You must first determine if you have a winning ticket before you may win. Always compare the date and numbers on your lottery tickets to the winning numbers for the current drawing. It’s also a good idea to verify many sources if you missed the drawing on television.
It also wouldn’t hurt to take another look at the scratch-off ticket before tossing it out to make sure you haven’t beaten the dealer, opened the cash vault, spun ‘n’ won, bingoed, won for life, or otherwise come into some money. As unbelievable as it may appear, millions of dollars go unclaimed every year. People may mistakenly discard, lose, or throw away a ticket for a variety of reasons. However, their loss could be someone else’s benefit. For the benefit of the lucky winners, here is some vital information:
- First and foremost, sign the ticket whether you’ve won a little or a lot — even before you’re sure you’ve won. The ticket is a bearer instrument because it is unsigned. This means that it, like cash, belongs to the holder.
- Make sure you don’t run out of time. The deadline for on-line games in many states is 180 days from the drawing date. However, time constraints differ from state to state and game to game, so double-check the above sources, the back of the play slip, or the back of the instant ticket to be sure.
- Some jurisdictions have various laws, but in general, if your winning ticket is less than $600, you can take it to a lottery shop and get paid.
- Claim center phone numbers and addresses can be found at stores, on your state’s Web site, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your ticket.
- While some lotteries state that you can do this by mail, this is not recommended. Putting a thousand dollars in cash in an envelope and mailing it would be similarly dumb.
- Some states pay out prizes in one big sum, known as the cash value option. Others make annuity payments. Others provide you with a choice. This decision may have to be taken at the time of ticket purchase.
- Important: Before accepting the award, consult with a tax attorney. If a jackpot winner dies, his or her heirs will receive the money in the same way as any other asset, such as real estate, would. However, inheritance taxes may wipe off practically the whole estate unless the deceased set up formal trusts. Visit เล่นบาคาร่า to know more.
- As previously indicated, sign the ticket if you win “the big one.” Keep it in a secure location. Make sure you’re the one that won. Consult a lawyer. Then contact your state lottery headquarters, who will set up a time for you to come in, have your ticket validated, and pick up your winnings.
Tell no one but the lawyer and close family members. You’re in a precarious situation until your ticket has been validated. The fewer people who know, the better for your personal safety and that of the ticket.
