Some lottery games ask players to choose numbers and wait for a draw. Catch the King works a little differently. It combines a weekly ticket drawing with a card reveal, creating a game that unfolds over time rather than ending after a single result.
For new players, understanding how Catch the King works can make the experience much easier to follow. From buying a ticket to watching the board change each week, every stage plays a role in the game. This guide walks through the process step by step so you can see how everything fits together.
Buy Your Tickets Before the Weekly Deadline
Every game begins with a ticket purchase. Players enter by purchasing tickets before the weekly sales deadline. Ticket sales close every Sunday at 7:55 PM Alaska time, and only tickets purchased before that cutoff are included in the upcoming drawing.
Every ticket is an entry into the game for that particular week. The drawing pool is finalized after sales close, and more tickets cannot be added. Because entries do not carry over from one drawing to the next, players who wish to participate again the following week will need to buy new tickets.
Tickets are available at multiple price points to suit different players. A single ticket costs $2, with bundle options offering better value: 12 tickets for $10, 30 tickets for $20, 100 tickets for $50, or 250 tickets for $100. Tickets can be purchased online at aklottery.org, by phone at 907-565-6886, or in person at licensed locations across Alaska.
People who follow Catch the King Alaska often prefer to purchase tickets early in the week rather than waiting until the final hours before the deadline.
Follow the Weekly Drawing
After ticket sales close, the weekly drawing takes place every Sunday at 8:00 PM Alaska time. During this drawing, one ticket is selected from all eligible entries.
The selected ticket becomes that week’s winning ticket. The process follows official Alaska lottery game rules designed to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all eligible entries. Every valid ticket purchased before the deadline participates in the drawing.
Many players enjoy watching the live drawing because it marks the beginning of the next stage of the game.
Watch the Card Reveal
After the weekly drawing, attention shifts to the game board. This is where Catch the King differs from many traditional lottery games.
The weekly winner gets the opportunity to reveal one card from the board. While the drawing determines who receives that opportunity, the card reveal becomes an important part of the overall game.
This is one reason people often ask how Catch the King works. The game combines a ticket drawing with a card reveal, creating a format that continues from week to week instead of ending after a single draw.
Understand What Stays on the Board
The game board starts with 54 cards. This includes a standard deck of 52 playing cards plus two jokers.
Each week, one card is revealed and removed from play. Once a card has been revealed, it does not return to the board. As the game progresses, the number of remaining cards gradually becomes smaller.
Because the board gives a clear picture of how the game is going, players frequently keep track of the remaining cards. Participants can better grasp how Catch the King functions over time and the significance of each weekly drawing by keeping an eye on the board.
Follow the Progressive Jackpot
Another major part of the game is the progressive jackpot. Unlike a fixed prize that stays the same each week, this jackpot can continue growing over time.
As long as the game remains active, players continue watching both the jackpot amount and the remaining cards on the board. The combination of a changing board and a growing prize keeps interest high throughout the game.
The progressive jackpot starts with a guaranteed minimum of $10,000 and grows from there each week the King of Diamonds remains unrevealed. This guarantee means players always know there is a meaningful prize at stake from the very first drawing of a new game.
Understanding how Catch the King works also means understanding that the game unfolds across multiple drawings. Each week becomes part of a larger game rather than a completely separate event.
Why Every Drawing Changes the Game
Every drawing affects the board in some way. After a card is revealed, the number of remaining cards decreases, creating a different situation for the following week.
This is one reason many players check board updates regularly. The game can look very different after several weeks compared to when it first began, and the remaining cards provide a visual snapshot of the game’s progress.
The published list of Alaska lottery winners also helps players follow the game. By looking at recent results, participants can see how the game has developed and which communities have produced winners.
Because each drawing influences future weeks, players often view Catch the King as an ongoing experience rather than a one-time event.
Tips for New Catch the King Players

If you are new to the game, a few simple habits can help you follow it more easily.
- Pay attention to the weekly deadline. Missing the Sunday cutoff means waiting until the following week to participate.
- Watch the live drawing when possible. Seeing the ticket selection and card reveal happen in real time can make the game easier to understand.
- Check the board status regularly. Following the remaining cards helps you keep track of how the game is progressing.
- Review the Alaska lottery game rules before participating. Understanding the Alaska lottery game rules can help answer common questions about ticket purchases, drawing schedules, and game procedures.
- Follow updates through official Alaska lottery channels, where players can view results, board status information, and recent alaska lottery winners.
Note:
One thing new players appreciate about Catch the King is that there’s no need to check your ticket after every drawing. Alaska Lottery contacts winners directly by phone when their ticket is selected. For online and phone purchases, ticket numbers are also sent by email for your records.
Final Thoughts
For new players, learning how Catch the King works becomes much easier once you see the game as a series of connected steps. You buy a ticket, follow the weekly drawing, watch the card reveal, and track how the board changes over time.
Unlike many lottery games that end after a single draw, Catch the King continues to develop from week to week. The changing board, weekly drawings, and ongoing jackpot create a game that players can follow throughout its progression.
Whether you are participating for the first time or simply trying to understand how Catch the King works, following the board and weekly updates can help you stay connected to the game and see how it evolves over time.
FAQs
How can I buy Catch the King?
Tickets must be purchased by players prior to Sunday’s weekly sales deadline.
How often are drawings made?
Every Sunday at 8:00 PM Alaska time, there are drawings.
Why do players follow the game board?
After each drawing, the board is updated, making it easier for players to monitor their progress.
What happens to revealed cards?
Cards that are revealed are taken out of play and are not put back on the board.
How can I keep track of the game each week?
Through Alaska Lottery channels, players can keep up with live drawings, board updates, winner announcements, and official game information.




