Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks for playing the Chicago Sun-Times Scratch2Win Game. For complete rules and instructions on how to play, check the official rules. The following is a list of frequently asked questions.

  1. How do I play the Chicago Sun-Times Scratch2Win Game and Online Bonus Game?
  2. Can I get the daily numbers online instead of in the paper?
  3. I have a winning game section or Online Bonus Code on my Scratch2Win Game Card. What do I do next?
  4. Who is eligible to play the Chicago Sun-Times Scratch2Win Game?
  5. What prizes are available to be won?
  6. Are there any requirements to accepting a prize?
  7. How can I play without buying the Chicago Sun-Times?
  1. How do I play the Chicago Sun-Times Scratch2Win Game and Online Bonus Game? back to top

    The Chicago Sun-Times Scratch2Win Game will be in the Chicago Sun-Times from Wednesday, April 9 2008 to Tuesday, May 20 2008. Game cards are included in the Chicago Sun-Times every Wednesday for six consecutive weeks starting April 9. Throughout the contest period, the Chicago Sun-Times will publish FIVE (5) numbers daily. Gently scratch off only the numbered boxes on the section for that day on your game card that correspond to the numbers printed in the Chicago Sun-Times for that specific day. If any THREE (3) of the FIVE (5) daily boxes uncovered reveal identical cash amounts, you win that amount, subject to verification and validation. IMPORTANT: If more than FIVE (5) numbered boxes on a single section of any Chicago Sun-Times Scratch2Win Game Card are totally or partially revealed, that section of the game card is deemed null and void and ineligible for a prize.

    Every Scratch2Win Game card will also include a unique 6 digit alpha-numeric Online Bonus Code in the top right corner. Compare the Online Bonus Code on your Game Card to the three Codes published on this website every day. If your Online Bonus Code EXACTLY matches one of the Online Bonus Codes published on the website, then you win $500, subject to validation and verification. The winning Online Bonus Codes will be different each day so you will have twenty one (21) chances to win the Online Bonus Game each week. The winning Online Bonus Codes for each day during the Game Period will be published online by 10am CDT on this website.

    NOTE: Unclaimed prizes will not be awarded.

  2. Can I get the daily numbers online instead of in the paper? back to top

    Please be aware that under no circumstances will the daily numbers published in the Chicago Sun-Times be available on this web site or any other web site. Only the winning Online Bonus Codes will be available every day on this website.

  3. I have a winning game section or Online Bonus Code on my Scratch2Win Game Card. What do I do next? back to top

    If any day's game play section on your Chicago Sun-Times Game Card reveals three of the exact same cash amounts in accordance with the game play instructions on your Game Card or your Online Bonus Code matches EXACTLY to the one of the Winning Online Bonus Codes for that week, you must submit your prize claim via mail. Note: All claims are subject to verification and validation. If your prize is more than $500, you will be required to complete a tax form. Prize checks will be mailed within four (4) weeks from the day we receive your proper paperwork.

    Please follow the detailed instructions provided in the "How to Claim a Prize" paragraph of the rules on the back of your Chicago Sun-Times Scratch2Win Game Card or the rules found on www.suntimes.com. Mail the required documentation along with the original section of your winning Game Card or the complete Game Card to:

    Scratch2Win Claims
    c/o Game & Contest Services
    8300 Douglas Ave, Suite 602
    Dallas, TX 75225

    We strongly recommend that you print the last four numbers of your telephone number or the ID you are supplying in the space provided on the Game Card section you are submitting, and make a photocopy of your Game Card for your records. Potential winning prize claims must be received by mail no later than Friday, May 30th, 2008, to be considered valid.

  4. Who is eligible to play the Chicago Sun-Times Scratch2Win Game? back to top

    Chicago Sun-Times Scratch2Win Game participation is open only to residents of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa, 18 years of age or older, except employees of the Chicago Sun-Times, LLC, SCA Promotions Inc., their affiliated companies, agents and members of their respective immediate families. Game is void where prohibited.

  5. What prizes are available to be won? back to top

    Each week for six weeks, there will be One (1) $25,000 prize, Two (2) $1,250 prizes, Five (5) $500 prizes, Twenty Five (25) $100 prizes and Twenty One (21) Online Bonus prizes available.

    In total there are 54 prizes available from 420,000 cards printed each week for 6 weeks. For approximate odds of winning, please refer to the back of your game card or the official rules.

  6. Are there any requirements to accepting a prize? back to top

    By accepting a prize, each winner consents to the use of his/her name, photograph and other likeness for purposes of advertising, trade and promotion on behalf of the Chicago Sun-Times, LLC in all media, at any time or times, without notice, review or approval and without further compensation, unless unlawful. By submitting personal information, participants consent to the use of their names and contact information for marketing purposes by Chicago Sun-Times, LLC and/or its advertisers and/or trade partners. All Game Cards and other materials submitted for verification, validation and redemption become the sole property of Chicago Sun-Times, LLC and none will be returned. Prior to receipt of a prize, winners of more than $500 will be obligated to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and a Release of Liability, and, where lawful, a Publicity Release, and will also be required to complete and sign a W9. Please allow four (4) weeks from the time we receive your proper paperwork, for your prize to be processed and mailed to you. Taxes are the sole responsibility of winners.

  7. How can I play without buying the Chicago Sun-Times? back to top

    A purchase will not increase your chance of winning. Copies of the Chicago Sun-Times in physical and/or digital form may be examined in many local libraries. If you wish to receive a Game Card without purchasing the Chicago Sun-Times, while supplies last (limit of one Game Card per request, per outer mail stamped envelope), send a separate, stamped (1st Class oversize envelope rate), hand printed self-addressed, 9" x 12" envelope to:

    Chicago Sun-Times Game Card Requests
    c/o Game & Contest Services
    Suite 610, 8300 Douglas Ave
    Dallas, TX 75225

    Clearly print on the lower left corner of your outer mailing envelope the week number of the Game Card you are requesting. Requests must be postmarked no later than May 14, 2008 and received no later than May 19, 2008. No responsibility is assumed for lost, late, damaged, incomplete, incorrect, illegible, postage due or misdirected mail.Requests with insufficient postage will not be filled.

For complete rules and instructions on how to play, check the rules. For a list of winners, available after June 6, 2008, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Chicago Sun-Times Winners List, to the address provided in the rules, for receipt by August 20, 2008.