GENERAL FAQ

Update from the Minnesota Lottery: COVID-19 FAQ

The Minnesota Lottery has made many changes to comply with Executive Orders signed by Governor Walz, including closing our regional offices in Virginia, Detroit Lakes, Marshall and Owatonna, and having the majority of our staff work remotely. Our Roseville headquarters is available for claiming prizes of above $599. Currently, there are no changes to lottery drawings. We recommend that players claim prizes by mail (see below for more information).

PLAYERS:

How can I claim a prize?

1. Prizes up to and including $50,000 should be claimed by mail. We recommend keeping a copy of the front and back of your ticket for your records and that you use registered mail. For additional information, click here.
2. If you need to claim a prize of over $50,000. Call the Minnesota Lottery at 1-888-568-8379 or 651-635-8273 to discuss your options. Note: Lottery offices in Virginia, Detroit Lakes, Marshall, and Owatonna are closed.

NOTE: In Minnesota, lotto game players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim prizes. For scratch games, players have one year from the date that a scratch game ends to claim any prizes. Consider waiting to claim prizes that are not approaching an expiration date. Click here for a list of scratch game end dates.

How long will it take to receive a check by mail?

We are working hard to process all mail-in claims as quickly as we can. Expect it to take a minimum of two weeks to receive your prize check. Your claim will be dated the date of receipt by the Lottery.

Can I still buy Lottery tickets?

Minnesotans have been given clear direction by the Governor to stay-at-home as much as possible. While Lottery products remain available inside some businesses (examples include grocery stores and gas stations) the Lottery has discontinued all product promotions and is simply supporting our retail partners. Follow social distance guidelines below and any additional physical distancing guidelines requested by the retailer while you are in the store.

• Maintain at least 6 feet from people around you.
• Wash hands for at least 20 seconds before and after you make any purchases.
• Most importantly, stay home if you are sick.

How can I check my ticket without going to a retailer?

You can check lotto tickets from the comfort of your own home by using the Lottery’s numbers checker available on our website. If you have a question on a scratch ticket, you are welcome to call the Lottery’s Customer Service Support hotline and a rep will help walk you through playing the ticket to determine if it’s a winner. It’s important to note that we cannot validate winners over the phone.

If I have a lottery-related question, who do I contact?

Our Customer Service Support Team is working remotely and available by phone Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to help with your lottery needs. You can reach them at 1-888-568-8379 or 651-635-8273.

RETAILERS:

How can I get in touch with my lottery sales rep?

Our sales representatives are practicing social distancing and are working remotely but remain focused on providing the support you need. If you have your Sales Reps contact information you may call, email or text them. If not, please call Customer Support at (651) 635-8273
and they will put you in touch with your Sales Rep.

Who do I contact if I need help with a lottery issue?

We temporarily modified our Customer Service Support hotline hours to 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Our customer service reps are working remotely and remain committed to helping you with all your lottery needs Monday through Friday at 1-888-568-8379, or 651-635-8273.

Can I pause lottery sales at my business?

You have the option of pausing sales if you feel that is necessary. Please contact your Lottery sales rep and they will assist with this change.

Who do I contact if my lotto terminal isn’t working?

Please continue to call the IGT Hotline at 1-888-487-9200 (available 24/7) if you are experiencing problems selling from either your terminal or vending machine.

Playing Our Part

Since 1990, the Lottery has generated more than $3 billion for programs that positively impact the lives of Minnesotans. More than $1.2 billion has helped preserve, restore and protect Minnesota’s environment through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Game and Fish Fund and the Natural Resources Fund. Another $1.8 billion has helped fund state programs, including education, public safety and health and human services.​

A: Prizes up to and including $50,000 should be claimed by mail at this time and will receive a check.

We recommend keeping a copy of the front and back of your ticket for your records and that you use registered mail. For additional information, Here is a list of scratch game end dates.

Prizes over $50,000 must be claimed in person at Minnesota Lottery Headquarters and players will receive a check. If possible, we recommend waiting to claim your prize until it's safe to travel. 

A: The only way to win the Lottery is to buy a lottery ticket or enter a second-chance contest directly on our website. You would never be asked to provide personal information over the phone or via e-mail by the Minnesota State Lottery. A legitimate lottery would also never ask you to pay taxes or fees before you receive payment. If you have any questions about a suspicious e-mail or phone call, call the lottery at (651) 635-8273, then press 2. 

Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

For more information about scams, or to file a complaint, contact the following: 

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at (877) FTC-HELP or www.ftc.gov

U.S. Postal Inspection Service at (651) 293-3200 or www.usps.com/postalinspectors 

Minnesota Attorney General at (651) 296-3353, (800) 657-3787, or www.ag.state.mn.us

or your local law enforcement agency.

A: Yes, residents of Canada (or any other non-Minnesotan of legal age) may play our Lottery. However, all players must purchase their tickets in person from an authorized Lottery retailer physically located in Minnesota. When a winner is not a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the U.S., we are required to withhold federal taxes of 30 percent for any prize paid. We are required to withhold state taxes of 7.25 percent for any prize over $5,000. Prize money in Minnesota (and most of the United States) is treated just like wages, so the ultimate tax liability may vary based on the winner's tax status.

A: Tickets for lotto games (those printed by a lottery machine, like Powerball, Lotto America, Gopher 5, etc.) expire one year from the date of the drawing. Scratch tickets expire one year after the game officially ends.

A: Each year, the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources accepts proposals for environmental projects. Five Senators, five Representatives, five citizens appointed by the governor, one citizen appointed by the Senate and one citizen appointed by the House form the Commission. For more information, visit the LCCMR Web site.

A: Visit our Unclaimed Prizes page to see which games have prizes remaining, updated every weekday.

A: There is no limit however, each person wanting to claim part of the prize will need to fill out an individual claim form.