Playing the lottery can be an exciting experience, especially when you win! Scratch off tickets, also known as instant win games, are a popular lottery game in Illinois. With vibrant designs and the chance to win up to millions of dollars instantly, it’s no wonder scratchers are a go-to for many lottery players. But what do you do once you’ve scratched off a winning ticket? Here is a comprehensive guide on how to redeem winning scratch off tickets in Illinois, from lower tier prizes up to the elusive million dollar jackpot.
Check Your Ticket Thoroughly
The first step is to check your scratch off ticket carefully to verify you have a winner. Scratch all play areas on the ticket to reveal any prize amounts or symbols. Make sure to also check the ticket’s validation codes to confirm it is legitimate. Double and triple check that what you’ve scratched off matches one of the winning combinations printed on the ticket. Also verify the ticket has not expired – Illinois scratchers are valid for one year from the announced game end date.
It can be easy to overlook a winning match in your initial excitement. Take your time thoroughly inspecting every inch of the card before assuming it is not a winner. Also be aware that some Illinois instant games have bonus play areas or secondary games like Bingo that could reveal additional wins. Don’t throw out a ticket until you are absolutely positive there are no prize amounts left undisclosed. Checking thoroughly can mean the difference between discarding a loser and cashing in a big winner!
Sign Your Ticket
Once validated, sign the back of the winning scratch off ticket. This applies to any Illinois Lottery prize under $600 which can be redeemed directly at a retail location. Signing your name on the ticket establishes ownership for claiming the prize. It also prevents others from trying to fraudulently cash in your winning ticket. Just be sure not to cover up the ticket’s validation code when signing.
You do not need to sign the ticket for very high tier prizes redeemed at a Lottery Claims Center. However, it is still a good idea to sign any ticket worth $600 or more for your records in case the ticket gets lost or stolen. Having your signature on the back serves as a form of protection and identification.
Keep The Ticket Safe
Be sure to keep your signed winning scratch ticket someplace very safe like a lock box or safe deposit box. Treat your ticket like cash since it represents the value of your prize amount. If lost or damaged, your winning ticket cannot be replaced or reimbursed.
Avoid keeping tickets loose in your wallet, purse, or car glove compartment. Also refrain from postingimages of your winning ticket publicly via social media or online. This increases the risk of theft or exposure of the validation number. Keep your signed ticket secure until ready to claim.
Claim Smaller Prizes
For Illinois Lottery scratch off prizes under $600, you can redeem directly through a licensed Illinois Lottery retailer. Common prizes include break-even free ticket prizes ($1-$20) or small fixed cash amounts ($1-$100). Retailers can pay prizes up to $599.
Bring your signed, winning ticket to the retailer location where you purchased it or any authorized lottery retailer. Many gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, liquor stores,and tobacco outlets are licensed lottery retailers. The retailer will scan the ticket barcode to validate it is a winner and that the prize has not already been paid out. Assuming valid, you will receive payment for the prize amount directly from the retailer.
This convenient retailer redemption method allows you to quickly cash out smaller instant win prizes. Just don’t forget to sign the ticket beforehand!
Use an Illinois Lottery Vending Machine
Another option for redeeming scratchers under $600 is to use an Illinois Lottery ticket self-service vending machine. These specialized machines are located throughout the state at various lottery retailers.
To redeem, simply insert your signed winning ticket into the scanning device on the machine. The optical scanner will detect whether you have a winning ticket and if so, dispense cash directly for the prize amount. This method is quick, easy, and convenient for getting instant payouts without having to wait in line.
The Illinois Lottery locater tool on their website can help find retail locations with ticket self-service machines. Look for the “vending machines” filter when searching.
Claim Prizes Up to $25,000 at Regional Centers
Winning scratch off tickets for prize amounts ranging from $600 up to $25,000 can be redeemed at Illinois Lottery regional prize centers. There are five regional centers located throughout the state in Rockford, Des Plaines, Springfield, Fairview Heights, and Marion.
Bring your signed ticket to any center during open hours – no appointment is necessary. You will need to complete a claim form and W-9 for tax purposes. An attendant will verify and validate your claim. Assuming everything checks out, you will receive a check for your prize amount on the spot!
For prizes over $5,000, the lottery is also required to withhold 4% for federal income taxes and 1.5% for state taxes if you do not opt out. Check with your tax advisor about any additional taxes owed or refunds due based on your specific financial circumstances.
Mail In Claims Allowed for Some Prizes
Players who live over 100 miles from the nearest regional lottery prize center can mail in claims for winning scratch off tickets of $1,001-$25,000. You must include the original signed ticket, a completed claim form, copies of identification, and a separate W-9 form. Make photocopies of both sides of the ticket for your records.
Mail to:
Illinois Lottery Prize Fulfillment
P.O. Box 19018
Springfield, IL 62794-9018
For prizes over $5,000, you must also include a notarized winner release form. This grants permission for the Lottery to publicize your name/photo for publicity unless you specifically opt out.
Once validated, a check will be mailed to your address within 4-6 weeks.
Claim Large Prizes at Lottery Claims Centers
For Illinois Lottery scratchers with prize values exceeding $25,000, redemption must be done in person at a specialized Lottery Claims Center. There are two claims centers located in Springfield and Des Plaines.
You should call ahead to make an appointment at a claims center for processing a large prize. Let the attendant know the prize amount and that it is for a scratch off ticket. You will need to provide official identification and SS card/ITIN letter. The original winning ticket, signatures, and validation codes will be checked closely.
Winners of prizes $100,000 and over must attend a live claims presentation ceremony. This is scheduled for the first business day 45 days after claiming the prize. You will receive an oversized ceremonial check! Photos/videos will be taken but can remain confidential upon request.
For large scratcher prizes, the lottery is required to withhold federal and state tax at the highest income tax rate. You will receive a W-2G form to report the full prize value. Depending on your tax situation, you may owe additional tax or qualify for a refund.
Scratch Off Annuities
For Illinois Lottery scratch off prizes exceeding $250,000, you have the choice between a lump sum cash payment or an annuity. Annuity prizes are paid out annually over 20-25 years. The advantage is you receive significantly higher total payments over time compared to a one-time cash value. However, it does require some budgeting discipline.
You must select either the lump sum or annuity when first claiming your prize. This decision cannot be reversed later. If choosing the annuity, your first payment will be made at the claims ceremony about 6 weeks later. Subsequent payments occur annually around the same date.
One catch is that annuity payments do not receive any future interest or investment earnings. The amount won’t grow over time like a retirement account. Consider consulting a tax pro or financial planner to determine the better option based on your financial needs.
Lost or Damaged Tickets
Unfortunately, if your winning scratch off ticket is ever lost, stolen, or seriously damaged, you will not be able to redeem the prize. The Illinois Lottery is not liable for replacing tickets claimed to be lost or stolen. This is why it is so important to sign your ticket and keep it very secure, especially for high tier prizes.
The lottery will not honor tickets submitted for payment that are torn, altered, miscut, or missing validation data. Partial tickets are also invalid. However, if your ticket suffers minor damage, you can submit it for review by mailing it to the claims center. If evaluators can still positively validate the ticket, the Lottery may agree to pay the claim. But significant damage often will make a ticket invalid and unredeemable so take caution.
Claim Time Limits
Winning scratch off tickets in Illinois expire one year from the date of the game’s official end. This expiration date is printed on the back of scratch offs. Be sure to redeem prizes in time before this deadline.
Retailers technically have the right to redeem instant tickets up to 90 days following the game’s end date. But most will only cash tickets until the expiration. So don’t wait until the last minute. Prizes also cannot be claimed after the final redemption date set by the Lottery for a particular scratch off game.
Expired scratch off tickets become void and cannot be redeemed – you will forfeit the prize. Set a reminder to ensure you claim your winnings in time before tickets expire. Signing up for Illinois Lottery promotions and email updates can help track redemption deadlines.
Where to Buy Scratch Offs
Illinois scratch off tickets are sold at over 7,200 retail locations across the state. Licensed lottery retailers include gas stations, convenience stores, liquor stores, grocery stores, tobacco shops, and more. Under state law, lottery retailers are allowed to charge a 5% surcharge above the printed ticket price.
Scratch offs range in price from $1 up to $30 per ticket. Higher price points generally have better odds or larger potential prizes. There are always between 40-50 instant scratch off games available with new games added frequently.
The Illinois Lottery website has a store locater tool to find scratch off retailers near your location. You can also scan games directly from your phone to see second chance promotions or enter tickets for MyLotto Drawings.
Some key places to buy scratch offs in Illinois:
| 7-Eleven | Shell |
| Circle K | Speedway |
| CVS Pharmacy | Thorntons |
| Jewel-Osco | Walgreens |
| MotoMart | Walmart |
The Illinois Lottery also offers subscription programs for players who like recurring games. You can have scratch off ticket packs auto-delivered to your door monthly or weekly. Just be sure to claim any winning tickets before they expire.
Scratcher Second Chance Drawings
Many Illinois scratch off games offer second chance drawings for a chance to win additional prizes. Simply enter your non-winning tickets via the lottery’s MyLotto website or mobile app by the entry deadline.
Each non-winner you submit earns one entry into the drawing for that scratch off game. Drawings award prizes ranging from free tickets up to top prizes like vacations or vehicles. The number and value of prizes varies by game.
It’s like getting a free “do-over” for another shot at a big prize. Plus drawings don’t rely solely on luck – the more no-win tickets you enter, the better your chances. Just remember to check the entry deadline for each game.
Scratch Off Promotions
The Illinois Lottery frequently runs promotions to drive interest and engagement with new scratch off games. These can provide exciting extra incentives beyond just the posted prizes on the cards.
Some examples of past scratcher promotions include:
– Earn free prize tickets based on number of tickets bought.
– Enter non-winners for a chance to spin a prize wheel.
– Get a coupon booklet good for food discounts with a ticket purchase.
– Buy during “happy hours” for reduced ticket prices.
– Get a rebate or discount on the next purchase after losing.
Promotions vary throughout the year and by game. They are a great way to add value to the scratch off experience. Be sure to check the Lottery’s website and opt-in to promotional emails to stay updated on current offers. Taking advantage of promotions can improve the overall player experience.
Tips for Winning on Scratch Offs
It’s impossible to guarantee wins when playing the lottery. Scratch off games are purely chance-based. But there are some tips that may help improve your odds and enhance the playing experience:
– Stick to spending limits and avoid chasing losses.
– Target higher price point games ($20-$30) for better odds.
– Buy tickets from stores with fewer displays to avoid heavily played games.
– Don’tsolely rub off the same spot on every ticket. Scratch the entire play area.
– Scan tickets into the mobile app to identify near win chances.
– Take advantage of second chance drawings and promotions.
– Slow down when scratching and triple check for winners.
– Mix up game selection instead of buying just one type repeatedly.
Consistency and discipline are key. Never spend more than your entertainment budget allows. Have fun and remember that scratchers are gambling – the odds are stacked against you. Play responsibly and enjoy the excitement that comes with the chance of winning, not just the payouts.
Lottery Scratcher Scams
Lottery scams involving scratch off tickets target unsuspecting victims with the lure of easy lottery riches. Be aware of these common scratch off scams and tricks:
– Someone claims they can cash winning tickets for you for a fee.
– You are solicited to pay taxes/fees upfront to redeem a fake winning ticket.
– Scammers claim you won a prize but need to pay them first before receiving winnings.
– Someone offers to mail you winning tickets in exchange for payment.
– You are asked for personal/bank details to deposit supposed lottery winnings.
– Fake lottery websites trick users into thinking they won huge jackpots.
Never pay any fees upfront to receive lottery winnings or tickets. Real winning tickets can be freely redeemed through the official channels outlined in this article. Always verify legitimacy directly through the Illinois Lottery. Beware unsolicited calls, emails, or social media messages about lottery prizes. Contact authorities if you suspect a lottery scam.
Conclusion
Scratch off lotteries represent an entertaining way to win instant cash and prizes. Illinois scratch off tickets offer a wide variety of themes and prize levels to match different budgets and preferences. By thoroughly checking tickets, signing winners, keeping them secure, and redeeming through authorized channels, you can safely claim scratcher jackpots. Avoid ticket scams, play responsibly, and always reinvest a portion of winnings if you beat the long odds and scratch your way to a big payout.