Claim Your Prize

Scratch and Lotto Tickets Purchased At a Lottery Retailer

Players should always sign the back of lottery tickets immediately after they purchase them. If this is not done at the time of purchase, tickets should always be signed before bringing them to a lottery retailer or Lottery office to be checked or validated.

Prizes up to $599 on a single ticket can be claimed at any Minnesota State Lottery retailer (provided funds are available), by mail or at any Lottery office. Tickets for lotto games (anything printed by a Lottery machine, like Powerball, Hot Lotto, Gopher 5, etc.) expire one year from the date of the drawing. Scratch tickets expire one year after the game officially ends. If the one year deadline falls on a weekend or a holiday, you have until the end of the next business day to claim prizes.

Winners of $600 or more must fill out a Ticket Claim Form (you will need the free Adobe Reader to open and print the file) or from any Minnesota State Lottery retailer.

Winners of prizes between $600 and $30,000 on a single ticket must claim their prize at any Lottery office or by mail with a completed Ticket Claim Form.

Claims made by mail must be sent to:

Minnesota State Lottery
P.O. Box 131000
Roseville, MN 55113

It is recommended that players use Registered Mail when mailing a winning ticket to the Lottery office.

All winners of prizes over $30,000 on a single ticket must claim the prize in person at Lottery headquarters in Roseville. Certain second chance contests may require winners of smaller prizes to claim their winnings in person. These will be spelled out in the official rules for each promotion. Players claiming prizes of more than $30,000 are asked to call the Lottery’s Public Relations office at (651) 635-8271 before claiming the prize. It takes approximately 90 minutes to validate the ticket and pay the prize.

Sharing a prize of $30,000 or less

1. At least one person claiming a share of the prize must sign the back of the ticket.
2. Each person claiming a share of the prize must complete a separate Ticket Claim Form.
3. Each person who is claiming a share of the prize and who is not present must submit a notarized Ticket Claim Form before payment can be made. All checks for individuals not present will be mailed to the name and address on the Ticket Claim Form.
4. Prize checks cannot be processed until a Ticket Claim Form for each claimant has been received.
5. Each person claiming a share of the prize will receive a check and W-2G tax form for their share of the prize.

Questions about sharing a prize of $30,000 or less should be directed to the Lottery’s Games Control department at (651) 635-8273, then press 2.

Sharing a prize of more than $30,000

1. At least one person claiming a share of the prize must sign the back of the ticket. This person must arrive in person at Lottery headquarters in Roseville with the winning ticket and a photo ID to claim the prize. The time to validate the ticket and pay the prize will vary depending on the number of claimants sharing the prize. Players should plan on a minimum of 90 minutes for a small number of claimants and more time for a large number of claimants.
2. Each person claiming a share of the prize must complete a separate Ticket Claim Form.
3. Each person who is claiming a share of the prize and who does not arrive in person must submit a notarized Ticket Claim Form before payment can be made.
4. Prize checks cannot be processed until a Ticket Claim Form for each claimant has been received and processed.
5. Each person claiming a share of the prize will receive a check and W-2G tax form for their share of the prize.

Questions about sharing a prize of more than $30,000 should be directed to the Lottery’s Public Relations office at (651) 635-8271.

Lotto Tickets Purchased With the Subscription Service

Subscription prizes cannot be claimed at any Minnesota State Lottery retailer or at any Lottery office.

Prizes up to $599 will automatically be credited to the player’s subscription account.

Winners of $600 or more must fill out a Subscription & eTicket Form (you will need the free Adobe Reader to open and print the file). The Subscription & eTicket Claim Form is not available at Minnesota State Lottery retailer locations. 

Winners of prizes between $600 and $30,000 must claim their prize by mail, or the completed Subscription & eTicket Claim Form can be dropped off at Lottery headquarters in Roseville. Please note: players will not receive payment at the time a Subscription & eTicket Claim Form is dropped off at Lottery headquarters. The player will receive a check for the winnings in the mail within 5-7 business days.

Claims made by mail must be sent to:

Minnesota State Lottery
P.O. Box 131000
Roseville, MN 55113

Winners of prizes over $30,000 must claim the prize in person at Lottery headquarters in Roseville. Players are asked to call the Lottery’s Public Relations office at (651) 635-8271 before claiming the prize. Players should note that it takes approximately 90 minutes to validate the ticket and pay the prize.

Sharing a prize of $30,000 or less purchased on the subscription service

1. Each pool member claiming a share of the prize must complete a separate Subscription & eTicket Claim Form.
2. Each person who is claiming a share of the prize and who is not present must submit a notarized Subscription & eTicket Claim Form before payment can be made. All checks for individuals not present will be mailed to the name and address on the Subscription & eTicket Claim Form.
3. Prize checks cannot be processed until a Subscription & eTicket Claim Form for each pool member has been received.
4. Each person claiming a share of the prize will receive a check and W-2G tax form for their share of the prize.

Questions about sharing a prize of $30,000 or less purchased on the subscription service should be directed to the Lottery’s Games Control department at (651) 635-8273, then press 2.

Sharing a prize of more than $30,000 purchased on the subscription service

1. The pool manager must arrive in person at Lottery headquarters in Roseville to claim the prize. This person must present a photo ID. The time to validate the ticket and pay the prize will vary depending on the number of claimants sharing the prize. Players should plan on a minimum of 90 m0inutes for a small number of claimants and more time for a large number of claimants.
2. Each person claiming a share of the prize must complete a separate Subscription & eTicket Claim Form.
3. Each pool member who is claiming a share of the prize and who does not arrive in person must submit a notarized Subscription & eTicket Claim Form before payment can be made.
4. Prize checks cannot be processed until a Subscription & eTicket Claim Form for each claimant has been received and processed.
5. Each person claiming a share of the prize will receive a check and W-2G tax form for their share of the prize.

Questions about sharing a prize of more than $30,000 purchased on the subscription service should be directed to the Lottery’s Public Relations office at (651) 635-8271. 

Lotto Tickets Purchased From an ATM or Play-At-The-Pump Location

ATM and Play-at-the-Pump prizes cannot be claimed at any Minnesota State Lottery retailer or at any Lottery regional office. 

Prizes up to $599 will automatically be credited back to the bank account associated with the debit card. 

Winners of prizes of $600 through $30,000 must claim the prize in person at Lottery headquarters in Roseville. These prizes cannot be claimed through the mail or at any other Lottery office. 

1. Winners of $600 or more must fill out a Subscription & eTicket Claim Form (you will need the free Adobe Reader to open and print the file). The Subscription & eTicket Claim Form is not available at Minnesota State Lottery retailer locations.
2. The winner must present the debit card used to make the ticket purchase and a photo ID. Winners must call the Lottery’s Games Control department at (651) 635-8273, then press 2, if they don’t have the debit card used to make the ticket purchase.

Sharing a prize of $30,000 or less purchased from an ATM or Play-at-the-Pump location 

1. The person who purchased the ticket from the ATM or Play-at-the-Pump location must arrive in person at Lottery headquarters in Roseville to claim the prize. This person must present the debit card used to purchase the ticket and a photo ID. The time to validate the ticket and pay the prize will vary depending on the number of claimants sharing the prize. Players should plan on a minimum of 90 minutes for a small number of claimants and more time for a large number of claimants.
2. Each pool member claiming a share of the prize must complete a separate Subscription & eTicket Claim Form.
3. Each person who is claiming a share of the prize and who is not present must submit a notarized Subscription & eTicket Claim Form before payment can be made. All checks for individuals not present will be mailed to the name and address on the Subscription & eTicket Claim Form.
4. Prize checks cannot be processed until a Subscription & eTicket Claim Form for each pool member has been received.
5. Each person claiming a share of the prize will receive a check and W-2G tax form for their share of the prize. 

Questions about sharing a prize of $30,000 or less purchased from an ATM or Play-at-the-Pump location should be directed to the Lottery’s Games Control department at (651) 635-8273, then press 2.

Sharing a prize of more than $30,000 purchased from an ATM or Play-at-the-Pump location

1. The person who purchased the ticket from the ATM or Play-at-the-Pump location must arrive in person at Lottery headquarters in Roseville to claim the prize. This person must present the debit card used to purchase the ticket and a photo ID. The time to validate the ticket and pay the prize will vary depending on the number of claimants sharing the prize. Players should plan on a minimum of 90 minutes for a small number of claimants and more time for a large number of claimants.
2. Each person claiming a share of the prize must complete a separate Subscription & eTicket Claim Form.
3. Each pool member who is claiming a share of the prize and who does not arrive in person must submit a notarized Subscription & eTicket Claim Form before payment can be made.
4. Prize checks cannot be processed until a Subscription & eTicket Claim Form for each claimant has been received and processed.
5. Each person claiming a share of the prize will receive a check and W-2G tax form for their share of the prize. 

Questions about sharing a prize of more than $30,000 purchased from an ATM or Play-at-the-Pump location should be directed to the Lottery’s Public Relations office at (651) 635-8271.

When You Win

Winning the Lottery may be one of the most exciting events to happen in your life. Yet, you may also find yourself concerned with questions such as, "What happens now? How do I manage such a large sum of money? How should I handle the media questions? Will my friends treat me differently?"

This Web page is designed to help address your concerns, as well as offer some general suggestions based on the past experience of other Lottery winners. Although every winner's situation is unique, this information is applicable in general terms. Most experts agree that the first thing you should do with your prize is sit tight and think about it: There is no need to hurry any financial decisions that may affect the rest of your life.

Financial professionals recommend placing your prize in an easily accessible, interest-bearing bank account for a few weeks. Your local financial institution will be happy to advise you at no charge. It is better not to make any major decisions -- like quitting your job, moving or making a large purchase -- until you have had time to think, consult professional advisers and plan. Study the opportunities you face. Decide what is really best for you and be certain that you are fully informed and comfortable before proceeding.

Getting paid

Depending on the type of prize you've won, your prize amount and type of prize payment will vary.

Prizes of more than $30,000

Winners of lottery prizes over $30,000 receive their prize in a lump-sum payment, usually the same day they claim it. After a security and validation process, the entire prize is awarded in one payment, less the amount withheld for federal and state taxes and any amount due under the Minnesota Revenue Recapture Act.

Powerball, Mega Millions, Hot Lotto, Northstar Cash and Gopher 5 jackpot prizes are pari-mutuel. If multiple winning tickets are sold, the jackpot prize is split equally between winning tickets. If no one wins the jackpots, the prize increases for the next draw.

Powerball jackpots

Powerball jackpot winners can be paid in 30 annual payments over 29 years or in one lump-sum cash payment. If players choose the annuity, the annual payments will be increased each year by a percentage set out in the Powerball game procedures. State and federal taxes, as well as any amount due under the Revenue Recapture Act, are withheld. Powerball jackpot prizes are pari-mutuel, so if more than one winning ticket is sold, the jackpot is split equally among all winning tickets.

Jackpot winners will receive a check approximately two weeks after the ticket is validated. Those who pick the cash option will receive the entire payment (less withholding as well as any amount due under the Revenue Recapture Act), while those who select the 30-year annuity option will receive the first payment (less withholding as well as any amount due under the Revenue Recapture Act). The remaining 29 payments occur annually on the anniversary date of the first payment (or the first business day after the anniversary date, should the date fall on a weekend or holiday). 

Mega Millions jackpots

Mega Millions jackpot winners can be paid in 26 annual payments or in one lump-sum cash payment. State and federal taxes, as well as any amount due under the Revenue Recapture Act, are withheld. Mega Millions jackpot prizes are pari-mutuel, so if more than one winning ticket is sold, the jackpot is split equally among all winning tickets.

Jackpot winners will receive a check approximately two weeks after the ticket is validated. Those who pick the cash option will receive the entire payment (less withholding as well as any amount due under the Revenue Recapture Act), while those who select the 26-year annuity option will receive the first payment (less withholding as well as any amount due under the Revenue Recapture Act). The remaining 25 payments occur annually on a date determined by the Lottery which is closest to the date from which the securities to fund the prize are purchased. 

Q For those winners who select the 30-year Powerball jackpot annuity or the 26-year Mega Millions annuity, does the Lottery hold the entire jackpot and pay only a portion of it to the winner per year, while collecting interest on the rest in the meantime?

A No, annuitized Lottery prizes are paid with securities, which are purchased so that a portion equal to your annual payment will mature each year. The total of these annual payments will equal the jackpot amount.

Hot Lotto jackpots

Hot Lotto jackpot winners will be paid with one lump-sum cash payment. The required withholding taxes will be paid, meaning the jackpot winner will receive the entire advertised jackpot. Any amount due under the Revenue Recapture Act will be withheld. Hot Lotto jackpot prizes are pari-mutuel, so if more than one winning ticket is sold, the jackpot is split equally among all winning ticket holders.

Jackpot winners will receive a check approximately two weeks after the ticket is validated. The winner will receive the entire payment (less any amount due under the Revenue Recapture Act). The required withholding taxes of 32.25 percent (25 percent federal and 7.25 percent state) will be paid by the Lottery as part of the prize. Additional withholding taxes are the responsibility of the winner.

Q If a jackpot winner dies during the payment period, who receives the rest of the payments?

A The winner's beneficiaries, according to the winner's will, receive any remaining payments on the same annual schedule. The Lottery does not keep the money, nor does the state take it. Estate tax laws apply to the heirs of Lottery winners, and beneficiaries of such a prize should consult an attorney.

To ease the burden on the winner's estate when estate taxes are due, the estate can petition the Lottery to accelerate all payments due and pay the estate the present value of the remaining payments or transfer all of the securities being held for that prize to the estate. The estate should then have necessary funds to pay any estate tax due and transfer the remainder to the winner's heirs.

Taxes/Withholding

For every Lottery prize over $5,000, 32.25 percent is deducted for federal and state withholding. Federal law requires the Lottery to withhold 25 percent of each payment for federal income tax and state law requires that 7.25 percent be withheld for Minnesota personal income tax.

If you are not a resident of Minnesota, the 7.25 percent Minnesota income tax is still deducted from your check. A professional tax adviser can help you determine the best way to handle your federal and state tax obligations.

The amount withheld may or may not be sufficient to meet your total tax liability. Other income may increase your tax rate, and tax rates change. It may be in your best interest to rough out your taxes to see if you may need to pay in at the end of the year.

Debts Owed to the State of Minnesota

Under the Minnesota Revenue Recapture Act, Lottery prize winners of $600 or more are subject to a review by the Minnesota Department of Revenue for money owed to the state. Debts are subtracted from prize amounts.

Deducting Losses

Q Can I deduct my nonwinning lottery tickets on my income tax return?

A Yes. If you itemize deductions on your federal tax return, you may deduct the amount you spend on lottery tickets and any other gambling losses as a miscellaneous itemized deduction, but only up to the amount of lottery prizes and other gambling prizes you report as taxable income. You must be able to prove the amount of your losses by receipt, ticket or statement.