first. And when enjoying your lottery rewards, always remember to play responsibly!

Can I add double play when buying Colorado Lottery tickets online?

Yes, double play can be added to qualifying online lottery purchases in Colorado. When you create an account and buy Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, Cash 5, or Pick 3 tickets on the Colorado Lottery website or mobile app, you’ll have the option to include double play.

Simply check the box to add double play when selecting your numbers. The $1 fee per play will automatically be included in your ticket total. You’ll receive separate main game and double play tickets with the same numbers, just like when buying at retailers.

One advantage of getting double play online is that your numbers are automatically stored in your account. This makes checking results easy by signing in to view your tickets. You’ll know right away if your double play ticket is also a winner!

Online lottery sales offer convenience and help generate additional revenue for Colorado. So take advantage of technology to get your double play tickets digitally. It just takes a few clicks to double down on the fun.

Can I play Colorado Lottery double play from out of state?

Unfortunately, double play and other Colorado Lottery games are only open to players physically located within Colorado state lines at the time of purchase. Lottery tickets cannot legally be sold across state borders.

Residents of neighboring states like Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico, Utah, and Oklahoma cannot buy Colorado Lottery tickets from retailers or online while they are still within their home state. This includes adding double play.

However, if you live outside Colorado but find yourself visiting, you are welcome to purchase lottery tickets with double play while here. Just be sure to make the purchase when you are physically present in a store or using your phone/device connected to a Colorado internet network.

State lotteries have compact agreements to sometimes allow joint games and drawings. But in general, gambling remains regulated at the state level. So double check the gambling laws before trying to play Colorado double play from another state. Enjoy it while visiting and explore your local lottery options back home!

Conclusion

In review, Colorado Lottery’s double play add-on provides players a cheap and easy way to double their chances at winning prizes up to $50,000. For just $1 extra per play when buying tickets for Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, Cash 5, and Pick 3, the same numbers are entered into a separate double play drawing for more lotto excitement.

While double play has fixed lower tier prizes, there are still excellent odds at nabbing $500 or $100 rewards. And the convenience factor of automatically duplicating your numbers makes double play a no-brainer for lottery lovers. Just be sure to play responsibly and check your winnings for tax implications.

At the end of the day, double play lets Colorado Lottery players have twice the fun. And adding $1 more per ticket benefits local parks, education, and health initiatives supported by lottery revenue. It’s a great way to increase lottery proceeds while also increasing your own chances at winning. Double play lets you double down on lotto entertainment!