The Biggest Lottery Wins in Colorado History: Life-Changing Moments

Written by Jackpot Staff

July 14, 2025

Colorado's lottery history is filled with incredible stories of ordinary people whose lives changed in an instant with the drawing of a few lucky numbers. Since the Colorado Lottery's inception in 1983, numerous residents have struck it rich, with some wins standing out as truly remarkable. Let's explore the most significant lottery jackpots in Colorado history and the fascinating stories behind them.

Colorado's Record-Breaking $133.2 Million Powerball Win

The largest lottery prize ever won in Colorado belongs to Judy Finchum of Clifton, who claimed an astounding $133.2 million Powerball jackpot in 2017. This life-changing win came after Finchum had faithfully played the same set of numbers for 30 years – numbers based on family birthdays, including her late brother's (17) and her daughter's (31).

"I've worked all my life - it's time to learn what not working is like," said the 67-year-old grandmother after claiming her prize. Finchum opted for the lump-sum payment, receiving $84.6 million after taxes, and immediately retired from her career.

What makes her story particularly heartwarming is that she purchased the winning ticket on her husband's birthday, making it an unforgettable celebration. Her massive win remains unmatched in Colorado's lottery history and stands as a testament to the life-changing potential of Powerball.

The $90 Million Powerball Jackpot of 2014

Before Judy Finchum's record-breaking win, Claude "Al" G. and his wife Jackie from Rifle held the title for Colorado's largest lottery prize. In 2014, the couple claimed a $90 million Powerball jackpot after purchasing their ticket at a local Kum & Go convenience store.

The couple chose the lump-sum option, receiving approximately $54.9 million after taxes. Despite their newfound wealth, Al maintained his sense of humor, joking, "I'll probably keep working to avoid going crazy."

Their win brought a ray of hope to Rifle, a town that had been experiencing economic challenges due to reduced natural gas drilling activities. The local Kum & Go also received a $50,000 commission for selling the winning ticket, creating a ripple of good fortune throughout the community.

Kim Haggarty's Historic $27 Million Lotto Win

Long before Powerball created Colorado's biggest winners, Kim Walker (later Kim Haggarty) made history in 1992 when she won a then-record $27 million Colorado Lotto jackpot. Her win was particularly significant as it made her the 100th Lotto millionaire in the state.

Unlike many lottery winners who splurge on luxury items, Haggarty and her husband Dan relocated to Steamboat Springs, where they invested in community initiatives. They contributed to the development of the Howelsen Ice Arena and opened a local restaurant, demonstrating how lottery windfalls can fuel civic engagement.

Haggarty's story is especially inspiring because she dedicated decades to coaching figure skating and supporting youth programs in her community. Her win exemplifies how lottery success can transform not just an individual's life but an entire community when managed wisely.

The Evolution of Colorado's Lottery Games

From Colorado Lotto to Lotto+

The original Colorado Lotto game, which created winners like Kim Haggarty, was a staple in the state from 1989 until its retirement in 2019. During its 30-year run, the game produced average jackpots of around $3.4 million and created numerous millionaires across the state.

In 2019, Colorado Lotto was replaced by Lotto+, featuring enhanced odds and a starting jackpot of $1 million. The new game has already created significant winners, including a $25 million jackpot winner in 2022 – the largest in the game's history. More recently, in 2024, Jerold C. of Littleton won $3.1 million, which he planned to use for extensive travel.

Lotto+ maintains the community-focused approach of its predecessor, with 55.5% of sales allocated to prizes and proceeds funding parks, trails, and schools throughout Colorado.

Powerball's Colorado Impact

Powerball arrived in Colorado in 2001, dramatically changing the lottery landscape with its massive multi-state jackpots. The game has produced three jackpot winners in the state:

• Eugene and Stanislawa Markiewicz of Westminster split a $20 million prize in 2007, marking Colorado's first Powerball win.
• The $90 million Rifle win by Claude "Al" G. and Jackie in 2014.
• Judy Finchum's historic $133.2 million jackpot in 2017.

Powerball's popularity continues to grow, especially during periods when jackpots climb to extraordinary heights. In 2023, combined Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots reached an incredible $1.3 billion, driving ticket sales to new heights across Colorado.

Mega Millions and Other Games

Colorado joined the Mega Millions game in 2010, though the state has yet to produce a jackpot winner. However, numerous players have won significant secondary prizes, including a $1 million ticket sold in Elizabeth in 2023.

The state's lottery portfolio has expanded over the years to include Lucky for Life, which produced its first top prize winner in 2021 when Richard O. of Florence won $1,000 a day for life (equivalent to a $5.75 million lump sum).

Scratch games have also created their share of millionaires, including Miguel N. of Berthoud, who won $3.6 million in 2024 on a "Set for Life" ticket. The $50 scratch game "$3,000,000 Diamonds and Gold" offers some of the largest instant prizes, though with challenging odds of 1 in 1.8 million.

Beyond the Jackpots: Colorado Lottery's Community Impact

The true success story of the Colorado Lottery extends far beyond individual winners. Since its founding in 1983, the lottery has contributed over $4 billion to conservation, recreation, and education initiatives throughout the state.

When the lottery launched in January 1983, it exceeded all expectations, generating $137 million in revenue within six months, more than double the initial $60 million projection. By September of that year, the Lottery had already distributed $41.7 million to capital construction, the Conservation Trust Fund, and state parks.

A significant milestone came in 1992 with the establishment of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), which receives lottery proceeds to fund conservation projects. To date, GOCO has funded 5,400 projects and preserved 1.2 million acres of land across the state.

Since 2009, lottery funds have also supported BEST Grants (Building Excellent Schools Today), with $2.1 billion allocated to school construction and repairs, improving educational facilities for Colorado's children.

What Are Your Chances of Joining Colorado's Biggest Winners?

While the stories of Colorado's biggest winners are inspiring, it's important to understand the odds. Powerball jackpot odds stand at approximately 1 in 292.2 million, while Mega Millions offers slightly steeper odds at 1 in 302.6 million.

The state-specific Lotto+ game offers more favorable odds at 1 in 3.8 million for the jackpot, making it statistically more likely to produce local winners. Scratch games offer varying odds depending on the price point and prize structure, with some games offering better chances at smaller prizes.

Despite the long odds, Colorado continues to produce winners across all game categories. In fact, the Colorado Lottery has created over 500 millionaires since its inception, proving that while winning may be unlikely, it's certainly not impossible.

The Future of Colorado's Lottery

As the Colorado Lottery approaches its 45th anniversary, it continues to evolve with changing technology and player preferences. Future innovations may include expanded digital ticket sales or new multi-state partnerships to offer even more exciting games.

The lottery remains committed to its dual mission of providing entertainment through responsible gaming while generating funds for public projects. With each ticket purchased, players not only chase their dreams of joining Colorado's biggest winners but also contribute to parks, recreation, conservation, and education throughout the state.

Whether it's the next $133 million Powerball winner or a $1 million scratch ticket prize, Colorado's lottery history continues to be written with each drawing. Who knows? The next record-breaking win could be just around the corner.

So what are you waiting for? The next chapter in Colorado's lottery history could feature your name. After all, you can't win if you don't play!