Loteria Extra is a popular scratch off lottery game offered by the California State Lottery. It is based on the traditional Mexican game of Loteria, which is similar to bingo. The Loteria Extra game offers players the chance to win up to $250,000 by matching symbols or numbers on their scratcher ticket.
What do you need to play Loteria Extra?
To play Loteria Extra, you need to purchase a scratcher ticket from an authorized California Lottery retailer. Tickets usually cost between $1 and $5. Once you buy a ticket, you scratch off the play area on the ticket to reveal a set of symbols or numbers. Each Loteria Extra ticket has a different play style and set of winning combinations.
Where can you buy Loteria Extra tickets?
You can buy Loteria Extra scratchers at any lottery retailer in California that sells scratcher tickets. This includes convenience stores, gas stations, liquor stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies. You can locate retailers selling lottery tickets using the California Lottery website or mobile app. You must be 18 or older to purchase lottery tickets in California.
What are the Loteria Extra ticket prices?
Loteria Extra scratchers range in price from $1 up to $5 per ticket. The $1 and $2 tickets tend to have smaller top prizes, while the higher priced $3, $5, and $10 tickets have larger top prizes up to $250,000. Here are some example Loteria Extra ticket costs:
- $1 tickets – top prize up to $1,000
- $2 tickets – top prize up to $2,000
- $3 tickets – top prize up to $5,000
- $5 tickets – top prize up to $25,000
- $10 tickets – top prize up to $250,000
How do you play Loteria Extra?
To play Loteria Extra, follow these steps:
- Purchase a Loteria Extra scratcher ticket from a lottery retailer.
- Scratch off the play area on the ticket to reveal the symbols or numbers.
- Match the symbols or numbers to the winning combinations shown on the ticket.
- Different Loteria Extra games have different play styles and winning combinations:
Match 3 style
For Match 3 style Loteria Extra tickets, you need to match 3 of the same symbol or number. Some examples include:
- Match 3 identical symbols or numbers
- Match 3 like amounts (for example, 3 $20 wins)
Match 2 with bonus spot style
For Match 2 with bonus spot tickets, you need to match 2 identical symbols and reveal the bonus spot:
- Match any 2 symbols or numbers
- Reveal bonus spot – win that prize
Straight line bingo style
For straight line bingo style Loteria Extra tickets, you need to make a straight line on your card:
- Form a straight line on your bingo card horizontally, vertically or diagonally
- Win prize shown for that line
Coverall bingo style
For coverall bingo style tickets, match all spaces on bingo card:
- Match all numbers on bingo card
- Win coverall prize shown
Match numbers style
For match numbers style Loteria Extra games, match your numbers to winning numbers:
- Reveal your numbers
- Match them to winning numbers on legend
- Win prize shown for matched numbers
Be sure to check your ticket carefully and match the symbols or numbers to the legends shown. Prizes and winning combinations vary for each Loteria Extra scratcher game.
What are the prizes for Loteria Extra?
Loteria Extra tickets offer a range of cash prizes from $1 up to the top prize, which can be up to $250,000 on a $10 ticket. Here are some example prizes:
Match | $1 Ticket Prizes | $2 Ticket Prizes | $3 Ticket Prizes |
---|---|---|---|
Match 3 symbols | $1 | $2 | $3 |
Match 2 symbols + bonus | $2 | $5 | $10 |
Straight line bingo | $3 | $10 | $30 |
Coverall | $100 | $500 | $1,000 |
Top prize | $1,000 | $2,000 | $5,000 |
As you can see, the prizes increase for higher priced Loteria Extra tickets. Be sure to check the prize legends on your ticket for the exact prizes.
What are the odds of winning Loteria Extra?
The odds of winning any prize or the top prize in Loteria Extra vary depending on the cost of the ticket and the style of game play. Lower priced tickets generally have better odds of winning smaller prizes. Higher priced tickets have better odds at winning larger prizes. According to the California Lottery, here are published odds for sample Loteria Extra games:
Game | Cost | Win Any Prize | Win Top Prize |
---|---|---|---|
Loteria Extra Doubler | $1 | 1 in 4.66 | 1 in 120,000 |
Loteria Extra Money Bags | $2 | 1 in 4.56 | 1 in 240,000 |
Loteria Extra Diamonds & Gold | $3 | 1 in 3.52 | 1 in 360,000 |
Loteria Extra 50X | $5 | 1 in 3.20 | 1 in 600,000 |
Loteria Extra Brilliant 7s | $10 | 1 in 2.30 | 1 in 1,800,000 |
As you can see, the odds improve as the ticket price increases. Of course, the odds are always stacked against players for any lottery game – but Loteria Extra offers better odds than many other instant scratcher games.
Can you increase your chances of winning?
There is no way to increase your odds of winning on any particular Loteria Extra ticket, since the outcome is predetermined by the scratch-off coating. However, there are some general tips that may boost your overall chances:
- Buy multiple tickets – more tickets equals more chances to win
- Try higher priced $5 or $10 tickets for better odds
- Play new games that may have unclaimed top prizes
- Buy tickets from stores with fewer sales for better odds
- Join a lottery pool to share tickets and costs
- Use birthdays or other favorite numbers if you can pick them
- Play consistently for more chances to win over time
While these tips may slightly improve your chances, lottery wins are still ultimately determined by random luck. For games like Loteria Extra, your best bet is simply buying some tickets and hoping luck is on your side!
What should you do if you win on Loteria Extra?
If you are lucky enough to win a prize on Loteria Extra, here are some important steps to take:
- Sign the back of your winning ticket immediately to secure proof of ownership.
- Make photocopies of the front and back of your signed ticket.
- Keep your ticket in a safe place until ready to claim.
- Claim your prize within 180 days at any California Lottery office.
- You will need to complete a claim form and IRS paperwork.
- Winnings are subject to federal and state tax withholding.
- You can collect your prize as a lump sum or annuity payment over time.
- Consult a tax professional about any tax implications.
- Carefully consider how you will use your prize money wisely.
Winning a large lottery prize can be life-changing. Be sure to secure your ticket, claim your prize properly, and seek expert advice about handling your windfall wisely. Good luck!
Where else can you play Loteria Extra style games?
The Loteria Extra game is exclusive to the California Lottery. However, other states offer similar bingo and matching style instant lottery scratchers. Some examples include:
- Texas Lottery – Their scratchers include games like Bingo Times 10, Super Bingo, and various other match and win games with Loteria or bingo-style play.
- Florida Lottery – They offer numerous bingo scratch-off games along with matching style games like Flamingo Fortune and Cashword.
- New York Lottery – Their wide selection of scratchers includes games like Bingo, Win $1,000 a Week for Life, and Money Bags Doubler.
- Illinois Lottery – Their instant games include $250,000 Crossword, Bingo Times 10, and Tic Tac Cash.
- Georgia Lottery – Games like Jumbo Bucks and Cash Blowout feature similar match and win style gameplay.
Many states use bingo or matching themed instant games to offer a fun twist on scratchers. While the Loteria Extra games are exclusive to California, you can find comparable games in most U.S. lottery states.
Conclusion
Loteria Extra offers an exciting way for California Lottery players to win up to $250,000. Matching symbols or completing bingo cards can lead to big cash prizes. Loteria Extra scratchers cost $1 to $10, with increasing game odds and prizes. Follow the step-by-step gameplay instructions, match ticket symbols properly, and claim any winnings securely to have the best Loteria Extra experience. With vibrant artwork and familiar bingo gameplay, Loteria Extra combines tradition and innovation into a hugely popular modern scratcher.