Lottery tickets in New Mexico, like in most states, have a limited validity period before the ticket expires and can no longer be redeemed for prizes. Knowing how long you have to claim any potential winnings is important so you don’t miss the deadline and forfeit your prize. In New Mexico, the time limit for lottery tickets depends on the specific type of game.
Scratcher Games
For scratcher games in New Mexico, tickets are valid for 120 days from the announced end of that particular scratcher game. All scratcher games have a defined end date set by the New Mexico Lottery office. Once a scratcher game officially ends, any unredeemed tickets can be claimed for up to 120 additional days. After that point, any unclaimed prizes are forfeited.
The New Mexico Lottery posts the end dates for all active scratcher games on their website. It is a good idea to check the website periodically if you have any outstanding scratcher tickets to see when the deadline is approaching. That gives you ample time to redeem any winnings.
Here is an example of scratcher games currently available in New Mexico and their end dates:
| Scratcher Game | Game End Date |
| 100X The Cash | October 4, 2023 |
| Vegas Getaway | November 15, 2023 |
| Ruby Riches | January 18, 2024 |
For any scratcher games ending soon, be sure to redeem your tickets promptly. You have up to 120 days beyond the posted end date.
Draw Games
For draw games in New Mexico such as Powerball and Mega Millions, tickets are valid for 180 days from the date of the drawing in which they were eligible to participate. The date of the drawing is printed on the ticket.
So if you have a Powerball ticket that was eligible for the December 1, 2022 drawing, you would need to claim any prize by May 29, 2023. That allows the standard 180 day window for redemption.
It is important to note that the 180 days applies from the drawing date printed on the ticket, not the date you actually purchased the ticket. Don’t assume you have 180 days from the purchase date. Check the drawing date and mark your calendar when the deadline is approaching.
Some additional details on draw game ticket validity:
- For tickets purchased online, the 180 day validity period begins on the date of purchase, not the drawing date. So check your online purchase history for the transaction date.
- Winning tickets worth $600 or more should be claimed promptly at a lottery office to start the prize collection process. Waiting until the 180 day deadline risks having the ticket lost or destroyed.
- The New Mexico Lottery will not investigate claims of expired tickets after the 180 day deadline has passed unless unique circumstances warrant an extension.
Following these guidelines carefully for both scratcher and draw games will ensure you do not miss the redemption window and forfeit any potential lottery prizes you have won.
Checking Your New Mexico Lottery Tickets
Once you have purchased a lottery ticket in New Mexico, you will want to check it to see if you have won a prize. Here are the ways to check different kinds of New Mexico Lottery tickets:
Scratcher Tickets
To check a scratcher ticket, scratch off the coated play area on the ticket using a coin or other object. Reveal the symbols and match them to the prize legend on the scratcher ticket. On some scratchers, you may need to match numbers or play a bingo-style game to determine if you won a prize. Review the ticket thoroughly to verify you did not miss any winning combinations.
If you did win on a scratcher ticket, prizes up to $600 can be claimed at any New Mexico Lottery retailer. Larger prizes will need to be claimed at a lottery office. Make sure to sign the back of your winning ticket for security purposes.
Draw Game Tickets
For draw game tickets, you will need to wait until after the drawing occurs to determine if your ticket is a winner. There are several ways to check the numbers:
- Watch the drawing on television to see the winning numbers drawn live
- Check the New Mexico Lottery website
- Scan your ticket at a lottery retailer using a ticket checker machine
- Visit a lottery office to have staff check your ticket
Match the numbers drawn to the numbers on your ticket to see if you have a winner. All draw game prizes over $600 must be claimed at a lottery office.
Be sure to sign your ticket after verifying you have a winning draw game ticket. Unsigned winning tickets may be invalidated. Only original tickets can be redeemed. Photocopies are not eligible to claim prizes.
Online Purchase
For lottery tickets purchased through the New Mexico Lottery website, you can check for winners by logging into your online lottery account. Any prizes or winning status will be displayed there. As with retail ticket purchases, prizes over $600 will need to be claimed in person at a lottery office.
Claiming Lottery Prizes
Claiming lottery prizes in New Mexico is easy as long as you meet the deadline and have an official winning ticket. Here is how to claim different sized prizes:
Prizes Up To $600
For lottery prizes from $1 up to $600, you can claim your winnings at any authorized New Mexico Lottery retailer. Prizes up to $600 can be paid in cash by the retailer upon validation of your winning ticket. Find an open lottery retailer in your area to collect smaller prizes.
Prizes Over $600
Larger lottery prizes from $601 up to the jackpot amounts must be claimed in person at one of the New Mexico Lottery office locations. Bring your original winning ticket to begin the verification and prize collection process. The offices are located in:
- Albuquerque
- Santa Fe
- Farmington
- Roswell
- Hobbs
Depending on the amount, you will choose whether you want a lump sum or annuity payout of the prize. Taxes and withholdings will be deducted. You will walk out with a check for any lump sum payment or receive details on your annuity payments.
Online Purchases
For winning lottery tickets purchased online, you can claim prizes up to $600 using the New Mexico Lottery website. For online prizes over $600, you will need to visit any lottery office in-person to provide identification and complete the verification process before collecting your prize.
Be sure to bring a printout of your winning online ticket and confirmation email. Follow all standard procedures to redeem your online lottery prizes.
Lottery Prize Payment Options
For substantial lottery prizes in New Mexico, you will have the choice between a lump sum payment or annuity payouts over a period of years. Here is an overview of the payment options:
| Payment Method | Overview |
| Lump Sum | You get the entire prize amount (less taxes and withholdings) paid immediately as a one-time payment. |
| Annuity | You get a portion of the total prize paid annually over a guaranteed number of years – typically 20 or 25 years. |
There are advantages and disadvantages to each approach:
Lump Sum Advantages
- Full prize amount available immediately
- Flexibility in using the funds
- Pay less overall in taxes compared to annuity
- Avoid long-term investment risks
Lump Sum Disadvantages
- Big one-time tax bill
- Higher chance of blowing through the money quickly
- Potentially less total money long-term investing conservatively vs. annuity payments
Annuity Advantages
- Steady income stream over decades
- Lower taxes spread over time
- Forced disciplined approach to manage the money
- Higher total payout amount over time
Annuity Disadvantages
- No access immediately to full prize amount
- Risk of inflation eroding purchasing power
- Possibility of dying before full payout is received
- Limited flexibility and control over the funds
Consult a tax advisor and financial planner to decide which payment method aligns best with your financial situation and preferences if you are lucky enough to win a jackpot prize in New Mexico.
Unclaimed Lottery Prizes
With so many lottery prizes awarded each year in New Mexico, inevitably some prizes go unclaimed before they expire. Prizes may go unclaimed if people lose or forget to check their tickets, miss hearing that they won, or fail to come forward to collect within the 180 day deadline.
State laws dictate what happens to unclaimed lottery prizes. In New Mexico, unclaimed draw game prizes are returned to the lottery prize pool fund after the 180 day claiming period ends. The funds are then available to pay out for future prizes or special bonus drawings.
For unclaimed scratcher game prizes, New Mexico lottery rules require the expiration period must pass before the funds are added to the lottery education fund. By law, a minimum of 30% of lottery revenues in New Mexico must help pay for statewide educational programs.
While the state puts unclaimed funds to good use, players are strongly encouraged to thoroughly check every ticket to avoid missing out on any potential prizes they are entitled to. Playing responsibly includes verifying your tickets in a timely manner.
Here are some tips to not lose out on winning:
- Sign the back of tickets immediately to prevent fraud if lost
- Store tickets securely in a wallet, safe, or locked cabinet
- Check draw game numbers promptly after the drawing
- Scan tickets using lottery checker machines at retailers
- Save losing tickets to double-check against winning numbers
- Track ticket expiration dates and claim deadlines
With care and diligence, New Mexico players can ensure they receive 100% of the lottery prizes they are lucky enough to win.
Getting Help Claiming Prizes
The New Mexico Lottery provides excellent support to assist players with claiming lottery prizes across the state. Here are some options if you need help redeeming a winning ticket:
Call the Lottery Hotline
If you have questions about the claiming process or need to confirm details on a winning ticket, call the New Mexico Lottery toll-free hotline at:
1-800-642-6689
Lottery customer service agents can walk you through the requirements based on the prize amount and where to submit your winning ticket.
Visit a New Mexico Lottery Office
For convenient in-person assistance, visit any of the New Mexico Lottery offices located around the state. The offices have staff available to answer questions and process prize claims. Offices are situated in:
- Albuquerque
- Santa Fe
- Farmington
- Roswell
- Hobbs
Stop by an office near you whenever you need help related to redeeming lottery prizes.
Email Customer Support
You can also email general questions about claiming prizes in New Mexico to:
A customer service representative will respond by email to assist with any lottery-related inquiries.
The New Mexico Lottery team is readily available through various contact channels to help ensure all prizes get paid out properly to the winning ticketholders.
Conclusions
Here are some key conclusions about the time validity for lottery tickets in New Mexico and how to redeem prizes:
- Scratcher tickets expire 120 days after the announced game end date
- Draw game tickets expire 180 days after the drawing date printed on the ticket
- Winning tickets up to $600 can be redeemed at any NM lottery retailer
- Prizes over $600 must be claimed at a lottery office
- You can choose lump sum or annuity payments for substantial prizes
- Unclaimed prizes support future jackpots and educational programs
- Carefully check all tickets promptly to avoid missing deadlines
- New Mexico Lottery provides extensive support to claim prizes
Following the rules and guidelines makes collecting lottery winnings seamless. Play responsibly by checking tickets on time, signing them, and redeeming any prizes prior to expiration dates. With the right strategies, you can fully enjoy the exciting rewards of playing the lottery in New Mexico.
