That lottery ticket in your pocket — the one that didn’t win?
It might still be worth something.
Most states offer what’s called a “Second Chance” drawing. It’s a separate lottery that uses losing tickets as entries. Different prizes. Much better odds. And almost nobody enters.
A New Jersey man recently won $1 million this way. His original ticket lost. But he entered it into the Second Chance program and walked away with a life-changing prize.
Here’s everything you need to know about this overlooked opportunity.
🎰 What Is a Second Chance Lottery?
A Second Chance lottery is a separate drawing that gives non-winning tickets another shot at prizes.
Here’s how it works:
- You buy a lottery ticket (scratch-off or draw game)
- The ticket doesn’t win in the main drawing
- Instead of throwing it away, you enter the ticket code online
- Your ticket is entered into a separate Second Chance drawing
- If selected, you win prizes ranging from $100 to $1 million+
The key insight: your “losing” ticket isn’t actually a loser — it’s an entry into a different game with different odds.
📊 Why the Odds Are Better
Here’s why Second Chance drawings offer better odds than the main lottery:
Think about it: if millions of tickets are sold but only a fraction are entered into Second Chance, your odds of winning improve dramatically.
🏆 Real Second Chance Winners
These people turned “losing” tickets into real money:
Torres entered his losing Jersey Cash 5 tickets into the “Another Millionaire” Second Chance promotion. He was selected as a finalist and won the grand prize at a live drawing during a New York Jets game. “It was surreal, being there in the stadium at halftime, all these eyes on you,” he said.
Felipe won through California Lottery’s 2nd Chance Bonus Draw. “When I saw the email, I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “The next day, I went to the Lottery office, where they confirmed it was real, and I was speechless.” She used the winnings to pay off her car.
Minnesota’s 2nd Chance program regularly awards prizes. Recent winners include Anthony Lokken of Stacy ($5,000), Jimmy Smith of Detroit Lakes ($8,800), and Patricia Giles of Anoka (pair of Vikings season tickets worth thousands).
📝 How to Enter Second Chance Drawings
The process varies slightly by state, but here’s the general approach:
Pro tip: Some states let you enter multiple tickets at once. If you buy tickets regularly, set aside 5 minutes each week to enter all your codes.
🗺️ States with Second Chance Programs
Most states with lotteries offer some form of Second Chance. Here are some of the most popular programs:
| State | Program Name | Prize Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | 2nd Chance | $500 – $1M+ |
| New Jersey | VIP Club Second Chance | $500 – $1M |
| Pennsylvania | VIP Players Club | $100 – $100K+ |
| Minnesota | 2nd Chance | $188 – $8,800+ |
| Indiana | myLOTTERY 2nd Chance | $100 – $1M |
| Texas | 2nd Chance | $100 – $1M |
| Florida | 2nd Chance Drawings | $100 – $500K |
Note: Check your state lottery’s official website for the most current Second Chance offerings. Programs change throughout the year.
💡 Tips for Maximizing Your Second Chances
🎱 Powerball & Mega Millions Second Chance
Powerball and Mega Millions also have Second Chance programs, though they work differently:
Powerball First Millionaire of the Year: An annual promotion where losing Powerball tickets can be entered for a chance to win $1 million on New Year’s Eve.
State-Specific Promos: Individual states run their own Powerball and Mega Millions Second Chance drawings throughout the year. Check your state lottery website for current promotions.
🎯 The Bottom Line
If you’re already buying lottery tickets, you’re leaving money on the table by not entering them into Second Chance drawings.
It takes 2 minutes. The prizes are real. And the odds are significantly better than the main drawing because most people don’t bother.
That “losing” ticket in your pocket? It might not be a loser after all.
📌 Lottery games should be played responsibly. Second Chance programs vary by state and are subject to change. Always check your state lottery’s official website for current rules and offerings. Must be 18+ (21+ in some states) to play.
Sources: New Jersey Lottery, California Lottery, Pennsylvania Lottery, Minnesota Lottery, Reader’s Digest. Last updated: December 2025.
Andrew Brooks is a qualified writer and researcher with experience producing clear, trustworthy content on topics such as personal finance, lifestyle optimization, consumer insights, productivity, and informed decision-making. With an approachable yet professional tone, he focuses on turning complex information into practical, easy-to-understand guidance that helps readers make smarter choices with confidence.