What Is a Second Chance Lottery?
A second chance lottery (also called “2nd Chance” or “bonus draws”) is a free program that lets you enter losing scratch-off and draw game tickets into additional drawings for prizes. Instead of throwing away that non-winning ticket, you scan or enter its code into your state’s second chance system for another shot at winning — at no additional cost.
Most state lotteries offer some form of second chance program. Prizes range from free tickets and gift cards to cash prizes of $10,000, $50,000, or even $1,000,000+. Since many players don’t bother entering their losing tickets, the odds of winning second chance drawings can actually be better than the odds on the original ticket.
Which States Offer Second Chance Drawings?
Most U.S. states with a lottery offer some form of second chance program. Here’s the current landscape:
| State | Program Name | Entry Method | Notable Prizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2nd Chance | App scan or website | Up to $1,000,000 |
| New York | Collect ‘N Win | App scan | Cash prizes, gift cards |
| Texas | 2nd Chance | Website code entry | Cash prizes up to $25,000 |
| Florida | 2nd Chance (select games) | Website or app | Varies by promotion |
| Pennsylvania | Second Chance Drawings | App or website | Up to $100,000 |
| Michigan | 2nd Chance | App scan or website | Up to $500,000 |
| Ohio | ePlayslip/MyLotto Rewards | App scan | Points and drawings |
| Georgia | 2nd Chance | App or website | Up to $250,000 |
| Virginia | eXTRA Chances | App or website | Cash prizes |
| North Carolina | 2nd Chance | App or website | Up to $150,000 |
| Illinois | Second Chance | App or website | Varies by game |
| Massachusetts | VIP Club | Website code entry | Cash and merchandise |
| New Jersey | VIP Club/Second Chance | App scan | Cash prizes |
| Arizona | Players Club | App or website | Cash and merchandise |
| Colorado | 2nd Chance | App or website | Cash prizes |
| Oregon | Second Chance | App or website | Top prize of original game |
| Minnesota | 2nd Chance | App scan or website | Cash prizes |
| South Dakota | VIP Only | Website | $100-$300 in scratch tickets |
| Wisconsin | 2nd Chance | App or website | Varies |
| Kentucky | Fun Club | App or website | Points and drawings |
| Missouri | My Lottery Players Club | App scan | Points for prizes |
| New Mexico | 2nd Chance | Website | Cash prizes |
| West Virginia | Collect and Win | App | Cash prizes |
| Indiana | 2nd Chance | App or website | Cash and prizes |
Note: Programs change frequently. Check your state lottery’s official website for the most current second chance offerings.
How to Enter Your Losing Tickets
The process is similar across most states:
Method 1: Mobile App (Fastest)
- Download your state’s official lottery mobile app
- Create a free account (name, email, age verification)
- Open the “Second Chance” or “Scan” section
- Scan the barcode on the front of your losing ticket
- Wait for confirmation that your entry was accepted
Method 2: Website Entry
- Go to your state lottery’s official website
- Log in to your players club account (or create one)
- Navigate to the Second Chance section
- Enter the 12-14 digit code from your ticket (usually located below the scratch area or on the back)
- Submit and confirm your entry
Method 3: Mail-In (Rare)
Some states still accept mail-in entries, though this is being phased out in favor of digital entry. Check your state’s specific rules if you prefer this method.
What Prizes Can You Win?
Second chance prizes vary widely by state and promotion:
- Cash prizes: $100 to $1,000,000+ (California has awarded million-dollar second chance prizes)
- Free scratch-off tickets: Common smaller prizes, usually $5-$50 worth of tickets
- Merchandise and experiences: Gift cards, electronics, vacation packages
- Points/rewards: Some states use a points system where entries earn points redeemable for prizes or drawing entries
The biggest second chance prizes typically come from premium games ($10-$50 tickets). Higher-priced tickets often offer entry into more valuable second chance drawings.
Are Second Chance Drawings Worth the Effort?
Yes, and here’s why:
- They’re completely free. You’ve already paid for the ticket. Entering it into second chance costs nothing extra.
- Low participation means better odds. Only a fraction of players bother to enter their losing tickets. Many people don’t even know these programs exist. This means fewer entries in the drawing pool, which improves your odds significantly compared to the original game.
- No additional risk. You’ve already accepted the loss when you bought the ticket. Second chance is pure upside with zero downside.
- Consistent entries add up. If you buy scratch-offs regularly and enter every losing ticket, you’re building a significant number of entries over time.
The math: If a second chance drawing has a $50,000 prize and receives 200,000 entries, your odds are 1 in 200,000 — much better than the 1 in 3,000,000 odds of hitting the top prize on many scratch-off games. And it cost you nothing extra.
Tips to Maximize Your Second Chance Entries
- Enter EVERY losing ticket. Don’t cherry-pick. Every entry improves your odds.
- Sign up for notifications. Many states notify you when new promotions start or drawings are approaching. Opt into emails and push notifications.
- Focus on higher-priced tickets. $10-$50 game second chance drawings typically offer larger prizes and sometimes fewer entries (because fewer people buy expensive tickets).
- Check which games are eligible. Not all games in every state participate in second chance. Look for the “2nd Chance” logo on the ticket.
- Don’t throw away tickets until you’ve entered them. Once you enter, you can discard the ticket. But many people toss tickets before checking if they’re eligible for second chance.
- Use the app over the website. Scanning is faster than manually typing 14-digit codes. Set a routine: scratch your tickets, check for wins, scan losers into the app. Takes 30 seconds per ticket.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering tickets after the deadline. Second chance drawings have specific entry periods. If you wait too long, your ticket may no longer be eligible.
- Not checking if you won. Some states don’t proactively notify winners for smaller prizes. Log in periodically to check your account.
- Entering winning tickets. Only non-winning tickets are eligible for second chance. If your ticket won $5, cash it — don’t enter it into second chance.
- Using unofficial apps or sites. Only use your state’s official lottery app or website. Scam sites exist that claim to offer second chance entries but are simply collecting your personal information.
- Forgetting about expiring entries. Some states expire entries after a certain period. Enter tickets promptly rather than saving a stack for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to keep the physical ticket after entering second chance?
It depends on your state. Some states require you to present the physical ticket if you win a second chance prize. Others only need the digital entry. Check your state’s rules, but a safe practice is to keep tickets until the drawing occurs and results are posted.
Can I enter scratch-off tickets from any state?
No. You can only enter tickets into the second chance program of the state where the ticket was purchased. A Florida scratch-off can only be entered into Florida’s second chance system.
How do I know if my ticket is eligible for second chance?
Look for a “2nd Chance” or “Second Chance” logo on the ticket. Not all games participate. You can also check your state lottery’s website for a list of eligible games. When in doubt, try scanning it — the app will tell you if it’s eligible.
Do winning tickets count for second chance?
No. Only non-winning (losing) tickets can be entered into second chance drawings. If your ticket won any amount, you should claim that prize instead. Some states allow entry of specific losing play areas on multi-game tickets, even if another area won.
How often are second chance drawings held?
This varies by state and promotion. Some states hold weekly drawings, others monthly, and some have a single drawing at the end of a game’s life cycle. Check your state’s drawing schedule for specific dates.
Is there a limit to how many tickets I can enter?
Most states have no limit on the number of second chance entries you can submit. However, some promotions cap entries per drawing (e.g., “maximum 20 entries per drawing period”). Read the specific promotion rules for details.
