Scratch Games FAQs

The “Overall Odds” represent your likelihood of winning any prize in a specific game. For instance, if a scratch game has overall odds of 1 in 4, it indicates that, on average, approximately 1 out of every 4 tickets should secure a prize. It's important to note that these odds are calculated by dividing the total number of tickets in the game by the total number of tickets that are actual prize winners. However, because prizes are randomly distributed throughout the entire game, it does not guarantee that every fourth ticket in a pack will be a winner.

EXAMPLE:
Total tickets in the game: 1,000,000
Divided by total tickets that are prize winners: 250,000
Equals the Overall Odds: 1 in 4

Click here for Odds of Winning

This information can be found in the

SCRATCH

game section of our website or on our mobile app. You can also can ask any CT Lottery Retailer for a "Remaining Top Prizes" terminal report.

The CT Lottery may end a Scratch game for various reasons. The primary reason for ending a game is that the last top prize has been claimed, at which point the CT Lottery instructs retailers to remove all tickets from their dispensers and self-service machines. Other reasons for ending a Scratch game may include, but are not limited to:

Depletion of Ticket Inventory: If there is no remaining ticket inventory to be distributed, the game may be ended. This can include a scenario where a game has an unclaimed top prize.
Decline in Sales Levels: If sales levels drop below an acceptable range, the CT Lottery may choose to end a game. This is done to replace it with a new game that customers may find more appealing.
Quality Control Issues: If significant quality control issues affecting player satisfaction are identified (e.g. difficult to scratch, poor print quality), the CT Lottery may decide to end the game.

These measures are implemented to ensure the integrity, appeal, and player satisfaction of the lottery games.

Select a game listed in the SCRATCH section of our website and it will tell you if a game end date has been established and its expiration date. This information is also available on our SCRATCH GAMES TABLE list. (Please note, if a Scratch Game has ended, and is past the last day to claim a winning ticket, the game will no longer appear among the games listed on this website.) You can also ask a Lottery Retailer for a “Game Ended” report, which will show a ticket’s expiration date, or access this information on the Lottery’s mobile app.

No. Once a winning Scratch Game ticket expires it is no longer valid for claim, and the game will no longer appear among those listed on this website.

The distribution of winning Scratch tickets is designed to be random and unpredictable. The process involves scattering prizes throughout the entire print run using a random number generation system. Neither the lottery nor the ticket printing vendor knows where the winning tickets are placed, ensuring a double-blind system.

Once Scratch Game tickets are printed, they are shipped to our warehouse in packs for distribution. The ticket packs are randomly selected for shipment, and retailers receive them in a random order, based on their orders. This randomness in the distribution process is intended to maintain the integrity and fairness of the lottery system.

The perception that certain areas have more winning tickets is attributable to chance and sales volume. If more tickets are purchased in a particular area, it naturally follows that there would be more total winners in that area. Additionally, retailers who sell a significant number of tickets are more likely to receive packs with winning tickets simply due to the higher frequency of replenishing their inventory with new ticket packs.

For game security and integrity, the CT Lottery is prohibited from researching requests from the public as to where specific active Scratch ticket packs are located within the Retailer network. This is to ensure a fair and equal chance of winning for all who play our Scratch games.

From time to time, the CT Lottery may offer a Scratch Game with a 2nd Chance Drawing opportunity. These Scratch Games are clearly marked with a “2nd Chance” drawing logo on the front of the ticket, and “How to Enter” instructions on the back. To see a list of those games, please visit the 2ND CHANCE DRAWINGS section on our website.

The CT Lottery works within the international Lottery industry and relies on suppliers within the industry for its game designs. Individuals who are interested in putting forth new games should consult with industry experts. To protect your product or intellectual property you should also seek appropriate legal advice from a professional. The CT Lottery does not compensate individuals for game ideas or designs that are submitted for consideration. Any ideas submitted become the property of the CT Lottery.

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