Your Insider’s Guide to Colorado's Lotto

Overview

Lotto is the Colorado Lottery's in-state jackpot game. The Colorado Lottery, run by the Colorado government, began in 1983 and Lotto began in January 1989 with a once a week draw only on Saturdays, however, the additional Wednesday night drawn commenced in July 1980. 

To play Lotto, you need to select six numbers from a field of 42. Prizes are awarded for matching 3, 4, 5 or all 6 of the numbers drawn. The game has a "rolling" jackpot meaning that it will grow each drawing if the previous jackpot is not won. The jackpot usually begins at about $1 million although it is not set and depends upon ticket sales.

The probability of winning the Lotto jackpot is 1 in 5,245,786 and the overall probability of winning a prize is 1 in 35. Each play costs $1. The Colorado Lotto has  made over 370  millionaires to date.

Lottery Schedule

Drawings for this lotto are held on Wednesday, Saturday.

How to Play

To play Lotto collect a playslip and mark six numbers between 1 and 42. Or you may ask for a Quick Pick and allow the computer to randomly select your numbers for you. Each play costs $1.

Participating Countries

The following countries participate in Lotto - Colorado: USA.

Prize Structure

If you match all 6 numbers drawn then you will be a jackpot winner. However, there are other cash prizes to be won too, if you match either 5 of the 6 numbers drawn, 4 numbers or even just 3. All prize divisions are pari mutuel meaning that the prize is dependent upon ticket sales.

Grand Prize

$1,000,000 US Dollar.

Jackpots

The jackpot continues to roll over until it is hit by a winning player.

Notable Wins

Largest split prize for one drawing occurred on 9th October 1991 when ten winners shared $15 million dollars.

On 8 October 2008 one lucky Lotto player hit the jackpot of $11 million.

Distribution of Revenue

Prizes equal at least 50% of sales overall while 36% spent on Lotto tickets goes back to Colorado in the form of parks, trails, recreation and open space to keep Colorado beautiful.