Happy little scratch-offs? Bob Ross joins the lottery world

Bob Ross spent years teaching millions of viewers that there were "no mistakes, just happy accidents." Now, the beloved television painter could soon inspire a new generation of lottery scratch-offs.

Pollard Banknote announced it has signed the first-ever licensing agreement with the Bob Ross brand. This licensing agreement will give lotteries access to the artist's likeness, artwork, and iconic catchphrases for future printed and digital instant games. While there haven't been any Bob Ross-themed tickets announced yet, this new partnership does open the door for creative new scratch-offs and promotions to be introduced that could appeal to players of all ages.

'There's nothing wrong with having a tree as a friend'

With this licensing agreement, Pollard Banknote now has the rights to create both retail scratch-off tickets and digital instant games featuring Bob Ross. Any lotteries that work with Pollard will also have access to Ross' artwork, editorial content, audio, and video clips for future promotions.

For players, this could mean much more than simply seeing Bob Ross' face on the front of a ticket. Pollard said the Bob Ross brand lends itself to experiential prizes, including nature retreats and “Happy Little Art Experiences,” which are painting workshops led by Bob Ross-certified instructors.

In a press release, Cassandra Boyd, Director of Licensed Games at Pollard Banknote, stated:

Lottery players are looking for a moment of joy in the everyday—and to his millions of fans, that's the promise of Bob Ross.

Bob Ross is a natural fit

It's been over 30 years since “The Joy of Painting” debuted on public television. However, Bob Ross remains one of pop culture's most recognizable personalities.

Whether it's his calming voice, signature hairstyle, or his optimistic outlook, Ross continues to resonate with audiences long after his passing. Episodes of “The Joy of Painting” remain widely available on streaming platforms. Clips from the show continue to attract millions of views online.

In fact, the Bob Ross brand now boasts millions of followers across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitch. Thanks to these followers, it's introducing his work to younger audiences alongside those longtime fans.

This appeal is exactly what lotteries look for when choosing licensed themes for instant tickets. Lotteries have partnered with popular TV shows, movies, games, and celebrities over the years to help their scratch-off stand out among a crowded retail display. Bob Ross is going to offer something different: a brand built around creativity, nostalgia, and relaxation.

Speaking of popular TV shows

As mentioned above, state lotteries have partnered with popular TV shows over the years for instant tickets. That's what has happened with the North Carolina Lottery, as the iconic game show “Wheel of Fortune” launched today as a scratch-off game featuring a top prize of $200,000.

This new $5 game from the North Carolina Lottery offers players a chance to win 5X or 10X the prize by matching red or blue numbers. Players can also check the back of the ticket for a promo code for a free Digital Instants play.

In addition, the “Wheel of Fortune” ticket includes a second-chance promotion where you can win a trip for two to Los Angeles to attend a live taping of the show. Not only will the winner get to see a live taping of the show, but they will also receive round-trip airfare, luxury hotel accommodations, $1,000 in spending cash, and lots more.

The North Carolina Lottery is also offering three other new tickets in July:

• Jackpot Millions – $20 ticket with a top prize of $1 million and features a chance for a $100 instant win.
• Triple Red 777 – $10 ticket with a top prize of $1 million, which includes two bonus spots.
• Corner Payout – $2 ticket with a top prize of $20,000, and gives players the chance to win 2X the prize.

Enjoy playing the lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.