News writer
The Iowa Lottery is cooking up something big — and we mean world record big — at this year's State Fair. VIPs are being invited to join an epic event that blends throwback vibes, free prizes, and one massive group scratch-off session you have to see to believe. What's at stake? Let's just say it involves confetti, cash, and a spot in the Guinness Book.
Breaking records in Iowa?
What better way to celebrate your 40th anniversary than to break some world records? That is what the Iowa Lottery is attempting to do, as stated in an email sent out this morning.
In the email, lottery officials said they are inviting VIP members to take part in making history. They need help in breaking the Guinness World Record for the Most People Scratching Scratch Cards Simultaneously. This event is going to be held at the Iowa State Fair.
While records will be attempted to be broken, there are some other promotions that lottery players can take part in. The Iowa Lottery will be giving away cash prizes during the event for qualified participants, and you must be present to win.
For the giveaways, two lucky people will walk away with $4,000 each, and one lucky person will go home with $40,000.
Who can participate?
If you want to participate in this special event, you should have received an email from the Iowa Lottery. Click on the button in the email to RSVP for the event.
The world record-breaking attempt will take place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Thursday, August 14. The gates will open at 4:00 p.m. CT, and you must be seated by 4:45 p.m. CT to participate.
Lottery officials will send out confirmation this week that your spot is secured. If you take part in this special event, you'll also receive admission to the fair, a free t-shirt, a Mega Millions Free Play coupon, a commemorative coin scratcher, and the $5 Scratch, Match & Win! instant lottery ticket. The free ticket can only be scratched during the world record attempt.
What is the record to beat?
So, what is the record Iowa Lottery officials are trying to beat?
According to Guinness, the current record for the number of people scratching scratch cards simultaneously is 550. This record was achieved by Totalizator Sportowy Lotto in Warsaw, Poland, on May 28, 2023.
Only need 551 to beat the record? It seems doable, especially since they are offering so many incentives and free tickets.
A throwback ticket
The Scratch, Match & Win! ticket from the Iowa Lottery is a throwback version of the lottery's very first product. This 2025 version sells for $5 and sales started on June 3.
The game, which is in honor of the 40th anniversary, features artwork of a hand holding a coin to scratch a ticket, much like the original scratch game from August 1985. Players can win up to $50,000 on the ticket.
If you don't happen to win on the ticket, you can enter it into a lottery promotion for a chance to win concert prize packages at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand or up to $100,000 in cash prizes.
Eligible tickets can be entered through the morning of September 17, but the first drawing of the promotion took place on July 22, with 87 concert prize packages being handed out. The second drawing will take place on September 18, with 51 cash prizes being handed out, ranging from $1,000 up to the top prize of $100,000.
So, if you attend the world record attempt and don't win on your ticket, save it and enter it into this promotion.
Enjoy playing the Iowa Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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