Inside Story: Florida Lottery Scratch-Off Second Chance Explained - A Beginner's Guide

This guide will walk you through the Florida Lottery's Scratch-Off Second Chance promotion, allowing you to potentially win prizes even if your scratch-off ticket wasn't a winner initially. We'll cover everything from prerequisites to troubleshooting, ensuring you have a smooth and successful experience.

What is the Florida Lottery Scratch-Off Second Chance?

The Florida Lottery Scratch-Off Second Chance promotion gives players another opportunity to win prizes from eligible scratch-off games. Even if your ticket doesn't reveal a winning combination, you can enter it into the Second Chance drawing for a chance to win cash prizes. It's essentially a lottery within a lottery, offering a second life to your non-winning tickets.

Prerequisites:

Before you start, ensure you meet these prerequisites:

  • Age Requirement: You must be 18 years or older to participate in the Florida Lottery.

  • Eligible Scratch-Off Ticket: Not all scratch-off tickets are eligible for the Second Chance promotion. Look for the Second Chance logo or indication on the ticket itself, or refer to the Florida Lottery website for a list of participating games. The specific games included in each drawing change periodically, so always verify before submitting.

  • Florida Lottery Account: You'll need a free Florida Lottery account to enter your tickets.

  • Internet Access: A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access is required to access the Florida Lottery website or app.

    • Tools Needed:

  • Eligible Non-Winning Scratch-Off Ticket: This is the primary tool.

  • Smartphone, Tablet, or Computer: For accessing the Florida Lottery website or app.

  • Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is essential.

  • Scissors (Optional): If you choose to manually enter the ticket number, having scissors can help you neatly cut out the barcode and serial number portion of the ticket. This isn't necessary but can make the scanning process easier.

    • Step-by-Step Guide:

    Here's a detailed breakdown of how to enter your non-winning scratch-off tickets into the Florida Lottery Second Chance drawing:

    Step 1: Create a Florida Lottery Account (If You Don't Have One)

    1. Visit the Florida Lottery Website: Go to the official Florida Lottery website: www.flalottery.com.
    2. Click "Sign Up": Look for the "Sign Up" or "Register" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page.
    3. Enter Your Information: Fill out the registration form with accurate information, including your name, address, date of birth, email address, and a secure password. Double-check the information for accuracy.
    4. Verify Your Email: The Florida Lottery will send you a verification email. Click the link in the email to activate your account.
    5. Login to Your Account: Once your account is activated, log in using your email address and password.

    Step 2: Identify an Eligible Scratch-Off Ticket

    1. Check the Ticket: Examine your scratch-off ticket to see if it has the Second Chance logo or a statement indicating its eligibility.
    2. Visit the Florida Lottery Website: If you're unsure, go to the Florida Lottery website and navigate to the Second Chance section. There, you'll find a list of current participating games. Compare the game number on your ticket to the list.
    3. Verify the Drawing Period: Note the drawing period for the specific game. Tickets are only eligible for the drawings within their designated period.

    Step 3: Enter Your Ticket into the Second Chance Drawing

    There are two ways to enter your ticket: through the Florida Lottery website or through the Florida Lottery app.

    Option A: Using the Florida Lottery Website

    1. Log in to Your Account: Log in to your Florida Lottery account on the website.
    2. Navigate to the Second Chance Section: Find the "Second Chance" or "Promotions" section on the website.
    3. Select the Participating Game: Choose the specific scratch-off game that matches your ticket from the list of eligible games.
    4. Enter the Ticket Number: You will usually have two options:
    * Manual Entry: Locate the ticket number (usually a long string of numbers) on the back of the ticket. Carefully enter this number into the designated fields on the website. Double-check for accuracy.
    * Barcode Scan (If Available): Some games allow you to scan the barcode on the ticket using your webcam. Follow the on-screen instructions to position your ticket correctly for scanning.
    5. Submit Your Entry: Once you've entered the ticket number or scanned the barcode, click the "Submit" or "Enter" button.
    6. Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation message indicating that your ticket has been successfully entered into the Second Chance drawing.

    Option B: Using the Florida Lottery App

    1. Download the Florida Lottery App: If you haven't already, download the official Florida Lottery app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
    2. Log in to Your Account: Log in to your Florida Lottery account within the app.
    3. Navigate to the Second Chance Section: Find the "Second Chance" or "Promotions" section within the app. The location may vary slightly depending on the app's design.
    4. Select the Participating Game: Choose the specific scratch-off game that matches your ticket.
    5. Scan the Barcode: The app will likely prompt you to use your device's camera to scan the barcode on the back of the ticket. Follow the on-screen instructions.
    6. Submit Your Entry: After scanning, the app will automatically populate the necessary information. Click the "Submit" or "Enter" button.
    7. Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation message indicating that your ticket has been successfully entered.

    Step 4: Check the Drawing Results

    1. Mark Your Calendar: Note the date of the Second Chance drawing for the game you entered. The drawing dates are usually published on the Florida Lottery website.
    2. Visit the Florida Lottery Website or App: After the drawing date, visit the Florida Lottery website or app to check the winning numbers.
    3. Check Your Entries: Log in to your account and navigate to the Second Chance section. You should be able to see a list of your entries and whether or not any of them were winners.

    Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Incorrect Ticket Number: Double-check the ticket number you entered. Even a single digit error can prevent your entry from being accepted.

  • Ineligible Ticket: Ensure that the scratch-off ticket is eligible for the Second Chance promotion and that the drawing period is still active.

  • Website or App Issues: If you're experiencing technical difficulties with the website or app, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies or restarting your device. If the problem persists, contact Florida Lottery customer support.

  • Barcode Scanning Problems: Ensure the barcode is clean and undamaged. Try adjusting the lighting or angle of your device when scanning. If the barcode is heavily damaged, you may need to manually enter the ticket number.

  • Account Issues: If you're having trouble logging in to your account, try resetting your password. If you're still unable to log in, contact Florida Lottery customer support.

Summary:

The Florida Lottery Scratch-Off Second Chance promotion offers a valuable opportunity to win prizes even if your scratch-off ticket isn't an initial winner. By creating a Florida Lottery account, identifying eligible tickets, and entering them through the website or app, you can increase your chances of winning. Remember to check the drawing results and follow the troubleshooting tips if you encounter any issues. Good luck!