Top Lottery Questions
Have questions about the Lottery? Here are some common questions.
 How many Advance draws can be played on each game?
For Powerball® and The Pick™ up to 10 drawings in advance can be played. Pick 5™, CA$H4™, 2by2™ and Pick 3™ may have up to 12 consecutive draws played in advance.
 
 What happens if I lose a winning ticket?
The Pennsylvania Lottery is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets. You should sign the back of your ticket in ink and take appropriate measures to safeguard it. Lottery tickets are bearer documents. Unless signed, anyone in possession of the ticket can file a claim.
 
 If the game odds are 1 in 4, will I win once out of every four Scratchers I buy??
Like other Lottery games, Scratchers are also a random game of chance, winning tickets are not predetermined. As the tickets are printed the winning tickets are randomly distributed among all the available tickets. Additionally the tickets are then distributed throughout the state to the more than 2,500 retailer locations. The odds are based on the number of winning tickets out of the total number of tickets printed. This makes it possible to sequentially win or not win on multiple tickets.
 
 How old must you be to purchase or redeem the Arizona Lottery?.
You must be 21 years old to purchase or redeem tickets.
 
 Can I purchase tickets for the Arizona Lottery by phone, mail or on the Internet?
The Arizona Lottery does not sell lottery tickets over the phone through mail or on the Internet.
 
 How long do I have before I can no longer claim/redeem a winning ticket??
For Powerball®, The Pick™, Pick 5™, 2by2™, CA$H4™, and Pick 3™ the ending date is 180 days from the drawing date. Scratchers however, can be redeemed up to 180 days from the announced game-ending date.
 
 Can you explain the difference between the Cash option and Annuity Payment option?
The cash value option is set at approximately one-half of the advertised value of the jackpot and is given in one lump sum to the winner. If annuity payment option is selected, the annuity is paid in equal payments annually for 30 years for the Pick™ and in graduated annual payments over 30 years for the Powerball®
 
 Can I remain anonymous if I win the jackpot?
The Arizona Lottery is required to release the winner's name, city of residence, game, and amount won upon request. A press release will also be sent out to the media when the winner has collected the prize. A winner however, does have the option of participating in or declining a press conference and/or publicity.
 
  Losing a Lottery ticket is like losing cash. You can protect yourself by signing the back and filling in your address. If you ticket is not signed anyone who has the ticket can file a claim.?
 
 How much tax is withheld from lottery winnings?
Any lottery winnings over $5,000 are subject to 25 percent federal withholding.