Home » Blog » How Second-Chance Lottery Works in 2024
- Written by Melissa Brown
- Lottery Analyst
- (Updated on January 8, 2024)
- Validated by Matthew Kramer
Winning the lottery is hard, so having a second chance of winning the lottery is simply awesome. It is important to understand how a second-chance lottery works and that not all of the lotteries will offer that possibility. In this guide, we explain our full experience and knowledge about that opportunity.
Highlights
- A second-chance lottery is a free lottery play.
- You need to have non-winning tickets to participate.
- It does not occur as often as regular lottery games.
- Second-chance lotteries are really common in the USA.
Quick Jump
- How Does a Second-Chance Lottery Work?
- How to Participate in the Second-Chance Lottery?
- How Much Can You Win in a Second-Chance Lottery?
- What to Do If You Win a Second-Chance Lottery?
- FAQ
How Does a Second-Chance Lottery Work?
A second-chance lottery is any lottery game that offers you another chance of winning a prize. When you fail in the first drawing, there is a second one in which you also participate. Unlike games that already have two drawings in a row with automatic participation via your ticket, you need to make a move to ensure your participation.
Anyone who possesses a non-winning ticket can enter the code in the second drawing opportunity offered by the official lottery and wait. Usually, but not so frequently, there are special drawings that result in prizes for one or more people. Below, we brought the example of the NC lottery and its second drawing of $10 million every 6 months:
Source: NC Lottery
Therefore, you need to check with the official lottery provider if that alternative exists. If so, you may participate with all of your recent non-winning tickets and hope for a big hit.
How to Participate in the Second-Chance Lottery?
When you check the latest lottery results and figure out you have not won, do not throw your ticket out yet! It will be necessary not only to enter the free lottery drawing but also to claim your prize if you are the one lucky player selected to win it.
However, as it is specifically provided by the official lotteries, you need to participate directly via them, either online or in person. Most providers in the United States offer the chance to play second-chance lotteries. If you play their games through an online lottery site, you will not be able to participate.
In the case of the USA, aside from each state’s possible online lottery, you may play through the Jackpocket app. We have a complete Jackpocket review to help you understand how to play that way, and then you would have a really legit ticket to play a second-chance lottery afterward.
Therefore, just make sure your state or country offers that possibility. Some good examples of lotteries with second-chance drawings are:
- California
- Delaware
- Florida
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Virgin Islands
It is already possible to participate in your second chance to win the lottery via the lotteries’ official websites. Still, you may take your ticket to the lottery office, knowing that you will need to claim in person anyway if you win.
How Much Can You Win in a Second-Chance Lottery?
You can definitely win a second-chance lottery because it is organized by the official lottery you already participated in. There can be changes in odds and prizes, but the offer is tempting, and you are already participating for free anyway.
Some prizes may go up to several million. For example, Florida’s Bonus Play offers the chance to win $5 million, and all that the player needs to do is scan a valid non-winning ticket:
Source: Florida Lottery
However, second-chance lotteries usually work like sweepstakes, and there are some characteristics and advantages related to the prizes. When that is the case, someone always wins. However, we end up not knowing the exact odds, which could be frustrating to some people. Again, remember that you are playing that second chance for free!
What to Do If You Win a Second-Chance Lottery?
If you win the lottery in a second-chance drawing, you need to claim your prize like any other prize. Once more, you are going to need the ticket that you used to enroll in that bonus play or second drawing or it is going to be considered an unclaimed lottery prize.
Unlike regular lottery games, the prizes are usually not small. If that is the case, be prepared to take your documents along with the ticket and to wait a few days or weeks to receive the prize. In most cases, it can be claimed in a cheque or directly to your bank account. We have a complete guide on what to do if you win the lottery that also applies to second-chance lotteries.
FAQ
Are Second-Chance Lottery Drawings Random?
Yes, second-chance drawings are also based on randomness and provide the same chances to all participating tickets.
Can I Enter a Second-Chance Drawing More Than Once?
You may enter each second-chance lottery with all your valid tickets once. If you have ten eligible tickets, you may use all ten.
What Is a Valid Second-Chance Lottery Ticket?
In general, a non-winning lottery ticket can be a valid entry for a second chance to win the lottery.
Is There a Second Chance in Powerball and Mega Millions?
The state in which you bought your Powerball and Mega Millions ticket might consider your non-winning tickets for those games valid for a second chance. Check your local rules.
How Long Do I Have to Claim a Second-Chance Prize if I Win?
The rules vary from one jurisdiction to another, so make sure to ask when you validate your participation or seek that information in the FAQ of your local lottery.
Is Bonus Play the Same as a Second-Chance Drawing?
Bonus play is just another way to refer to a second-chance lottery, which means that they are the exact same.
Are There Taxes on Winnings from Second-Chance Lotteries?
Yes, any winnings from the lottery, regardless of being won in the first or second chance, are subject to your applicable local lottery taxes.
Melissa Brown
Melissa is a born artist with experience in writing and editing from her early teens. She completed her Masters in Psychology from Seton Hall University in the US and worked for a US-based publishing firm before collaborating with the LotteryTexts team. She is a focussed, research-driven individual with a knack for helping others and simplifying complex information into simple words so that everyone can understand.Email me; ✉️