History of Colorado Lottery in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 18, 2025

The Colorado Lottery is a state-run lottery organization managed by the Colorado state government. It is also a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association(MUSL), partnering with other states for larger jackpot games.

January 24, 1983: Colorado Lottery Began

On January 24, 1983, the Colorado Lottery commenced operations, initially offering scratch tickets to the public.

April 23, 1983: First Drawing

On April 23, 1983, the Colorado Lottery conducted its first drawing.

January 24, 1989: Colorado Lotto Began

On January 24, 1989, Colorado Lotto began, initially drawn on Saturdays.

July 18, 1990: Wednesday Drawings Added

On July 18, 1990, Wednesday drawings were added to Colorado Lotto.

1992: Constitutional Amendment Approved

In 1992, Colorado voters approved a state constitutional amendment directing Lottery revenues to outdoor recreation, parks, trails, rivers, wildlife, and open space.

1992: Largest Colorado Lotto Jackpot Won

In 1992, Kim Walker of Boulder won the largest Colorado Lotto jackpot of $27 million.

1996: Cash 5 Began

In 1996, Cash 5 began, where players pick 5 numbers from 1 to 32 for each $1 game played.

April 2001: Colorado joined MUSL

Since April 2001, Colorado has been a member of MUSL.

2001: Powerball Available in Colorado

In 2001, Powerball became available in Colorado.

October 13, 2009: Agreement to Cross-Sell Mega Millions and Powerball

On October 13, 2009, the Mega Millions consortium and MUSL reached an agreement in principle to cross-sell Mega Millions and Powerball in U.S. lottery jurisdictions.

2009: Lucky-4-Life Began in Connecticut

In 2009, Lucky-4-Life, which began in Connecticut, has changed it double matrix three times, and expanded to a regional game and then "quasi-national." It also began giving "lifetime" winners the option of cash in lieu of the annuity.

January 31, 2010: Cross-Selling Tickets

On January 31, 2010, most lotteries with either game began selling tickets for both Mega Millions and Powerball.

May 16, 2010: Colorado Joined Mega Millions

On May 16, 2010, Colorado joined Mega Millions as part of the MUSL cross-selling agreement, coinciding with South Dakota's entry on the same day.

June 29, 2012: MatchPlay Ended

On June 29, 2012, MatchPlay ended. It was drawn on Tuesdays and Fridays.

April 2013: Pick 3 Began

In April 2013, Pick 3 began, drawing three digits, each from 0 through 9.

July 17, 2016: Colorado Joined Lucky for Life

On July 17, 2016, Colorado joined Lucky for Life.

September 2017: Lucky for Life Availability

As of September 2017, Lucky for Life was available in 24 states and the District of Columbia.

September 2017: Largest Powerball Jackpot

In September 2017, the largest Powerball jackpot won in Colorado was $133 million.

October 2017: Increased Play Costs

Since October 2017, plays have increased to $2 each, or $3 with the Megaplier.

September 22, 2019: Final Drawing of Colorado Lotto

On September 22, 2019, the final drawing of Colorado Lotto took place, after which it was replaced by Colorado Lotto+.

September 25, 2019: First Drawing of Colorado Lotto+

On September 25, 2019, Colorado Lotto+ replaced Colorado Lotto and had its first drawing, featuring changes like a higher price, reduced game matrix, and the introduction of a multiplier.