To view the California Lottery 2nd Chance winners list, visit the official California State Lottery website or mobile app and navigate to the "Drawings & Winners" section under the 2nd Chance tab. These lists provide the names and cities of residence for winners of weekly Scratchers, SuperLotto Plus, and Fantasy 5 promotional drawings.
The California State Lottery’s 2nd Chance program offers players a secondary opportunity to win cash prizes using tickets that did not result in an immediate payout. As of 2026, the program has become a cornerstone of the state's lottery ecosystem, driving engagement through a digital-first platform. Understanding how to navigate the winners list is essential for any participant, as notification systems can occasionally fail due to technical issues or filtered emails, making manual verification a critical best practice.
Understanding the California 2nd Chance Program
The 2nd Chance program is a promotional extension of the standard lottery games. When a player purchases a Scratcher or specific draw game tickets like SuperLotto Plus or Fantasy 5 and does not win an instant prize, that ticket retains potential value. By "submitting" the ticket into the 2nd Chance system—typically via a mobile app scan or manual code entry—the player receives entries into a separate drawing.
Each drawing has a specific "Entry Period" and a "Drawing Date." The winners list is generated shortly after the drawing date, following a rigorous internal verification process by lottery officials. These drawings are conducted using a certified Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure total impartiality, a process overseen by independent auditors to maintain the integrity of the California State Lottery.
How to Access the Official Winners List
The most reliable way to check for winners is through official government-sanctioned channels. Because the lottery involves significant financial transactions, third-party sites should be avoided to prevent exposure to misinformation or phishing attempts.
Using the California Lottery Website
- Navigate to the Official Site: Go to calottery.com.
- Access the 2nd Chance Section: Click on the "Drawings" tab in the main navigation menu and select "2nd Chance."
- Select Your Game Type: The lists are categorized by the type of drawing. You will see options for "Scratchers 2nd Chance," "SuperLotto Plus 2nd Chance," and "Fantasy 5 2nd Chance."
- Filter by Date: Use the dropdown menus to select the specific drawing date you are interested in. The system typically stores several months of historical data, allowing you to check past results.
- Search Functionality: You can often search the list by name or city to see if you, or someone you know, has been selected.
Using the Official Mobile App
In 2026, the majority of users access the winners list via the CA Lottery mobile application. The app provides a streamlined interface where users can log into their "Player Advantage" accounts. Once logged in, the "Check My Entries" feature will automatically notify a user if one of their submitted codes matches a winning entry in the most recent drawing. However, even with this automation, checking the public "Winners" tab within the app is recommended for absolute certainty.
Types of 2nd Chance Drawings
The California Lottery segments its 2nd Chance drawings to correlate with the original ticket type. Each segment has its own prize structure and drawing frequency.
| Drawing Category | Entry Requirement | Typical Prize Amounts | Drawing Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scratchers 2nd Chance | Non-winning Scratchers ticket | $1,000 – $25,000 | Weekly |
| SuperLotto Plus | $5 or more on a single SLP ticket | $7,000 – $15,000 | Weekly |
| Fantasy 5 | $5 or more on a single F5 ticket | $1,000 – $10,000 | Weekly |
| Special Promotions | Varies by seasonal event | Cash, Merchandise, or Trips | Monthly/Seasonal |
Scratchers 2nd Chance
This is the most popular category. Every non-winning Scratcher ticket has a 2nd Chance code. The number of entries a player receives is usually determined by the price of the ticket (e.g., a $5 ticket equals 5 entries). The winners list for Scratchers is often the most extensive, featuring dozens of names each week across various prize tiers.
SuperLotto Plus and Fantasy 5
For these draw games, players receive one 2nd Chance entry for every $5 spent on a single ticket. Unlike Scratchers, where you scan the ticket after you know it's a loser, draw game 2nd Chance entries are generated at the time of purchase and can be entered immediately, regardless of whether the main draw results in a win.
The Verification and Notification Process
When a name appears on the winners list, it does not mean the prize has been paid out yet. It means the entry was selected. The California Lottery follows a specific protocol to finalize these wins:
- Initial Selection: The RNG selects the winning entry and several alternates.
- Email Notification: The lottery sends an automated email to the address associated with the winner's "Player Advantage" account. This is the primary reason why keeping account information updated is vital.
- Account Update: A notification appears in the "My Notifications" section of the player's online profile.
- Submission of Claim: The winner must submit a formal Claim Form along with any required identification.
- Official Verification: Lottery officials verify the validity of the ticket and the winner's eligibility (e.g., age and residency).
If a winner fails to respond within the allotted timeframe—usually 180 days from the date of the drawing—the prize is forfeited. In such cases, the lottery may move to the "alternate" winners selected during the initial draw, though this is rare for smaller cash prizes.
Public Disclosure and Privacy Laws
A common question among those looking at the 2nd Chance winners list is whether they can remain anonymous. Under the California Public Records Act, the California State Lottery is required to disclose certain information about winners.
For 2nd Chance winners, the following information is considered public record:
- Full Name
- City of Residence
- Date of the Win
- Amount of the Prize
The lottery does not disclose home addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses to the public. However, players should be aware that once their name is published on the official winners list, it can be accessed by news organizations and the general public. This transparency is intended to prove that the prizes are actually being awarded to real people, maintaining public trust in the system.
Common Mistakes When Checking the Winners List
Even with a clear list, players often make errors that lead them to believe they have won when they haven't, or vice versa.
- Confusing Drawing Dates with Entry Dates: A common error is looking at a winners list for a drawing that took place on a specific date and assuming it covers tickets entered on that same day. In reality, there is a "buffer" period. Tickets entered this week are usually drawn next week or the week after. Always check the "Entry Period" dates listed at the top of the winners page.
- Ignoring the Game Code: Many 2nd Chance promotions have specific names (e.g., "Season’s Greetings Promotion"). Ensure you are looking at the list for the specific game you entered.
- Typos in Account Information: If your name is common (e.g., "John Smith"), seeing it on the list isn't enough. You must verify the city and wait for the official notification in your private account portal.
- Failing to Check "Spam" Folders: The lottery’s automated emails are frequently flagged as junk by email providers. Regular manual checks of the winners list serve as a necessary backup.
Financial and Legal Considerations for Winners
Winning a 2nd Chance prize is a taxable event. The California Lottery is required by law to report winnings to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Franchise Tax Board (FTB).
- Federal Taxes: For prizes over $600, the lottery will issue a Form W-2G. For prizes over $5,000, federal taxes are typically withheld automatically at a rate of 24%.
- State Taxes: Currently, California does not tax lottery winnings from the state lottery, which is a significant benefit for residents. However, this only applies to state-level income tax; federal obligations remain.
- Debts and Offsets: Before a prize is paid out, the California State Controller’s Office checks the winner for outstanding debts to state or local agencies, such as unpaid child support, back taxes, or student loans. If such debts exist, the prize money will be "offset" to pay those obligations first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the winners list to be updated?
The 2nd Chance winners list is typically updated within 3 to 5 business days following a drawing. While the drawing might occur on a Wednesday, the official public list may not reflect the winners until the following Monday to allow for initial internal verification.
Can I see who won the 2nd Chance drawing from five years ago?
The California Lottery maintains an archive of winners, but the online portal usually only displays the most recent 12 to 24 months. For older data, you may need to submit a formal Public Records Act request to the California Lottery’s headquarters in Sacramento.
What happens if my name is on the list but I didn't get an email?
First, check your "Player Advantage" account directly on the website. If the "My Entries" section does not show a win, the person on the list likely shares your name but lives in a different city or has a different account. If the city matches and you still have no notification, contact the California Lottery’s Customer Service department immediately.
Why are some winners listed as "Pending"?
Occasionally, the winners list will show "Pending" or "Winner" without a name for a brief period. This usually occurs during special high-value promotions where the identity is being verified for legal compliance before public release, or if the winner has not yet been successfully contacted.
Are 2nd Chance odds better than regular drawings?
The odds of winning a 2nd Chance drawing depend entirely on the total number of entries submitted by all players during that period. Unlike a standard Scratcher where the odds are fixed based on the number of tickets printed, 2nd Chance odds fluctuate. Generally, your odds are better than the top-tier prize of a standard game but still involve significant competition due to the ease of digital entry.
Practical Recommendation
If you regularly play the California Lottery, the most effective way to manage 2nd Chance entries is to use the official mobile app to scan every non-winning ticket immediately. Do not wait until you have a large stack, as entry deadlines are strict. Once a week—ideally every Tuesday or Wednesday—make it a habit to manually check the "Drawings & Winners" section on the official website. This dual-verification method ensures that even if an email is lost or a push notification is missed, you will not lose out on a prize you have rightfully won.
For those who find their names on the list, the next step is to download the official claim form and follow the instructions for "Mail-In Claims" or "District Office Claims." Always keep a digital copy or photocopy of your winning ticket and claim form before sending them through the mail.
