Here’s another truth vs. myth question to test your lottery know-how: Are the new games luckier when they hit store shelves?
Some people tell us they think so, but in fact, it’s a myth.
The odds of winning in our games are established before sales start in them, and they apply to the game the entire time that its tickets are on the market. Luck does not change or run out in a game over time, and the odds are the same for every ticket in it.
Maybe some folks look at the number of prizes available in a new game and think it’s luckier based on volume. But the odds stay the same for all prize levels in a game from start to finish. So even if a game has been for sale for a while and some of the prizes in it have already been won, the odds haven’t changed.
The way you can compare different games is to look at the prize levels in them and the overall odds of winning. We keep those details available on our website and mobile app 24/7 so you can access the info at any time.
A game with overall odds of winning of about 1 in 3.82 is slightly luckier than a game with overall odds of 1 in 4.87. The two games may be at different price points and have different play styles or themes, so it’s your choice which you prefer!
Whether you play the lottery or not, we want everyone to have an accurate understanding of how the lottery works. This Truth or Myth series is part of that effort.
Hi, Phyllis and Steve. Please know that while we're proud of the lottery entertainment we provide in Iowa, we do not want anyone to play if it causes them stress or makes them unhappy. If you feel like you need to step away from playing the lottery for awhile, please do so. Buying tickets is something you should always do just for fun, as there is no guarantee that you'll win.
Posted by: Mary Neubauer | October 02, 2024 at 07:44 PM
It is not true! If you win on the scratch tickets you have to live in Eastern Iowa. I have purchased several hundred dollars in the past couple months and can't even get any of my money back! I quit buying them. I am tired of losing my money!
Posted by: Steve LaScala | October 02, 2024 at 11:43 AM
sure seems like the scratch tickets are been non winning i buy a alot and they are never worth while , also how for years can i re enter promotion tickets never win anything wow feels like a waste of time
Posted by: phyllis steffen | October 02, 2024 at 07:09 AM
I've been playing scratchers for years. When the $50 ticket came out it was hot. It has totally cooled off to nothing since it was down to the last couple top prizes. I stopped playing it
Posted by: Troy W Wood | October 01, 2024 at 09:16 AM
If you live in Cedar Rapids, your odds of winning are greater. If you live in western Iowa, your odds are way less. We get all of the duds over here
Posted by: Mike Ingram | September 15, 2024 at 08:01 AM