Using the Colorado lottery machine is a straightforward process that allows you to purchase lottery tickets for games like Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto, and Cash 5. In the opening paragraph, I have provided a high-level overview answering the question “How do you use the Colorado lottery machine?”. Keep reading for more detailed instructions broken down into easy steps.
Step 1: Locate a Self-Service Lottery Machine
Colorado lottery machines can be found at many authorized lottery retailers throughout the state. Some common locations include gas stations, grocery stores, liquor stores, and convenience stores. Look for the signage indicating lottery tickets are sold there. You may need to go inside the business to find the lottery machine if it is not visible from the street.
Step 2: Select the Lottery Game You Want to Play
Colorado lottery machines offer a variety of lottery games to choose from. On the screen, you will see options for games like:
- Powerball
- Mega Millions
- Lotto
- Cash 5
- Pick 3
- Scratch tickets
Touch the button on the screen for the lottery game you wish to play. This will take you to the purchase page for that game.
Step 3: Choose the Type of Bet or Wager
Some lottery games will give you options for different kinds of bets or wagers. For example, with Lotto you can choose a Quick Pick or pick your own numbers. Powerball allows you to select a Quick Pick or manual play option too. You may also be able to choose how many draws/plays you want. Select the bet type you prefer for the lottery game you are playing.
Step 4: Enter Your Number Picks (If Applicable)
If you chose to select your own numbers instead of using the Quick Pick random number option, the machine will prompt you to enter your number picks. This involves touching the numbers on the screen that you want for each play. The numbers you select will appear in the play area at the bottom of the screen prior to purchase.
Step 5: Insert Cash to Add Funds to Machine
Colorado lottery machines only accept cash payments. You will need to insert paper bills into the cash insertion slot on the machine to add funds. The machine accepts $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills. The total amount you have inserted will display on the screen.
Step 6: Complete Your Transaction
After selecting your game, wager, numbers (if applicable), and inserting sufficient cash, complete your lottery ticket purchase by confirming the transaction on the screen. Your change will be dispensed and your lottery ticket(s) will print from the machine. Be sure to take your change and ticket.
Helpful Tips for Using the Self-Service Lottery Machines
Here are some helpful tips to make your experience using the Colorado lottery machines easy and hassle-free:
- Have your cash ready before approaching the machine to speed up the process.
- Review the options and instructions on the screen carefully before making your selections.
- Insert bills one at a time slowly into the cash slot to prevent jams.
- If the machine does not accept one of your bills, press the “Return Bill” button for it to be dispensed back to you.
- Enter your number picks carefully on the touchscreen. Be sure to check them over before completing your transaction.
- Retrieve your printed ticket(s) from the dispensing slot after your purchase is complete.
- Keep your lottery tickets safe and secure until the drawing – they cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
Purchasing Scratch Tickets
If you want to purchase scratch tickets instead of drawing game tickets, the process is a bit different. Here are the steps to buy Colorado lottery scratch tickets from a self-service lottery machine:
- Select the “Scratch Games” option on the main screen.
- Browse through and select the scratch games you want to purchase.
- Choose the quantity of each scratch game ticket you want.
- Insert enough cash to cover the cost of the scratch tickets.
- Confirm your purchase on the screen.
- Take your printed scratch tickets from the dispensing slot.
Scratch games range from $1 to $20 per ticket. You can buy multiple tickets from various games in one transaction. Scratch carefully after purchase to reveal if you have won any prizes.
Claiming Prizes
If your lottery ticket is a winner, here is how to claim your prize:
- Up to $599 – Cash prizes under $600 can be claimed at any Colorado lottery retailer.
- $600 to $149,999 – Larger cash prizes must be claimed at a Colorado Lottery Claims Center.
- $150,000 and up – Very large jackpot prizes must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters in Pueblo.
Make sure to sign the back of your winning ticket and bring valid ID when claiming any prize. There are time limits for claiming prizes so don’t delay.
For scratch game prizes, match your ticket to the prize amounts displayed at the retailer or check online to verify you have won a prize. Follow the same claims process if you win $600 or more on a scratch ticket.
Other Important Notes
Here are some other key points to keep in mind when playing Colorado lottery games:
- You must be 18 or older to purchase lottery tickets in Colorado.
- Credit and debit cards cannot be used – the machines only take cash.
- Only use reputable machines located at authorized Colorado Lottery retailers.
- Play responsibly within your budget and do not chase losses.
- Know the odds of winning and don’t overspend chasing jackpots.
- Double check your tickets to verify you have the plays and numbers you intended to pick.
- Sign the back of tickets immediately after purchase and keep them very safe.
- Check carefully to see if your scratch or drawing game ticket has won a prize.
- Claim winning tickets on time and at the authorized location based on the prize amount.
The Benefits of Using Lottery Machines
There are a few key benefits to using the self-service Colorado lottery machines:
- Convenience – You can purchase tickets at any time when retailer is open instead of only during cashier hours.
- Speed – Transactions are fast after you make your selections. No need to wait in ticket purchase lines.
- Control – You can take your time to review options and make selections.
- Simplicity – User-friendly interface makes buying tickets easy. Clear instructions provided.
As long as you have cash on hand, lottery machines allow you to quickly and easily purchase lottery tickets any time it’s convenient for you.
Overview of Colorado Lottery Games
The Colorado Lottery offers a wide selection of lottery games to choose from. Here is a quick overview of some of the most popular games available:
Powerball
- National mega jackpot game played in 45 states.
- Drawings held Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Jackpots start at $40 million and roll until won.
- Win jackpot by matching 5 numbers 1-69 plus the Powerball 1-26.
- Other ways to win prizes up to $2 million.
- $2 per play.
Mega Millions
- Played in 45 states across the country.
- Drawings held Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Minimum jackpot is $20 million and rises until someone wins.
- Match 5 numbers 1-70 and Mega Ball 1-25 to hit jackpot.
- Prizes from $2 to $1 million+ available.
- $2 per ticket.
Lotto
- Colorado-only jackpot game with 6 number matrix.
- Drawings held Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Jackpots start at $1 million.
- Match 6 of 40 numbers to win jackpot.
- Other ways to win up to $25,000.
- $1 per ticket.
Cash 5
- Daily Colorado evening drawing game.
- Pick 5 of 35 numbers.
- Top prize $225,000.
- Drawings at 7:35pm daily.
- Tickets cost $1 each.
- Other ways to win up to $2,500.
Pick 3
- Midday and evening drawings.
- Select any 3 digits 0-9.
- Various bet types available.
- Top prizes up to $500.
- Tickets start at 50 cents.
Scratch Games
- Fun instant win games.
- Tickets cost from $1 to $20.
- Scratch off latex coating to reveal symbols.
- Prizes ranging from free $1 ticket up to $3 million.
- New games come out monthly.
These are just some of the many game options. With frequent drawings, big jackpots, and exciting scratch games, the Colorado Lottery offers something for every player.
Lottery Retailers in Colorado
You can find Colorado lottery machines at authorized retailers across the state. Here are some of the most common types of retailers selling lottery tickets:
| Retailer Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Convenience Stores | 7-Eleven, Circle K, Kum & Go |
| Gas Stations | Shell, Conoco, Exxon |
| Grocery Stores | King Soopers, Safeway, Albertsons |
| Liquor Stores | Argonaut, Tipsy’s |
| Big Box Stores | Walmart, Target, Costco |
Look for the green and white Colorado Lottery signage outside of businesses. This indicates they are licensed to sell lottery tickets. There are over 3,000 lottery retailers located throughout the state.
Finding a Lottery Machine Near You
You can find a Colorado lottery machine at retailers in communities across Colorado. Here are some ways to find a location near you:
- Use the lottery retailer locator on coloradolottery.com to search by city or zip code.
- Look for lottery signage outside gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores in your neighborhood.
- Pick retailers along routes you frequently travel so you can easily stop to buy tickets.
- Search on Google Maps and Yelp for “lottery near me” or “lottery retailer near me.”
- Ask friends and family for locations they purchase lottery tickets.
- Call or visit nearby retailers from the table above to ask if they offer lottery.
With lottery machines widespread across Colorado, chances are there are multiple options close to where you live and work. This makes it convenient to purchase lottery tickets whenever you have the chance.
Responsible Gambling Tips
When playing the lottery, it is important to play responsibly. Here are some tips for responsible gambling:
- Set a budget for lottery expenditures and do not go over it.
- Only use discretionary income for playing, not rent or bill money.
- See playing the lottery as entertainment, not as a way to make money.
- Balance lottery with other recreational activities.
- Don’t borrow money or use credit to play the lottery.
- Avoid chasing losses by continuing to play after repeated losses.
- Don’t spend above your means when jackpots get exceptionally high.
- Remember that the odds of winning are very low.
- Don’t make impulsive lottery purchases.
- If gambling is causing problems, call the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline for help.
Playing the lottery responsibly means being an informed player and not risking more than you can afford to lose. Use good judgment when deciding how frequently to play and how much to spend.
Why Proceeds Support Good Causes
When you play the Colorado Lottery, the proceeds go to support worthwhile causes across the state. Here is how lottery funds are used:
- Over $3.3 billion has gone to Colorado Parks and Wildlife projects since 1983.
- More than $575 million has been used for Colorado’s public schools.
- Hundreds of millions support the Colorado State Fair programs.
- Proceeds help fund the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund (GOCO).
- Money aids conservation, recreation, and open space projects.
So by purchasing lottery tickets in Colorado, you are contributing to valuable programs that improve communities statewide. This gives extra motivation to play.
Conclusion
Playing the Colorado Lottery is an exciting form of entertainment that also benefits important causes across the state. Using the self-service lottery machines makes purchasing Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto, Cash 5, Pick 3, and scratch tickets quick and convenient. With an abundance of lottery retailers throughout Colorado, you are likely to find a lottery machine near you. Remember to always play responsibly and within your budget. Check your tickets immediately to see if you are a big winner! With the Colorado Lottery, you have the chance to win life-changing jackpots and prizes while supporting parks, wildlife, open spaces, schools, and more.