You might have thought that if your lottery ticket didn’t win, then you become a loser automatically. Right? Well, in most instances, this is not the case. While a lot of people are not aware, the lottery works in different ways to give people multiple chances of winning. Unbeknownst to many players, those non-winning tickets can be entered into drawings that provide better than average odds of winning and great prizes. In short, lets move ahead to know what to do with losing lottery tickets?
How to get started with the second chance lottery?
Just as the name indicates, this is a second chance of winning prizes and cash. Of all the 44 states that hold lotteries, second chance lotteries are available in 43 of them. Although the rules vary from one state to another, if you purchase lottery tickets for a particular game, your wining tickets can win you prizes and cash.
This means if you didn’t get a chance of winning at the first instance, you could get a shot at winning again. With different rules coming from each state, you need to check the information provided by the state’s website. Ideally, you enter your losing ticket numbers into a second drawing for another chance to win prizes and cash.
The second chance lottery states
Currently, the only states that don’t have lotteries at all include Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, and Utah. Out of the remaining 44 countries, 43 of them offer second chance lotteries. When you visit your state’s lottery site, you can learn more about the second chance lottery.
Why states provide another chance to win?
Although lotteries can make one rich within a very short time, the chances of winning are very slim. The odds of winning are actually 1 in 292.1 million. This is according to CBNC. If you want to try out the Mega Millions, the chances are even slimmer at 1 in 302.5 million.
Because of this, different tickets have come up with different top prizes for each game. Once the last top prize has been won another lottery ticket cannot be sold. When it comes to second-chance drawing, states set aside one of the top prizes for one more final drawing after the lottery game has closed. This is to allow them to sell lottery tickets for a longer period and earn more revenues that can be used to fund games’ prize structures. Plus, winners pay taxes, thereby bringing additional income to the states.
What this means is that your loss is your states gain. Having a second chance drawing prolongs the normal drawing period and convinces players to continue buying more tickets. Even with other tickets that do not involve winning big money, the state still has several incentives for you to keep buying the tickets. Since many people don’t know about these drawings they don’t enter them. This gives you a better chance of winning than you would have had while playing at the first attempt.
How it works?
The first step is to visit your state’s lottery website to confirm whether it participates in second-chance lotteries and what the rules are. Some of the things that you should find out are entry deadlines, games that are allowed, and how often drawings occur.
With most states having several forms of second-chance drawing, you need to know what you are entering. The most common form is entering your losing lottery number to get an entry to a different drawing. To do this, create an online account for your state’s lottery website and then enter your losing lottery ticket number into the form. Since each game will have a start and end date ensure that you carefully check all the dates. If you do this, you won’t be able to enter past that point.
Once you enter you can either win cash, grand prize, a car, paid vacation, or some other type of prize. The state’s website should have all the details, including when the winner will be selected, how many people can win the said prize and how you can enter to participate. While some states can allow you to take another shot with both your scratch-off and regular tickets, others only allow you to enter with your regular tickets.
You also need to look at the odds of winning. Some states will provide an online list of prizes that are still available and the odds of winning, depending on the number of entries that have been received. By knowing the odds, you can better determine which games are worth your time and money. To join, you need to create an account, enter your first and last name, an email address and password. Once you are done, you just need to follow the instructions. However, while creating your account, make sure you use the correct details to avoid instances where another person somewhere claims your prize.
When it comes to entering second drawings, most state’s websites are straightforward with the rules and steps clearly indicated. Since these accounts are free, they are only meant to help you store your information so that the state can easily reach you in case you are a winner. Once you’ve created an account, follow the steps to enter your ticket numbers for a chance to win.
Checking your status
The advantage of having an account is that you can sign in at any time to check your information to confirm that all your details and tickets are correct. Once you’ve submitted the numbers or the codes, some states will also send you an email confirmation to the information you that they’ve received your details and everything is ok.
Apart from that, you need to check your account every time. When you enter a second chance drawing, check the guidelines to know how you will be contacted in case you are a winner. However, since most of them will let you know by email or phone, there is nothing much that you can do but just to sit and wait for them.
What to do when you win?
If you are informed that you are a winner, you need to pay close attention to the details on how to claim your prize. Remember, if you don’t claim your prize appropriately, you may not be eligible to redeem it. Again, the winning details should be explained in details. Before entering, it’s very important to read all the fine prints.
One of the disadvantages of winning a lottery- even second drawing- is that you may not win anonymously. Each state will always decide whether to make the names public or not. Unfortunately, according to the Washington Post, only five states currently offer anonymity to their winners. Sometimes this can come with its downsides.
Avoid lottery scams
Since lottery deals with a lot of money, this money can sometimes make people lose their sense of good judgment. It’s no wonder that several scams are surrounding it. Regrettably, these scams might even be more in second-chance lotteries where scammers are targeting those who have already lost and are looking for quick ways to reclaim their money.
According to lottery.net, second chance scams are some of the most common scams that try to persuade people to act fast to win huge prizes. The scammer may try to get you to reveal your details, send money or divulge your lottery numbers to claim the prize. Remember, if you win, your state will never ask you for all this information. If you are in doubt, make sure you check your state’s lottery website for the most recent information about the kind of promotions that are ongoing.
Conclusion
Although the lottery can do for you amazing things, it can also be a huge setback for those who don’t know how to handle money and fame. Even in the second chances, your prizes can be huge. Since the last thing you want is to blow your cash away or have all your neighbors hanging on your coat, it’s very important to be careful.
More so, since most states usually make winners public, you need to do everything you can to keep yourself safe. If you protect yourself well, you’ll join the list of the past winners who have invested their money wisely. Finally, enjoy your money wisely.
