Coronavirus Lottery Changes for March 24
Tuesday March 24th 2020State lotteries are taking measures to combat the spread of coronavirus in the US, including closing offices and claim centers, reducing opening hours, and implementing social distancing procedures.
This page has all the latest updates as of Tuesday, March 24 on lotteries with current COVID-19 restrictions. You can find more in-depth information on the dedicated Coronavirus lottery updates page, which will be kept current as new changes occur.
Use these links to jump to key areas of the page:
All lottery draws are still being held as scheduled. This includes all state lottery games as well as multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions.
To avoid going out, remember you can play online - any prizes will be deposited straight into your account.
How to claim a prize
If you win a prize, don't worry - all lotteries will continue to pay out wins.
Some lotteries have extended the deadline to claim a prize - these changes are listed below.
Prizes may be claimed by mail from all state lotteries, although for large prizes winners may need to keep their ticket secure and wait until offices reopen. Details on how to claim are below.
In many cases tickets worth less than $600 may be cashed at a retailer. Even in states with stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders in effect, essential businesses including food stores, pharmacies and gas stations remain open, many of which are also lottery retailers. However, retailers are private businesses and may choose to close, restrict their hours, or make other changes.
Another option is to simply hold onto your ticket until lottery claim centers reopen. Sign the back of the ticket and keep it in a safe place.
How to claim by mail
The amount you may claim by mail and the exact procedure varies by lottery, but these are the typical steps:
- Sign the back of your ticket and complete any other information, such as your address
- Print and fill out a winner claim form
- You may need to send a copy of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license
- You may also be required to include a copy of a document that verifies your social security number
- Make a copy of all documents, including the front and back of the ticket, for your records
- Be sure to include your return address on the envelope
- Send the original ticket and claim form, and copies of any other documents
- Choose a more secure form of mail, such as certified. Lotteries are not responsible for lost documents
Will lottery tickets still be sold?
In states without stay-at-home orders: Yes, as long as the retailer is able to remain open. For example, many states have closed bars and limited restaurants to take-out or delivery service only.
In states with stay-at-home orders: It depends. If retailers who are essential businesses (e.g. food stores, gas stations) have tickets available, they will be able to continue selling them.
However, how lotteries are allowed to function under the restrictions varies by state. This affects whether offices stay open but also whether distributions centers are able to ship tickets to retailers. This is a fast-moving area as new measures are introduced.
In Louisiana, the lottery closed all offices and its distribution center until April 13 to comply with the governor's stay-at-home order. Monday was the last day scratch-off tickets were shipped to retailers until the distribution center reopens. Retailers who are able to will continue to sell tickets.
However, in Ohio, the Lottery Commission said on Monday that ticket sales would continue: “The Lottery Commission’s operation is considered an essential government function providing funding of public education and our ongoing philanthropic efforts across the state,” the statement said. “Lottery sales are currently limited only to the businesses that have been deemed ‘essential,’" including food stores and gas stations.
The Pennsylvania Lottery is also keeping its distribution center open, with social distancing measures in place, and it will continue to ship tickets to retailers who are "essential businesses." "Because the Lottery’s mission is to generate funding for programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians, there are currently no plans to suspend operations," Lottery press secretary Ewa Dworakowski said on Monday.
"Many of the essential businesses that remain open, such as grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies, are also Lottery retailers. That allows us to continue generating funding for property tax and rent rebates, prescription assistance, meals on wheels and other critical services that seniors depend on. That will especially be the case once this health pandemic is over."
She also noted that the majority of Lottery employees are working from home, and the distribution center is "taking precautions to ensure that employees who are responsible for packaging tickets and shipping them to retailers are taking the appropriate steps, including social distancing."
Coronavirus lottery updates
Arizona
Lottery offices are open as normal, but players are recommended to claim prizes by mail to help maintain social distancing.
Arkansas
The lottery claim center is closed to the public. Prizes may be claimed by mail, or if $500 or below, you can cash your ticket at a retailer.
California
The lottery has not announced office closures, but Gov. Newsom's orders to shelter-in-place and close nonessential businesses will affect operations.
Colorado
Offices are closed through April 18 and prizes may be claimed by mail, or at a retailer if less than $600.
Connecticut
The lottery has not announced that it is closing offices, but following Gov. Lamont's order closing nonessential businesses effective Monday, March 23, players should claim prizes by mail. The lottery has added an extra 30 days to claim winning tickets that would have originally expired between March 16 and April 14.
Delaware
The Division of Revenue Redemption Centers in Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown are no longer cashing tickets. The lottery encourages players to claim by mail. However, you are still able to claim in person at the State Lottery Office in Dover from 8am-4pm Monday-Friday. Tickets of $599 and under may be cashed at a retailer.
District of Columbia
The lottery's prize center at Shannon Place closed to the public on March 23. However, it is still possible to claim prizes over $5,000 or second chance prizes in person with an appointment. Prizes up to $600 may be cashed at a retailer, and wins $600 to $5,000 may be redeemed at Retailer Plus venues.
Florida
Lottery headquarters and district offices statewide closed to the public on March 23. Prizes of $599 and under can be cashed at a retailer. Prizes may also be claimed by mail.
Starting March 22, the period to claim a prize has been extended by 90 days.
Georgia
Lottery headquarters, district offices and claim centers are closed from March 19 to March 31. Prizes may be claimed via mail, or redeemed at a retailer if under $600.
Illinois
Illinois is under a stay-at-home order that will remain in place at least until April 7. Lottery claim centers closed March 17 and will remain shut until further notice. All winning tickets may be claimed by mail, or prizes of $600 and under may be cashed at a retailer.
Indiana
Stay-at-home orders go into effect across the state on Wednesday, March 25 and will continue until April 7. All state government offices will close, including lottery offices. Tickets worth up to $99,999 may be mailed in. Prizes of less than $600 may be redeemed at a retailer.
The lottery has extended claim deadlines for an additional 60 days.
Iowa
Lottery offices closed to visitors on March 18 and are expected to stay shut until April 16. Prizes may be collected by mail, or at a retailer if the amount is less than $600. The lottery has also installed a secure claims dropbox at its headquarters in Clive. Contact the lottery first if you would like to use this option. To claim large prizes of $1 million and above, organize an appointment with the lottery.
Kansas
The governor has declared a state of emergency, and Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties have a stay-at-home orders in place. The lottery has suspended most business from March 23 through April 6. During this period, the lottery will not process claims for amounts of $600 or more. Wins up to $599 may be redeemed at retailers.
Kentucky
The governor ordered nonessential businesses to close beginning Monday, March 23. The lottery has advised that "given the current coronavirus situation, there are changes taking place daily in how business is conducted."
As of Tuesday, the Lexington claims center is closed, but the Louisville location remains open for claims of $600 and above. Please call 502-560-1500 to confirm the center is still open or if you have questions. Some retailers are able to cash tickets up to $5,000. All prizes up to $50,000 may be claimed by mail.
Louisiana
A stay-at-home order is in effect statewide from March 23 through April 12. Lottery headquarters, all regional offices, and the distribution center closed to both the public and employees on Monday. They will remain closed until April 13.
All prize claim deadlines have been extended for an extra 90 days.
Prizes below $600 may be claimed by mail. The lottery is asking players with winning tickets of $600 and above to wait until offices reopen to claim.
March 23 was the last day that scratch-off tickets shipped to retailers; until the distribution center reopens, no more tickets will be sent.
Lottery drawings will continue as usual, with the exception of Easter Sunday, April 12, when no state drawings will be held.
Maryland
Gov. Hogan ordered nonessential businesses to close effective Monday, March 23. The lottery has not yet made a statement, but it is likely the order will affect its operations.
Retailers may cash prizes up to $600, and prizes of all amounts may be claimed by mail. Drawings will continue to take place on schedule.
Massachusetts
The state is under a stay-at-home order and nonessential businesses must close from 12pm Tuesday, March 24 until April 7. All lottery claim centers closed on March 19, but players may submit prize claims by mail. Tickets worth $600 or less may be cashed at retailers.
Michigan
Gov. Whitmer announced a stay-at-home order that took effect at 12:01am Tuesday, March 24 and will stay active for a minimum of three weeks. All lottery regional claim offices have closed and banks are not able to process claims.
Prizes up to $600 may be redeemed at a retailer, and all prizes up to $50,000 are eligible to be collected by mail. For wins over $50,000 an appointment is required to visit lottery headquarters in Lansing.
Mississippi
Starting Monday, March 23, prizes of $600-$99,999 must be claimed by mail. Retailers may cash prizes under $600, or players may send the signed ticket to the lottery.
If you have won a prize of $100,000 or more, lottery headquarters in Flowood remains open for claims by appointment only from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. Call 601-500-0482 to schedule an appointment.
Missouri
Kansas City and the surrounding metro area are under stay-at-home orders as of Tuesday, March 24. Stay-at-home orders came into force for the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County on March 23.
Lottery offices are not accepting claims in person. Prizes over $600 may be claimed by mail, and prizes of $600 and under can be redeemed at a retailer.
Nebraska
Lottery regional claim centers in Grand Island, Norfolk, North Platte, Scottsbluff, and the Nebraska State Fair office are closed to the public. Lottery headquarters in Lincoln as well as the Omaha claim center are still open. However, office hours may change, so you should call 402-471-6100 before visiting.
Tickets worth $500 and below may be cashed by a retailer, and all prizes up to $19,999 can be claimed by mail.
New Jersey
Gov. Murphy activated a stay-at-home order on March 21 that could continue for weeks or months. The lottery's Lawrence Township office is closed to the public.
The prize claim deadline has been extended by 30 days for tickets that would have expired March 19 to April 5.
Claim your prize by mail, or if you prefer, visit a retailer to claim a win of $599.50 and under.
New Mexico
The lottery claim center is closed until further notice after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a stay-at-home order for the state on Monday, March 23.
Retailers may be able to cash payouts of $600 or less.
To claim a prize of up to $99,999 by mail, send your signed ticket to the lottery at the address below. If your win is over $600, you will also need to include a completed claim form.
New Mexico Lottery
P.O. Box 93190
Albuquerque, NM 87199-3190
New York
Gov. Cuomo issued a "PAUSE" stay-at-home order that closed nonessential businesses and requires residents to stay at home as much as possible. Lottery claim centers are closed to the public, but prizes may be redeemed by mail, or cashed at a retailer if under $600.
North Carolina
All lottery claim centers closed on Monday, March 23 and will stay shut until at least the end of the month.
The lottery has extended prize claim periods for all tickets that would normally expire during the time the current statewide order is in effect.
Retailers can cash payouts under $600. Prizes from $600 to $99,999 may be claimed by mail, although processing will be delayed. Winners of 100,000 and over will need to wait until claim centers reopen.
Ohio
Gov. DeWine activated a stay-at-home order for the state from 11:59pm on Monday, March 23 until at least April 6. Nonessential businesses have closed and residents must stay at home as much as possible.
The lottery's regional claim centers are closed. Prizes up to $599 may be paid out by a retailer, and players can claim prizes of $600 to $5,000 by mail.
Oregon
Payment centers in Salem and Wilsonville remain open, although hours may be adjusted. Please confirm hours by calling 503-540-1000. All winning tickets may also be claimed by mail.
Pennsylvania
On March 19, the governor declared an emergency and ordered all nonessential businesses to shut, while residents must stay in their homes except for necessary trips such as to buy food.
All lottery offices are closed and employees are working from home. The distribution center remains open and tickets will continue to be shipped to retailers who are deemed "essential businesses," such as food stores.
For questions on how to claim a prize, email RA-RVPALOTTCUSTSERV@pa.gov. All lottery drawings will continue as scheduled.
South Carolina
The South Carolina Education Lottery has closed its claims center until further notice. The lottery has extended the claim period for prizes that would have expired during the time the center is closed. All drawings continue to take place as normal.
Tickets worth up to $500 may be claimed at a retailer, and prizes between $500 and $100,000 may be claimed by mail. Players who have won over $100,000 will need to wait to claim until the claims center reopens.
South Dakota
Lottery offices are closed until further notice. Prizes of $100 and under may be cashed by a retailer. Prizes over $100 may be claimed by mail. However, if you've won a jackpot or Mega Millions or Powerball second prize, sign your ticket and keep it safe; you'll need to wait until offices reopen to claim in person.
Tennessee
Nashville residents have been told to stay at home except for essential trips such as buying food or medicine. The rest of the state must observe social distancing and some businesses have been closed.
From Monday, March 23, the lottery has closed all claim centers statewide until further notice.
Prizes below $600 may be claimed at a retailer or by mail. Prizes of $600 or more may be claimed by sending the signed ticket and a completed claim for to the address below.
Tennessee Education Lottery
P.O. Box 290636
Nashville, TN 37229-0636
Texas
Lottery claim centers are closed until further notice. Retailers can cash tickets under $599, and all prizes up to $5 million may be claimed by mail. Mail-in claims will may take 4-6 weeks to process.
For prizes above $5 million and Lotto Texas, Mega Millions, or Powerball jackpots, call 512-344-5049 to make an appointment to claim in person in Austin.
Vermont
Gov. Scott has said further restrictions will come into force this week and encouraged residents to stay in their homes.
The lobby at lottery headquarters in Berlin is closed to the public and no in-person claims are being accepted. The People's United Bank is also not processing claims.
Players may claim prizes by mail, or if you have a ticket that is near expiration, please call 802-479-5686 from 9am-1pm Monday-Friday.
Virginia
All lottery customer service centers are closed through April 3, and prizes may be claimed by mail.
The claim deadline has been extended for any ticket set to expire during the Virginia state of emergency. Winners must claim by mail or at a customer service center within 30 days of the order being lifted.
Washington State
On Monday evening, March 23, Gov. Jay Inslee ordered nonessential businesses to shut and residents to stay at home except for critical activities. The order took effect immediately and will last at least two weeks.
Although the Lottery has yet to make a statement, the order will mean that lottery offices and claim centers will close. It is likely the lottery will continue processing prize claims by mail.
Wisconsin
Gov. Tony Evers has issued a Safer at Home order that will go into effect on Wednesday, March 25 at 8pm. Residents should stay in their homes except for necessary trips such as grocery shopping, and nonessential busineses will close.
The Milwaukee validations office at 819 N. 6th Street is unable to process prize claims as of March 19. Prior to the governor's order, the Madison validations office remained open and able to process winning tickets. It is located at 2135 Rimrock Road and its hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. All lottery drawings will continue as usual.