
News writer
Mark your calendars and cross your fingers — National Lottery Day is almost here. Whether you're a seasoned scratcher or someone who's never bought a ticket, July 17 is your chance to join in on a little extra fun (and maybe some free tickets).
But here's the catch: how you celebrate depends entirely on where you live. From surprise promos to exclusive giveaways, some states are turning this day into a full-blown lottery-palooza — so what's your state doing?
National Lottery Day
Whether you are a regular player or someone who has been wanting to give the lottery a try, National Lottery Day is the perfect time to give it a go. For 2025, National Lottery Day will be taking place on Thursday, July 17.
What does that mean for players? It all depends on the state you live in and what your state lottery will be offering, which we will discuss in more detail below.
However, most state lotteries will offer some kind of promotion or free ticket to celebrate the big day. It's a day or week for everyone to try their luck and get involved in the lottery.
How different states celebrate
As we stated above, each state is different in how they celebrate. Some states are offering special events and promotions on National Lottery Day, while other states are making a whole week out of and celebrating Lottery Week.
While some states haven't given out details of how they'll be celebrating, here are the states we know so far:
- Nebraska Lottery – They will be celebrating with Lottery Week. To start, MVP Club members will receive an eCoupon for one free MyDaY play for seven draws (you choose your numbers), which will be good from July 14-31, 2025. In addition, between July 14 and July 31, players can get one play of Lotto America with All Star Bonus, one play of Lucky for Life, and two plays each of Nebraska Pick 5, Nebraska Pick 3, MyDaY, and 2by2 for $10. Players just need to ask the lottery retailer for the Lottery Week Special when making their purchase.
- DC Lottery – Lottery officials in DC haven't released the details of their celebration yet, but they shared on social media that they would be celebrating on National Lottery Day with exclusive contests, events, and a chance to win millions.
- Maryland Lottery – Between Monday, July 14 and Sunday, July 20, play any draw or Fast Play game and you could win a free game. To celebrate Lottery Week, players can win a free draw or Fast Play game when they purchase a draw or Fast Play game. Free tickets will be awarded with random purchases and will be printed immediately following the purchase of the ticket.
- New Jersey Lottery – They will be celebrating National Lottery Day, and lottery officials say they will be upping the ante this year. They will be giving out prizes of $300, $400, and $500 in the Shore Things scratch-off tickets. You need to tune in on National Lottery Day and tell lottery officials your favorite New Jersey Lottery game for a chance to win.
We're sure more states will be announcing their fun promotions soon, but make sure you enjoy National Lottery Day next week and bring a little luck into your life.
Enjoy playing the lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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