News writer
After several weeks of disrupted drawings, the District of Columbia Lottery says a technical issue that quietly changed how some numbers could be selected has now been fully resolved. Officials have moved quickly to reassure players, rolling out a mix of free plays, coupons, and second-chance opportunities aimed at making things right for those affected. Now, with normal drawings restored, the focus shifts to how these make-good efforts could give players another shot at turning a frustrating stretch into a winning moment.
Issue rectified
After weeks of drawing issues for the mid-day and evening draws for the DC 3, DC 4, and DC 5 draw games, it looks like the DC Lottery has fixed the issue.
In a statement, DC Lottery Executive Director Randy Burnside said:
We are confident that we have identified and corrected the issue. We are committed to making it right for our players and appreciate their patience over the past few days. We have the best players in the world and will be providing them with additional opportunities to win over the course of the next several months.
Coupons and free play
Now that the issue has been resolved, the District of Columbia Lottery is offering the affected players some special perks.
For those players who selected two or more of the same numbers in a play for the DC 3, DC 4, or DC 5 mid-day or evening drawings from March 31, 2026, to April 21, 2026, then coupons, free plays, and additional chances to win are coming your way.
How to redeem your coupons or free play offers depends on who you purchased your ticket. If you played online or through the official DC Lottery app, then the District of Columbia Lottery is offering free plays equal to the value of the affected play. These accounts will automatically be credited.
If you bought your ticket at a retail location and you still have your ticket, then the District of Columbia Lottery is offering a coupon equal to the value of the affected play that can be used at any retail location. Players should hold onto that ticket, as it will need to be surrendered in order to claim the coupon. This process will begin on May 18, 2026.
If you happened to buy your ticket at a retail location, but you no longer have your ticket, then you can register for a DC iLottery account starting Monday, April 27, 2026, through the end of June, and you will receive $10 in free play for DC 3, DC 4, or DC 5.
Second chance drawing
In addition to the coupons and free play offers coming from the DC Lottery, they are giving affected players one more chance to cash in on the mistake.
Starting on May 18, 2026, the District of Columbia Lottery is launching a Numbers Game 2nd Chance contest. This is for affected players and will offer $150,000 in prizes, which includes the top prize of $25,000. There will be additional prizes of $1,000, $250, and $50.
What happened?
Starting March 21, 2026, the DC 3, DC 4, and DC 5 mid-day and evening drawings for the DC Lottery were compromised. The night draw was not impacted.
It turns out that a configuration error was introduced by third-party vendor Smartplay International during a routine draw machine recertification.
This error, which ran through April 21, 2026, blocked the draw machines from generating repeat digits, so numbers like 333, 455, or 58384 were impossible to draw.
For any players with questions, they can contact the DC Lottery Prize Center at 202-645-8000 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
Enjoy playing the District of Columbia Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
