The WA Lottery bonus play is an exciting feature offered by the Washington State Lottery that gives players a second chance to win prizes. Here are some quick answers to common questions about the WA Lottery bonus play:
What is a bonus play in the WA Lottery?
A bonus play is an optional add-on feature that can be purchased when buying certain WA Lottery draw game tickets. It gives you a second chance to match the winning numbers and win a prize.
How does the bonus play work?
When you purchase a bonus play, your ticket numbers are eligible for both the main drawing and a separate bonus drawing held after the main draw. Bonus play prizes are usually $5, $25, or $500.
Which WA Lottery games offer the bonus play option?
Currently, the following WA Lottery draw games offer the bonus play option for $1 extra per play:
- Lotto
- Hit 5
- Match 4
- Daily Game
What are the odds of winning a bonus play prize?
Your overall odds of winning any bonus play prize are around 1 in 8. The odds of winning the top $500 prize are around 1 in 400,000. Here is a table summarizing the prize odds:
| Prize Amount | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|
| $500 | 1 in 400,000 |
| $25 | 1 in 18,000 |
| $5 | 1 in 140 |
When are bonus play drawings held?
For Lotto, Hit 5, Match 4, and Daily Game, bonus play drawings are held after the main drawing, usually on the same day. Drawings are held in the evening around 8 pm Pacific Time.
Do your main and bonus play tickets need to match?
No, your main game and bonus play tickets do not need to match. The bonus play generates random numbers separate from your main ticket. This effectively gives you two chances to win.
Can you buy bonus plays in advance?
Yes, you can buy bonus plays for future WA Lottery drawings. Just specify to your lottery retailer the specific date or draw you want the bonus play entered for.
Are bonus play prizes cash or free tickets?
All WA Lottery bonus play prizes are cash prizes – you do not win free ticket prizes. Prizes range from $5 up to $500 cash.
Where can I buy WA Lottery bonus plays?
You can purchase bonus plays at any authorized WA Lottery retailer when buying draw game tickets. You cannot purchase bonus plays online or through the Lottery mobile app – you need to buy them in person.
Can I buy multiple bonus plays on one ticket?
Yes, you can purchase multiple bonus plays on a single WA Lottery ticket. You simply let the cashier know how many bonus plays you want to add.
Are bonus play prizes taxable?
Yes, bonus play prizes are considered taxable income, just like regular WA Lottery prizes. If your total winnings from bonus plays exceed $600 in a year, you will need to complete a W-2G form.
Do bonus plays expire?
WA Lottery bonus plays do expire 180 days after the draw date they were purchased for. Make sure to check your tickets carefully for expiration dates.
Can I use a bonus play on a subscription purchase?
At this time, WA Lottery subscription plans do not support adding bonus plays. Bonus plays need to be purchased individually at a retailer for each drawing.
Conclusion
The WA Lottery bonus play provides an exciting extra chance to win cash prizes. For just $1 more per play, you could match the bonus draw numbers and win up to $500. With competitive odds and cash prizes, it’s a fun add-on option for Lotto, Hit 5, Match 4, and Daily Game players. Just look for the Bonus Play option when buying tickets in-person and you could double your chances of winning!
The Washington State Lottery offers a variety of draw games and scratch games for entertainment. Lottery proceeds support important state programs and services. Please gamble responsibly.
Lotteries have been a fun form of entertainment for thousands of years. Evidence of lottery games dates back as far as 100 BCE in the Han Dynasty of Ancient China. The first known European lotteries were held during the Roman Empire. The latin word “lottery” itself comes from the Italian word “lotto” meaning fate or destiny.
In the United States, lotteries helped fund the early American colonies. The first known lottery in America was held in 1612 to support the Jamestown colony of Virginia. Other colonies like Massachusetts and Pennsylvania soon followed suit in using lotteries to raise funds for town improvements and educational institutions like Harvard and Yale.
After the American Revolution, privately run lotteries became common in the new states. Abuse and lack of regulation led many states to ban lotteries in the 19th century. By the early 20th century, most forms of legal gambling had been outlawed in the U.S.
In 1964, New Hampshire introduced the first modern government-run state lottery to generate revenue. Other states soon followed with their own lotteries, starting with New York in 1967. Today, nearly every U.S. state has some form of government-sponsored lottery.
The Washington State Lottery was authorized in 1982 after a public referendum. On January 7, 1982, legislation was passed to create the lottery, making Washington the 18th state lottery. The stated mission was to generate revenue for the public good.
The WA Lottery began ticket sales on November 15, 1982 with a single $1 scratch game called “Washington Winners”. The first lotto jackpot drawing was held on May 15, 1983. Instant scratch ticket and lotto sales quickly exceeded expectations, generating over $50 million in the first year.
Over its history, the Washington Lottery has continued introducing new games while promoting responsible play. It launched the daily Game series in 1990, Powerball in 1992, and Mega Millions in 2002. The WA Lottery mobile app launched in 2016.
By law, all Washington Lottery profits are placed into the state General Fund. In FY 2020, the lottery generated over $190 million for programs across the state including education, environment and social services. The WA Lottery is focused on providing entertaining games while continuing to maximize revenues for this public good.
Summary of Key WA Lottery Facts
- Started in 1982
- First tickets sold November 15, 1982
- 18th US state lottery
- Generate over $190 million per year for state programs
- Offer draw games, scratch games, and mobile app
- First lottery jackpot May 15, 1983
- Profits go to Washington state General Fund
WA Lottery Games
The WA Lottery offers a wide selection of lottery games to suit different tastes and preferences. Current games include:
Draw Games
- Lotto – Jackpot starting at $1 million
- Hit 5 – Top prize of $300,000
- Match 4 – Match 4 of 4 numbers to win up to $6,000
- Daily Game – Daily drawings with top prize of $1,000
- Mega Millions – Play Tuesday and Friday for jackpots starting at $20 million (plays sold separately)
- Powerball – Play Wednesday and Saturday for jackpots starting at $20 million (plays sold separately)
Scratch Games
- $1, $2, $3, $5, and $10 prices
- Second Chance drawings
- Various playstyles and themes
Mobile App
- Play draw games and Scratch on the go
- Check results
- Manage lottery club memberships
Within these game categories are numerous options to play at different price points and frequencies. Special promotions like holiday games are also introduced periodically. With the variety of games available, WA Lottery players can find exciting options to suit their needs.
How to Play WA Lottery Games
Playing WA Lottery games is easy and convenient. Here is an overview of how to play different lottery games in Washington:
Draw Games
To play draw games, visit an authorized WA Lottery retailer. Retailers can be located using the Lottery website or mobile app. At the retailer, select which draw game you wish to play and complete a playslip with your number selections. You can choose your own numbers or use Quick Pick for randomly generated numbers. Specify how many number sets (“plays”) you want and pay the retailer. You will receive a ticket with your plays that can be checked later to see if you won a prize. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.walottery.com for certain draw games.
Scratch Games
To play scratch games, select your desired Scratch ticket price point and theme at a WA Lottery retailer. Pay the retailer and they will print a Scratch ticket. Reveal the hidden play area on the ticket by scratching off the latex coating. If you match the winning combinations, you win the corresponding prize for that game. Prizes range from free tickets up to $1,000,000.
Mobile App
The WA Lottery mobile app provides a convenient way to play on your phone or mobile device. You can purchase Scratch games and plays for draw games directly through the app. To get started, download the Washington Lottery app for iOS or Android. You will need to register an account to play. Funds can be added via credit/debit card or Lottery retail locations. Purchased virtual Scratch tickets and draw game plays function the same as physical versions.
How to Claim WA Lottery Prizes
If you are lucky enough to win a WA Lottery prize, here is how to claim your winnings:
Scratch Games
For Scratch game prizes up to $600, you can claim the prize at any WA Lottery retailer. The retailer will validate the ticket and pay out the amount you have won. For prizes over $600, you will need to complete a claim form and submit the ticket to the Lottery headquarters. A check will be mailed for the prize amount.
Draw Games
Prizes up to $600 can be redeemed at any authorized lottery retailer. For prizes over $600, you must complete a claim form and mail the winning ticket to the lottery headquarters. You will receive a check for your prize amount.
Large Prizes
For largerScratch and draw game prizes over $100,000, you will need to complete a claim form and visit the nearest regional lottery office. You may need to provide photo ID and/or social security number. An oversized ceremonial check can be presented at this time as well.
Be sure to sign the back of your winning lottery ticket and store it in a safe place until you are ready to claim. Tickets expire 180 days from the draw date. Follow the claiming requirements carefully to ensure you receive your lottery winnings!
Responsible Gambling
While playing the lottery is fun entertainment, it’s important to keep your gambling responsible. The WA Lottery offers these tips for responsible play:
- Set a budget and stick to it
- Only use discretionary income, not rent or bill money
- Don’t chase losses or borrow money to play
- Balance lottery play with other hobbies
- Don’t play while impaired
- Keep lottery play recreational and fun
- Know the odds of winning are very low
- Have other savings and investments beyond lottery
- Take a break if you feel playing too much
- Get help for problem gambling if needed
By following these tips, you can enjoy WA Lottery games responsibly. Playing in moderation with a budget is key. Know your limits and see lottery games as entertainment, not a way to consistently make money. This ensures lottery play stays fun and within your means.
WA Lottery Revenue Distribution
All profits from the Washington State Lottery are placed into the state General Fund. The Legislature approves appropriations from this fund each year. By law, lottery revenue can only be used for the public good and cannot replace existing funding sources for state programs.
In FY 2020, WA Lottery profits provided over $190 million to various state programs and services. Here is how lottery revenues were distributed in the latest fiscal year:
| Program | FY 2020 Distribution |
|---|---|
| Education Construction Account | $139.8 million |
| Economic Development Strategic Reserve | $41.5 million |
| Stadium and Exhibition Center Account | $17.7 million |
| General Fund | $8.14 million |
| Problem Gambling Account | $3.37 million |
| Debt Reduction Account | $2.42 million |
As shown, the bulk of WA Lottery revenue goes to supporting education. Other big beneficiaries include economic development, stadium funding, problem gambling treatment, and debt reduction. Since starting in 1982, the Lottery has generated over $4.5 billion for vital state programs.
The Future of the WA Lottery
The WA Lottery has seen tremendous growth over 40 years while staying committed to its mission. Some trends shaping the future direction of the lottery include:
- Continuing innovation and expansion of game portfolio
- Leveraging technology like mobile apps to appeal to new audiences
- Partnering with other state lotteries to offer big jackpot games
- Using data analytics to improve operations
- Updating retailer network with new software and terminals
- Focus on responsible gambling education
While adapting to the modern gaming landscape, the constants will remain. The WA Lottery will keep maximizing revenues to support valuable state programs. And keeping lottery games entertaining and enjoyable for players through responsible policies will stay paramount.
The lottery landscape will continue evolving in Washington state and beyond. But the fundamental appeal of lotteries as a fun chance for a dream-making jackpot will endure. With innovative games and responsible policies, the WA Lottery looks to build on its success for years to come.
Conclusion
The Washington Lottery provides residents an entertaining chance to win while doing good. Since starting in 1982, the lottery has generated over $4.5 billion for vital state programs and services. Signature games like Lotto, Hit 5, Match 4, Daily Game and Scratch offer a variety of play options. The WA Lottery bonus play provides players a second chance to win cash prizes on draw game purchases. By playing lottery games responsibly, residents can enjoy the excitement of winning while benefiting important public causes.
