In Kansas, the state lottery runs an annual raffle called the Kansas Millionaire Raffle. This raffle gives players the chance to win prizes up to $1 million. But how many raffle tickets are there in total for the Kansas Millionaire Raffle? Let’s take a closer look at how the raffle works and how many tickets are available.
How the Kansas Millionaire Raffle Works
The Kansas Millionaire Raffle is run by the Kansas Lottery each year as a special event. Tickets for the raffle go on sale in late August and remain on sale until the end of the year or until all 225,000 tickets are sold, whichever comes first.
Raffle tickets cost $20 each and each ticket has a unique number on it. When purchasing a raffle ticket, the buyer selects 5 numbers from 1 to 75. This set of 5 numbers is printed on the raffle ticket.
On January 1st, the Kansas Lottery draws the winning numbers. There are a total of 900 winners in the raffle. The raffle has six prize levels:
- 1 prize of $1 million
- 1 prize of $100,000
- 2 prizes of $50,000
- 10 prizes of $10,000
- 50 prizes of $1,000
- 836 prizes of $500
To win a prize, your raffle ticket numbers must match some, all, or none of the drawn winning numbers. The more numbers that match, the higher the prize you win.
Number of Tickets Printed
So how many raffle tickets are printed in total for the Kansas Millionaire Raffle each year? The Kansas Lottery prints a fixed number of 225,000 tickets for the raffle annually.
The lottery will continue selling tickets until either December 31st of that year or until all 225,000 tickets sell out, whichever comes first. Once 225,000 tickets have been purchased by players, no more tickets are available.
This means there are always 225,000 Kansas Millionaire Raffle tickets available each year. The lottery does not add or release any additional tickets beyond the original 225,000.
Raffle Ticket Sales Tracking
The Kansas Lottery closely tracks raffle ticket sales throughout the ticket sales period. The lottery provides regular updates on the number of tickets remaining through their website, press releases, and social media.
As the ticket sales period nears the end, if it appears that tickets are selling out faster than expected, the lottery will issue warnings about low inventory. This helps make sure players are aware tickets are running out so they can purchase before the sell-out.
Here is an example of raffle ticket sales tracking from the 2021 raffle:
| Date | Tickets Sold | Tickets Remaining |
|---|---|---|
| September 1 | 45,000 | 180,000 |
| October 15 | 112,500 | 112,500 |
| November 25 | 203,000 | 22,000 |
| December 30 | 225,000 | 0 |
As we can see, the Kansas Lottery provided regular updates on tickets remaining as sales progressed. This helps keep players informed on their chances of still getting a ticket before the sell-out.
Frequency of Sell-Outs
In the history of the Kansas Millionaire Raffle, it is more common than not for the raffle to reach a complete sell-out of tickets before the December 31st deadline. This demonstrates the popularity of the raffle.
Here is a summary of recent years and whether a sell-out occurred:
| Raffle Year | Sold Out? |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Yes |
| 2019 | No |
| 2020 | Yes |
| 2021 | Yes |
| 2022 | Yes |
As we can see, during 4 out of the past 5 years, the raffle has sold out completely. Only in 2019 were some tickets left remaining at the end of the sales period.
Given this history, it is likely that the 2023 Kansas Millionaire Raffle will also sell out its 225,000 tickets before December 31st. Players interested in participating will want to purchase their tickets early because inventory sells quickly for this popular raffle.
Buying Tickets from Authorized Retailers
Kansas Millionaire Raffle tickets can only be purchased from authorized Kansas Lottery retailers across the state. Tickets cannot be bought online or directly from the Kansas Lottery.
There are over 1,700 retailers authorized to sell raffle tickets. These include convenience stores, grocery stores, gas stations, liquor stores, and other local businesses. You can find a full list of retailers on the Kansas Lottery website.
Because raffle tickets are only available for purchase in person, this adds to the likelihood of sell-outs. Players have to visit retailers during business hours within a limited sales window to get tickets. Running out to authorized retailers is the only way to secure your raffle entries.
Impact of Raffle Ticket Cap
The limited number of raffle tickets printed each year increases the exclusivity and excitement around the Kansas Millionaire Raffle. With only 225,000 tickets available, this helps drive demand among lottery players.
It also increases the odds of winning compared to other lottery games. Your chances are much better than a multi-state game like Powerball, which sells millions and millions of ticket combinations.
The capped supply at 225,000 tickets ensures that your odds of winning a Kansas Millionaire Raffle prize remain stable year after year. There is no fluctuation based on how many players participate because the total number of tickets stays constant.
Odds of Winning
Speaking of odds, here are the overall odds of winning any prize in the Kansas Millionaire Raffle:
- Odds of winning $500: 1 in 268
- Odds of winning $1,000: 1 in 4,500
- Odds of winning $10,000: 1 in 22,500
- Odds of winning $50,000: 1 in 112,500
- Odds of winning $100,000: 1 in 225,000
- Odds of winning $1 million: 1 in 225,000
With the limited number of raffle tickets, your chances of taking home a prize are pretty good! Even if you don’t win big, smaller prizes like $500 are common.
Checking if You Won
Winners of the Kansas Millionaire Raffle are drawn on January 1st during a live broadcast. If you won one of the bigger prizes, the Kansas Lottery will notify you directly using the contact information on your raffle ticket.
For smaller prizes, you need to check your raffle ticket numbers against the winning numbers published on the Kansas Lottery website or announced in local media after January 1st. You can then claim prizes of $599 or less at any authorized lottery retailer. Prizes of $600 or more must be claimed directly at a Kansas Lottery office.
Be sure to sign the back of your ticket and keep it somewhere safe before claiming your prize. Tickets are bearer instruments so you want to ensure you maintain possession of any potential winners.
The Best Time to Buy
Because of the likelihood of sell-outs, the best time to purchase your Kansas Millionaire Raffle tickets is right at the beginning of ticket sales in August. This ensures you secure your entries before supplies run out.
Waiting until later in the sales window only increases your chances of missing out. As we’ve seen, tickets often sell out weeks or even months before the December 31st deadline.
If you want to participate in the raffle, aim to buy your tickets in August or September. Signing up for ticket alerts through the Kansas Lottery is also a good idea so you are notified when remaining inventory starts running low.
Buying Tickets as Gifts
The Kansas Millionaire Raffle makes for an excellent gift due to the high odds you will win something. Tickets can be purchased as holiday gifts for others and gifted in fun ways like stockings or gift boxes.
If buying raffle tickets as gifts, be sure to give the recipient the ticket right away rather than waiting until the holiday itself. That way, they can scratch off the ticket and see if they won any early prizes before January 1st.
You also want to avoid any chance of the raffle selling out before you get the chance to purchase tickets as intended gifts. Buy early and gift immediately to ensure your gift recipients get their shot at raffle prizes.
Maximizing Your Chances
With only 225,000 tickets and 900 winners, you have fairly good odds of scoring some kind of Kansas Millionaire Raffle prize. But there are some strategies that can help maximize your shot at different prize levels.
Strategy for Big Prizes
The best way to increase your odds of winning one of the top three prizes ($1 million, $100,000, or $50,000) is to buy multiple raffle tickets. The more tickets you have, the better your chances at matching 5 numbers.
Buying 5-10 raffle tickets gives you a decent shot at a top prize. Get a group together and buy even more for the chance to win big!
Strategy for Smaller Prizes
If you are focused on winning smaller prizes like $500, buying just 1-2 raffle tickets can work. With over 800 prizes at the $500 level, you have a good chance of matching some numbers.
A single raffle ticket gives you a 1 in 268 shot at $500. Buy two tickets and you have doubled your odds. Small investment for a solid chance at a fun prize.
Increase Your Overall Odds
No matter what prize level you are aiming for, the more tickets you buy the better your overall odds. 5 tickets gives you 5 times the chance versus buying just 1 ticket.
Work together with friends or family to purchase multiple raffle tickets and increase your collective odds. Pool your tickets together and agree to split any prizes you win!
Raffle History and Previous Winners
The Kansas Millionaire Raffle has produced many big winners over its history. Let’s take a look back at previous top prize winners:
| Year | $1 Million Winner | $100,000 Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Topeka Resident | Wichita Resident |
| 2019 | Kansas City Resident | Emporia Resident |
| 2020 | Lawrence Resident | Salina Resident |
| 2021 | Olathe Resident | Hutchinson Resident |
| 2022 | Wichita Resident | Dodge City Resident |
As we can see, big winners have come from communities all across Kansas. A fun variety of towns have been represented in past millionaires and $100k winners!
Could this be the year that someone from your town takes home the $1 million or $100,000 top prize? Make sure to get your raffle tickets early to be in the running.
Tips for Raffle Players
Here are some top tips to keep in mind for Kansas Millionaire Raffle players:
- Buy tickets early – don’t wait until the last minute!
- Sign ticket when you buy and keep in secure place
- Take a photo or photocopy of ticket as a backup
- Consider buying tickets with friends/family to increase odds
- Double check numbers carefully when checking for prizes
Following these tips will help ensure you don’t miss out on the raffle, have your entries properly secured, and maximize your shot at winning.
Changes for the 2023 Raffle
The Kansas Lottery has not announced any major changes to the raffle structure or rules for the 2023 edition. The raffle will maintain its $20 price point and 225,000 ticket limit.
One change under consideration is adding more cash prizes at the lower tiers. However, this would keep the total number of winners at 900. Prizes may be reallocated from 500 winners at $500 to a larger number of winners at slightly lower amounts like $400 or $300.
Any changes would be designed to give more players the thrill of winning while keeping the same overall odds structure. Be sure to check the Kansas Lottery website leading up to the 2023 raffle for any updates.
Conclusion
The Kansas Millionaire Raffle provides an exciting chance for participants to win life-changing prizes each year. With only 225,000 tickets available, the capped supply and high odds make it a popular lottery offering.
Tickets typically sell out quickly, often weeks or months before the end of sales. To secure your entries, be ready to purchase tickets right as they go on sale in August.
Gather together friends or family to buy multiple tickets and increase your odds across all prize levels. Check those tickets carefully on January 1st to see if you’ve won a piece of the millionaire pie!
