The following information has been provided to help you understand what the Colorado Lottery requires when you win. Please click on the game name below to obtain the “I Won! Now What?” information that applies to your prize.

Powerball - I Won! Now What?

Congratulations! Are you the winner of the Powerball jackpot or one of the significant secondary Powerball prizes? Have you double and triple-checked your numbers? If the answer is "YES!," here are some things that you will need to know before you claim your Powerball prize from the Colorado Lottery.

First Step for All Prizes
If you have not already signed the back of your ticket, do it now! This will prevent anyone else from claiming your prize in the case of loss or theft. If you decide to form a trust to claim the prize, you can transfer the rights to the ticket later. For more information on this option, please contact the Colorado Lottery. To find the office nearest you, click here.

Please note that only Powerball tickets purchased in Colorado may be redeemed in Colorado.

You must claim all prizes by midnight on the 180th day following the drawing date on your ticket.

Jackpot Winners

Before You Claim a Powerball Jackpot
If you have won the Powerball jackpot, please seek financial advice before arriving at a Colorado Lottery office to claim your winnings. You will be asked to make important decisions regarding how to receive your payment (cash or annuity), and we want you to be as well-informed as possible prior to arriving at our offices.

It is also important that you contact your financial institution to determine how to deposit such a large sum of money. There are FDIC regulations that should be considered, and your bank will be able to assist you with that.

We ask that you claim your Powerball Jackpot at the Denver Office. For directions on how to get to the Denver office, click here.

What To Do When You Claim

• Please call ahead to the Denver office – 303-759-3552 or 800-999-2959. Be sure to tell the Lottery representative that you’ll be coming in and what time you expect to arrive. This information will allow our staff to prepare for your arrival and will ensure that all of the forms you’ll need are ready. In addition to a Colorado Lottery claim form, you will have to fill out a Powerball Grand Prize Election Form.
• Bring a photo ID and social security card, if you have one. We cannot give you your check without identification. Acceptable identification include: driver’s license, passport, military ID card, green card – or any form of government-issued identification with a photo.
• For US citizens with a social security number, the Lottery withholds 29% for taxes from your prize winnings (25% federal; 4% state) for any prize larger than $5,000.
• If you do not have a social security number, the Lottery will withhold 34% from your prize winnings (30% federal; 4% state).
• If you have won the Powerball Jackpot, you have 60 days after the ticket is validated to decide whether you want the Cash or Annuity option. If you have any questions about what this means, please contact a Lottery representative, or consult a tax attorney or financial planner.
• The Cash value of the jackpot is approximately 50% of the advertised (annuitized) jackpot.
• If you choose the Annuity option, it will be paid to you in 29 graduated payments over 30 years.
• You will not be able to take home a check for the Jackpot amount, even if you choose the Cash option, on the day you come to claim. The Multi-State Lottery Association, which runs the Powerball game, must transfer funds from all participating states before a check can be produced. You will have to come to the office approximately three weeks after drawing date to pick up the check.

Media
If you are the winner of the Powerball Jackpot, we will hold a press conference. We will ask you to participate in the press conference and answer questions from reporters. If it is a record jackpot, national media will likely join the local media at the press conference. The Colorado Lottery’s Media Relations team will work closely with you to ensure the press conference goes smoothly and that you are protected at all times.

Because the Colorado Lottery is a state agency, we are required under the Open Records Act to release to the public your name, hometown, amount you won and game you played. This information will be used in a press release and on the Colorado Lottery’s Web site.

Wall of Winners
As part of our ongoing effort to promote the Lottery and let the public know that people win our games, you will be asked to have your picture taken to appear on our “Wall of Winners” and Web site.

Splitting Jackpot Prizes
If you bought your ticket with several friends, family members or co-workers, it is possible to split the prize, but only one person can actually make the claim. If you wish to split the prize, the person who signed the back of the ticket must come into one of our Lottery offices to claim the prize. The group must complete an IRS Tax form 5754, which designates how to split certain gambling winnings. This form is available online at IRS.gov, or you can come to a Lottery claims center and fill one out at the same time you present your ticket to claim. To link directly to the IRS form, click here.

If you choose to fill the form out at our offices, be prepared to provide the names, addresses, social security numbers, and gross amount to be distributed to each person. You will be required to fill in that information on the form.

Prizes of More Than $599

If you have won a prize worth more than $599, you will have to claim your prize from a Colorado Lottery office. If you would like to save time when you come in to claim, you may download a claim form from this site (in Adobe Acrobat format), just click here. We also have forms available at each claims center. You will have to fill in the top part of the form. If you download the form, either come to any of the Colorado Lottery's offices to claim, or mail the form and your signed ticket to our Pueblo office.

If you choose the mail option, please send all required forms and the signed ticket via certified or registered mail to the Pueblo office. That address is printed on the back of your ticket. Once we have processed your claim, we will deduct the appropriate taxes and mail a check to you. (Claims may take up to three weeks to process.) This option is not available for jackpot winners. You must claim your Powerball jackpot in person at the Denver office.

Prizes of $599 or Less

If you have won a prize of $599 or less, you may be able to claim your prize at a retailer. Please check with your retailer first. Some retailers may not be able to pay larger prizes. If your retailer is unable to pay, please bring your ticket to your nearest Lottery office to claim your prize. If you would like to save time when you come in to claim, you may download a claim form from this site (in Adobe Acrobat format), just click here. You will not need to fill out a claim form.

However, if you prefer, you can mail in a claim form and your signed ticket to our Pueblo office to claim. If you choose the mail option, please send all required forms and the signed ticket via certified or registered mail to the Pueblo office. That address is printed on the back of your ticket. Once we have processed your claim, we will deduct the appropriate taxes and mail a check to you. (Claims may take up to three weeks to process.)

Lotto - I Won! Now What?

Congratulations! Are you the winner of a Lotto jackpot or a significant secondary prize from the Colorado Lottery? Have you double and triple-checked your numbers? If the answer is "YES!," here are some things that you will need to know before you claim your Lotto prize.

First Step for All Prizes
If you have not already signed the back of your ticket, do it now! This will prevent anyone else from claiming your prize in the case of loss or theft. If you decide to form a trust to claim the prize, you can transfer the rights to the ticket later. For more information on this option, please contact the Colorado Lottery. To find the office nearest you, click here.

You must claim all prizes by midnight on the 180th day following the drawing date on your ticket.

Jackpot Winners

Before You Claim a Lotto Jackpot
If you have won the Lotto jackpot, please seek financial advice before arriving at our offices to claim your winnings. You will be asked to make important decisions regarding how to receive your payment (cash or annuity), and we want you to be as well-informed as possible prior to arriving at our offices.

It is also important that you contact your financial institution to determine how to deposit or cash a large sum of money. There are FDIC regulations that should be considered, and your bank should be able to assist you with that.

What To Do When You Claim

• Please call ahead to the office where you plan to claim your prize. Be sure to tell the Lottery representative that you’ll be coming in and what time you expect to arrive. This information will allow our staff to prepare for your arrival and will ensure that all of the forms you’ll need are ready.
• Bring a photo ID and social security card, if you have one. We cannot give you your check without identification. Acceptable identification include: driver’s license, passport, military ID card, green card – or any form of government-issued identification with a photo.
• The Lottery withholds 29% for taxes from your prize winnings (25% federal; 4% state) for any prize larger than $5,000.
• If you do not have a social security number, the Lottery will withhold 34% from your prize winnings (30% federal; 4% state).
• If you have won the Jackpot, you will have to decide when you come in to claim whether you want the Cash or Annuity option. The Cash value of the jackpot is approximately 50% of the advertised (annuitized) jackpot. If you chose the Annuity option, it will be paid to you in graduated payments over 24 years.
• You will take a check home with you on the day you come in to claim your prize.

Media
If you are the winner of the Lotto Jackpot, you will be asked to be interviewed for a press release, and possibly participate in a press conference. The Colorado Lottery’s Media Relations team will work closely with you to ensure any media coverage goes smoothly and that you are protected at all times.

Because the Lottery is a state agency, we are required under the Open Records Act to release to the public your name, hometown, amount you won and game you played. This information will be used in a press release and on the Colorado Lottery’s Web site.

Wall of Winners
As part of our ongoing effort to promote the Lottery and let the public know that people do win our games, you will be asked to have your picture taken to appear on our “Wall of Winners” and Web site.

Splitting Jackpot Prizes
If you bought your ticket with several friends, family members or co-workers, it is possible to split the prize equally, but only one person can claim the prize. If you wish to split the prize, the person who signed the back of the ticket must come into one of our Lottery offices to claim the prize. You must complete an IRS Tax form 5754, which designates how to split certain gambling winnings. This form is available online at IRS.gov, or you can come to a Lottery claims center and fill one out at the same time you present your ticket to claim. To link directly to the IRS form, click here.

If you choose to fill the form out at our offices, be prepared to provide the names, addresses, social security numbers, and gross amount to be distributed to each person. You will be required to fill in that information on the form.

Prizes of $599 or Less

If you have won a prize of $599 or less, you may be able to claim your prize at a retailer. Please check with your retailer first. Some retailers may not be able to pay larger prizes. If your retailer is unable to pay, please bring your ticket to your nearest Lottery office to claim your prize. If you would like to save time when you come in to claim, you may download a claim form from this site (in Adobe Acrobat format), just click here. You will not need to fill out a claim form.

However, if you prefer, you can mail in a claim form and your signed ticket to our Pueblo office to claim. If you choose the mail option, please send all required forms and the signed ticket via certified or registered mail to the Pueblo office. That address is printed on the back of your ticket. Once we have processed your claim, we will deduct the appropriate taxes and mail a check to you. (Claims may take up to three weeks to process.)

Cash 5 - I Won! Now What?

Congratulations! Are you the winner of a Cash 5 Jackpot? Have you double and triple-checked your numbers? If the answer is "YES!," here are some things that you will need to know before you claim your Cash 5 $20,000 prize.

First Step for All Prizes
If you have not already signed the back of your ticket, do it now! This will prevent anyone else from claiming your prize in the case of loss or theft.

You must claim all prizes by midnight on the 180th day following the drawing date on your ticket.

Jackpot Winners

What to Do When You Claim a Cash 5 Jackpot

• Bring a photo ID and social security card, if you have one. We cannot give you your check without identification. Acceptable identification include: driver’s license, passport, military ID card, green card – or any form of government-issued identification with a photo.
• The Lottery withholds 29% for taxes from your prize winnings (25% federal; 4% state) for any prize larger than $5,000.
• If you do not have a social security number, the Lottery will withhold 34% from your prize winnings (30% federal; 4% state).

Media
If you are the winner of the Cash 5 Jackpot, you may be asked if you are willing to be interviewed for a press release. The Colorado Lottery’s Media Relations team will work closely with you to ensure any media coverage goes smoothly and that you are protected at all times.

Because the Lottery is a state agency, we are required under the Open Records Act to release to the public your name, hometown, amount you won and game you played. This information will be used in a press release and on the Colorado Lottery’s Web site.

Wall of Winners
As part of our ongoing effort to promote the Lottery and let the public know that people do win our games, you will be asked to have your picture taken to appear on our "Wall of Winners" and the Web site.

Splitting Jackpot Prizes
If you bought your ticket with several friends, family members or co-workers, it is possible to split the prize equally, but only one person can claim the prize. If you wish to split the prize, the person who signed the back of the ticket must come into one of our Lottery offices to claim the prize. You must complete an IRS Tax form 5754, which designates how to split certain gambling winnings. This form is available online at IRS.gov, or you can come to a Lottery claims center and fill one out at the same time you present your ticket to claim. To link directly to the IRS form, click here.

If you choose to fill the form out at our offices, be prepared to provide the names, addresses, social security numbers, and gross amount to be distributed to each person. You will be required to fill in that information on the form.

Prizes of $200 or Less

To claim prizes up to $200, present your ticket at any Lottery retailer or Lottery office within 180 days of the draw date. Most retailers pay prizes up to $200, but it is best to check with your specific retailer before attempting to claim. If your retailer is unable to pay, please bring your ticket to your nearest Lottery office to claim your prize. You can also fill out the back of the ticket and mail it to our Pueblo headquarters to claim. The address to that location is printed on the back of your ticket. Once we have processed your mail-in claim, we will deduct the appropriate taxes and will mail a check to you. (Claims may take up to three weeks to process.) And remember, all Cash 5 prizes can be claimed at Lottery offices in Pueblo, Denver, Fort Collins or Grand Junction. To find the office closest to you, click here.

Scratch - I Won! Now What?

Congratulations! Are you the winner of a big Scratch prize from the Colorado Lottery? Have you double and triple-checked your ticket? If the answer is "YES!," here are some things that you will need to know before you claim your Scratch prize.

First Step for All Prizes
If you have not already signed the back of your ticket, do it now! This will prevent anyone else from claiming your prize in the case of loss or theft.

You can check the expiration of your particular game by checking the Scratch section on this Web site, just click here.
 

Prizes of $599 or Less

Many retailers pay prizes up to $599, but it is best to check with your specific retailer before attempting to claim. You can also claim these prizes at a Lottery office or by mailing a claim form and your signed ticket to our Pueblo office. If you wish to receive your winnings via mail, please fill out a claim form and send it along with your signed ticket to our Pueblo headquarters. We suggest you send both items via certified or registered mail. That address is printed on the back of your ticket. If you mail it in, once we have processed your claim, we will deduct the appropriate taxes and mail a check to you. (Claims may take up to three weeks to process.)

Prizes of $599 or More

If you have won a prize of $599 or more, you must claim your prize at a Lottery office or by mailing a claim form and your signed ticket to our Pueblo office. You may download a claim form from this site (in Adobe Acrobat format). Complete it and either bring it with you to our offices when you come in to make the claim, or mail the form and the signed ticket to the Lottery’s Pueblo office. That address is located on the back of your ticket. We suggest you sent it via certified or registered mail. Once we have processed your claim, we will deduct the appropriate taxes and mail a check to you. (Claims may take up to three weeks to process.)

When You Claim

• Bring a photo ID and social security card, if you have one. We cannot give you your check without identification. Acceptable identification include: driver’s license, passport, military ID card, green card – or any form of government-issued identification with a photo.
• The Lottery withholds 29% for taxes from your prize winnings (25% federal; 4% state) for any prize larger than $5,000.
• If you do not have a social security number, the Lottery will withhold 34% from your prize winnings (30% federal; 4% state).

Media
If you are the winner of the top prize in a Scratch game, you may be asked if you are willing to be interviewed for a press release. The Colorado Lottery’s Media Relations team will work closely with you to ensure any media coverage goes smoothly and that you are protected at all times.

Because the Lottery is a state agency, we are required under the Open Records Act to release to the public your name, hometown, amount you won and game you played. This information will be used in a press release and on the Colorado Lottery’s Web site.

Wall of Winners
As part of our ongoing effort to promote the Lottery and let the public know that people do win our games, you will be asked to have your picture taken to appear on our “Wall of Winners” and the Web site.

To find the retailer closest to you, click here

To download the IRS form necessary to split your prize, click here