The WIN FOR LIFE scratch off game is a Connecticut Lottery instant game that offers players the chance to win $1,000 a week for life. It is an exciting scratch off game that provides the thrill of potentially winning a lifelong prize. In this article, we will explore the key details of the WIN FOR LIFE CT scratch off, including how to play, the odds of winning, the cost per ticket, when the game launched and more. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the WIN FOR LIFE CT scratch game.
How to Play WIN FOR LIFE
WIN FOR LIFE is a $10 Connecticut scratch off game printed on gray paper. To play, you simply purchase a ticket from an authorized Connecticut Lottery retailer and scratch the latex-covered play area on the ticket. If you reveal a “WIN FOR LIFE” symbol, you win $1,000 a week for life! The “FOR LIFE” part means that the Connecticut Lottery will pay you $1,000 every week until you pass away – it’s truly a lifelong prize.
In addition to the top “WIN FOR LIFE” prize, there are several other ways to win with this scratcher:
- Reveal a “STACK OF CASH” symbol, win $30,000
- Reveal a “MULTIPLE WIN” symbol, win all 15 prizes shown
- Reveal a “5X” symbol, win 5 times the prize shown
- Reveal a “2X” symbol, win 2 times the prize shown
- Reveal a “$500 BURST” symbol, win $500 instantly
Match any of your numbers to the winning numbers, win the prize shown for that number. Reveal a “2X”, “5X” or “MULTIPLE WIN” symbol, win 2 or 5 times the prize shown, or win all 15 prizes automatically!
As you can see, there are many ways to win besides just the top prize. Let’s take a closer look at the WIN FOR LIFE prizes and odds next.
WIN FOR LIFE CT Prizes and Odds
The WIN FOR LIFE scratcher features overall odds of 1 in 3.00 to win any prize. The odds of winning the $1,000 a week for life prize are 1 in 1,680,000. Here is a detailed breakdown of all the WIN FOR LIFE CT prizes and odds:
| Prize | Odds (1 in) |
| $1,000 a week for Life | 1,680,000 |
| $30,000 | 120,000 |
| $6,000 | 60,000 |
| $2,000 | 24,000 |
| $1,000 | 20,000 |
| $500 | 12,000 |
| $400 | 6,000 |
| $300 | 2,400 |
| $200 | 1,000 |
| $150 | 1,000 |
| $100 | 300 |
| $50 | 300 |
| $40 | 112.50 |
| $30 | 75 |
As you can see, the odds of hitting the jackpot $1,000 a week for life top prize are very long at 1 in 1.68 million. But the chances of winning one of the lower tier prizes ranging from $50 up to the $30,000 prize are much more reasonable.
Odds of Winning vs Other Games
Compared to other scratch off games, WIN FOR LIFE has higher odds of winning the top prize but lower odds for other mid-tier and lower prizes. For example, a $30 scratch game may have top prize odds of 1 in 2 million but overall odds of 1 in 4 instead of 1 in 3 for WIN FOR LIFE. So while it is tougher to hit the jackpot on WIN FOR LIFE, your overall chances of winning any prize are better.
Cost of WIN FOR LIFE Tickets
WIN FOR LIFE is a $10 scratch off ticket in Connecticut. The $10 price point is on the higher side for scratchers, which typically range from $1 to $30 for games in CT. The higher price point means larger prizes are available, including the top prize of $1,000 per week for life.
Some players only purchase the $1, $2 or $3 scratch offs, while others exclusively play the $10 or $30 tickets for a shot at millions. The $10 WIN FOR LIFE game appeals to players who want better odds than a $30 game, but with higher prizes than $3 or $5 scratchers.
When you factor in the overall odds of 1 in 3 and the $1,000 weekly payout, the $10 price point on WIN FOR LIFE is very reasonable. Of course, buying multiple tickets will increase your chances of winning, albeit at a higher cost.
Buying Strategies
There are a few key strategies players employ when purchasing WIN FOR LIFE scratch off tickets:
- Buy them sporadically or buy several in a row. Since the games are pre-printed and random, some players try buying 5 or 10 straight tickets thinking a winner is “due”. Others take the opposite approach and buy a ticket or two at random times.
- Focus purchases on new rolls. When a new roll of scratch off tickets is put into the machine at a lottery retailer, some players try to buy tickets early on in that new roll before any major winners have been claimed.
- Buy from stores with fewer sales. The logic here is that less busy stores may still have potential big prize winners waiting to be claimed.
There is no definitive best practice for buying scratchers, but playing consistently and buying from a range of locations may help increase your odds over the long run.
When Did WIN FOR LIFE Launch in CT?
The WIN FOR LIFE scratch off originally launched in Connecticut lottery retailers in July 2014. It has been reprinted several times over the years with updated prize structures and ticket designs.
Here is a timeline of key launch and re-launch dates for WIN FOR LIFE in CT:
- Initial launch: July 2014
- Reprinted: January 2016
- New version launched: October 2017
- Reprinted: February 2019
- New edition launched: March 2020
WIN FOR LIFE has gone through multiple iterations but has remained a popular choice among Connecticut Lottery players since it first came out in 2014. The current version with its distinctive gray scratch area debuted in March 2020.
Changes Over Time
Some key changes have been made to the WIN FOR LIFE scratcher over the years in Connecticut:
- The price increased from $5 to $10
- Overall odds have improved from 1 in 4.35 originally to 1 in 3 now
- The jackpot is now $1,000 a week instead of $5,000 a month
- More lower tier prizes have been added
- Ticket style and scratch area have been updated
While the top prize and price have increased, the periodic updates have generally made WIN FOR LIFE a better game for players with improved odds and more ways to win.
Major WIN FOR LIFE CT Winners
Since its introduction in 2014, WIN FOR LIFE has produced several major Connecticut Lottery winners, including some who have won or claimed the game’s top prize of $1,000 a week for life:
- In June 2016, an Ansonia resident claimed a top prize WIN FOR LIFE ticket worth $1,000 weekly for life.
- In May 2017, a Glastonbury resident won $1,000 a week for life on a WIN FOR LIFE ticket.
- In April 2018, a Norwich resident scored a $1,000 a week for life prize on a WIN FOR LIFE scratcher.
- In December 2019, an Enfield resident became CT’s 8th WIN FOR LIFE top prize winner.
Several other players have won some of the game’s secondary prizes like $30,000 and $6,000. In total, as of late 2022, there have been over 12 top prize winners in Connecticut for the WIN FOR LIFE scratch off.
Prize Payment Options
For the $1,000 a week for life top prize, players can choose to take the annuity with weekly payments for life. But they also have the option to take a one-time cash lump sum payment instead. For recent top prize winners, the cash option has been around $6.5 million, reduced for taxes and taken as an immediate lump sum payment. This provides players with flexibility if they win the jackpot prize.
Strategies for WIN FOR LIFE
While luck ultimately determines the outcome, there are some strategies players have used to increase their chances of winning on the WIN FOR LIFE scratch off:
- Buy multiple tickets in a row to increase probability
- Play new rolls early before major winners are redeemed
- Try buying tickets from different stores and locations
- Scan tickets using the CT Lottery mobile app to catch missed winners
- Join the CT Lottery’s Luck Club for coupons & 2nd chance drawings
- Sign tickets immediately and keep them very safe
- Consider taking the cash option if you win the jackpot
The lottery does recommend players sign the back of tickets immediately, check them right away and keep them secure until redeeming. Having a consistent strategy and playing responsibly also makes playing the lottery more enjoyable.
Is WIN FOR LIFE Worth Playing?
WIN FOR LIFE offers much better odds of winning its top prize than huge multi-state lottery jackpots. The $10 price point also makes it appealing for regular players who want a shot at an exciting lifetime prize. With secondary prizes ranging from $50 up to $30,000, there are many ways to win besides just the headline jackpot as well. For those reasons, WIN FOR LIFE is definitely worth playing as part of an overall lottery strategy.
Where to Buy WIN FOR LIFE Tickets
WIN FOR LIFE scratch off tickets can be purchased at any authorized CT Lottery retailer across the state of Connecticut. This includes:
- Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Circle K, Wawa, Cumberland Farms
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores such as Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Big Y, Price Chopper
- Package stores and liquor outlets
- Newsstands and tobacco shops
- Bodegas and corner stores
- Some restaurants, bowling alleys, bars, delis
Look for the blue CT Lottery sign or terminal to identify authorized retailers. You can also use the CT Lottery website or mobile app to find retailers located near you that sell WIN FOR LIFE. Buying from different locations can help increase your chances versus always using the same store.
Online Options
While you cannot purchase WIN FOR LIFE tickets online in Connecticut, there are some convenient online options available:
- Use the CT Lottery app to scan and check tickets
- Enter promo codes and 2nd chance codes online
- Join the CT Lottery Luck Club online for discounts
- Check winning numbers and store locators online
So while you do need to buy scratch offs at authorized retailers, online tools can enhance your playing experience and help you maximize your chances of winning.
Tips for Playing WIN FOR LIFE
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind for playing the WIN FOR LIFE scratch off:
- Scratch gently using a coin and avoid damaging the latex covering
- Scan your ticket using the CT Lottery’s official mobile app
- Sign the back of the ticket immediately after checking it
- Store tickets securely until ready to claim prizes
- Claim prizes within 180 days at CT Lottery headquarters
- Consider joining the CT Lottery’s Luck Club for coupons and contests
- Be sure to get your ticket back after the retailer scans it
- Play responsibly and within your entertainment budget
Following these tips will help you play smarter and cash in on any big WIN FOR LIFE prizes you may strike.
Conclusion
In summary, the WIN FOR LIFE scratcher is an exciting $10 Connecticut-only instant game with a top prize of $1,000 weekly for life. Introduced in 2014, it has been revamped and reprinted several times, producing over a dozen lifetime prize winners so far. WIN FOR LIFE scratchers can be purchased at CT Lottery retailers statewide, ideally using varied strategies across multiple locations. While luck is involved, following tips like scanning tickets, signing them and playing responsibly can increase your odds and playing experience. With prizes ranging from $50 up to lifetime winnings, WIN FOR LIFE continues to be a popular choice for Nutmeg State lottery players.
