When did Colorado Lotto start?

Colorado Lotto is one of the state’s hallmark lottery games, familiar to many players who have been following Colorado Lottery’s jackpots over the years. For anyone curious about when did Colorado Lotto start, this article explores its origins, evolution, biggest changes, and some of the most memorable moments in its history.

When did Colorado Lotto start? The year everything started

The Colorado Lottery itself first came into existence on January 24, 1983. However, Colorado Lotto, the state’s first in-state jackpot drawing game, did not start immediately. The first Colorado Lotto game was launched in 1989, on Colorado Lottery’s 6th anniversary.

How Colorado Lotto has evolved over the years

Since its launch in 1989, Colorado Lotto went through several changes in format and name. Here are some of the key evolutionary steps:

• The original Lotto used a matrix of 6 out of 42 numbers. Players would choose six numbers from that pool.

• Drawings were initially held just once per week (on Saturdays). Later, drawings were increased: a midweek drawing was added in July 1990 (Wednesdays) to make it more frequent.

• The prize minimums, jackpot rollovers, and game cost were adjusted over time to keep the game competitive and appealing.

• In 2019, Colorado Lotto was replaced by a new version called Colorado Lotto+, which introduced a better matrix (fewer numbers to choose from), improved odds, and additional features for non-jackpot winners.

Biggest changes in the Colorado Lotto format

Some of the major format changes that have had big effects on gameplay and odds include:

1. Number matrix change: With the introduction of Colorado Lotto+ in 2019, the number pool from which players pick was reduced. This improves odds of winning by making it slightly easier to match numbers.

2. Price and multiplier options: In Lotto+, there are options such as “Plus” which add additional prize opportunities. The cost per play and structure adjusted accordingly.

3. Draw frequency: When the original Lotto launched, drawings were less frequent, but over time more drawing nights were added (e.g. Wednesday).

Notable winners since the start of Colorado Lotto

Over the years, Colorado Lotto (and its successor Lotto+) has had several memorable winners. Some of the highlights:

• In 1992, Kim Walker (later Kim Haggarty) of Boulder won a $27 million Lotto jackpot — this remains one of the largest Lotto jackpots in Colorado history.

• Numerous millionaires have been created through Lotto in various years.

• After the change to Lotto+, there have been substantial jackpots; for example, in 2022 there was a $25 million Lotto+ jackpot winner.

Fun facts about the history of Colorado Lotto

Here are some interesting tidbits:

• Although the Colorado Lottery began in 1983 with scratch (instant-win) tickets and other simple games, it took six years to launch its first in-state jackpot draw game (Lotto in 1989).

• When Colorado Lotto started in 1989, the jackpot minimum was $1 million (annuity with cash option), with a cost of $1 per ticket.

• In 2019 with Lotto+, the starting jackpot and prize structure, matrix, and multiplier options were modernized to give better odds and more attractive non-jackpot prizes.

• The Colorado Lottery has raised billions in revenue since its inception, with proceeds funding parks, open space, wildlife, and education.

Play Colorado Lotto today with TuLotero

If you’re thinking about joining in now, TuLotero makes playing Colorado Lotto+ easier than ever. With TuLotero, you can:

• Purchase tickets from your mobile device safely and securely.

• Store your ticket digitally, so there’s no risk of losing it.

• Get automatic result notifications after draws.

• Participate in multi-draws and “Plus” options with ease.

Since Colorado Lotto has evolved significantly over the years — improving odds, adding features, and making prize structures more exciting — using TuLotero ensures you always play under the current formats, with accurate information, and maximum convenience.