BREAKING: California Lottery opens Draw 3 of its Holiday Scratchers 2nd Chance, and the clock is ticking
The window just opened wider for California players who love a comeback story. Draw 3 of the Holiday Scratchers 2nd Chance Bonus Draw is live right now, and it closes December 22, 2025. One entry will pull a clean 20,000 dollar win this round. If your holiday ticket did not pay at the counter, it still has game left.
What is live right now
The Holiday Scratchers 2nd Chance is a four part promotion. Each draw awards one 20,000 dollar prize. That is 80,000 dollars total across the season. Draw 1 and Draw 2 are done. Draw 3 is in motion from December 1 to December 22. Draw 4 runs from December 23 to January 11, 2026. This is the heart of the run, when gifting and scratching collide.
This matters for two reasons. First, you have a short window to turn those non winners into a shot at cash. Second, Scratchers are everywhere right now, in stockings, office parties, and game nights. You will see more eligible tickets in the wild than any other time of year. That means more entries, more excitement, and more stories.
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How to enter Draw 3 in under two minutes
You have two ways to get your entry in, the 2nd Chance website or the official California Lottery app. Both accept codes from eligible 2025 Holiday Scratchers that did not win on the spot.
- Sign in or create a free 2nd Chance account with the California Lottery.
- Grab your non winning 2025 Holiday Scratcher. Locate the 2nd Chance code.
- Enter the code on the 2nd Chance web portal, or scan the ticket in the mobile app.
- Submit before the Draw 3 deadline on December 22, 2025.
You can enter multiple eligible tickets. Each valid ticket equals one entry. The Lottery will draw one winner for 20,000 dollars for each period, including this one.
Enter as you go. Scan every non winner the moment you scratch it. Lost tickets cannot win later.
The vibe on the ground
This is the sweet spot where lottery play overlaps with gaming culture. It is the same loop players know well, open pack, check odds, log a bonus entry, and hope for the roll. Scratchers are the quick hit, and the 2nd Chance is the endgame content. Players tell me they stack tickets from gift exchanges, submit on the couch, and trash talk with friends while they wait for the draw. Retailers are also ready. Shopper traffic is up for holiday art cards and the new anniversary designs. It feels like an in person live event, with a digital finish.
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The 40th anniversary factor
The California Lottery is celebrating 40 years of play, and it shows. The standout is a 40 dollar Scratcher called 40 Years of Play, with a reported top prize of 15 million dollars. The art is bold, the print quality is sharp, and the gameplay hits that premium feel. You will also see celebratory sets like California Dreamin and 50X The Cash that fit the season’s pick up and play mood.
This is not just sparkle. Lottery proceeds support public education statewide. When these anniversary Scratchers move, classrooms feel it. That is the loop that makes this holiday push matter beyond the counter.
Odds, timing, and smart play
Let us talk odds. In a 2nd Chance draw, the odds are not printed on the ticket. They depend on how many valid entries go into the pool. Fewer entries, better odds. More entries, tougher climb. That is why entering every eligible ticket counts.
Timing is everything. Draw 3 closes December 22. Draw 4 runs through January 11, 2026. If your holiday haul is huge, spread entries across both windows and keep your receipts safe.
Do not toss a ticket after scanning until you see the entry confirmed in your account. Smudged codes or damaged tickets cannot be re entered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What tickets qualify for the Holiday Scratchers 2nd Chance?
A: Only non winning 2025 Holiday Scratchers are eligible. Regular non holiday games do not count for this promotion.
Q: Can I enter the same ticket more than once?
A: No. Each eligible ticket can be entered one time. Duplicate entries are rejected.
Q: How will I know if I win Draw 3?
A: Winners are contacted by the California Lottery after the draw. Check your 2nd Chance account and email for updates.
Q: Do I need the mobile app to enter?
A: No. You can use the app to scan codes, or enter them manually on the 2nd Chance website. Both paths count the same.
Q: Does buying these Scratchers help schools?
A: Yes. Lottery funds provide supplemental support to public education in California, along with prizes and retailer commissions.
Bottom line
This is your heads up. Draw 3 of the Holiday Scratchers 2nd Chance is live through December 22, and one 20,000 dollar prize is on the line. Scan every non winner, secure your entries, and keep an eye on the anniversary Scratchers while you are at it. Quick play, clear rules, real stakes, and a lift for schools. That is a win, even before the draw hits.
