Coronavirus Lottery Changes for May 30
Saturday May 30th 2020Here are the latest nationwide lottery changes related to coronavirus, including a drive-through claims process in South Carolina, claim centers reopening in Texas and Virginia, and updates to in-person claims in Tennessee.
For full information on all lottery changes due to COVID-19, please check the coronavirus lottery updates page, which is kept current as new details become available.
Staying at home doesn't mean you have to miss out on your favorite games. Play online securely and any prizes you win will be paid out automatically.
There are some incredible jackpots right now, with the Powerball top prize for the Saturday, May 30 draw at $125 million and Mega Millions at $356 million for its draw on Tuesday!
South Carolina
The state is reopening its economy as Gov. Henry McMaster allowed indoor restaurant dining to resume on May 11 and businesses that involve close contact, such as gyms, salons and swimming pools, reopened on May 18.
The lottery's claims center in Columbia will remain closed until further notice.
A temporary drive-through prize claim option will be available at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia from Monday, June 1 through Friday, June 5.
Winners can leave their claim with lottery employees at the fairgrounds and a check will be mailed to them within two business days. Visitors should use the Gate 6 entrance off George Rogers Blvd.
You'll need these documents to make a claim:
- Signed original winning ticket
- Copy of photo identification (for example, driver's license, state / military ID, or passport)
- Winner claim form (staff can also provide one)
Other claim options are still in place if you can't make it to Columbia this week:
- Prizes of $100,000 or below: Claim by mail
- Prizes up to $500: Cash at a retailer
- Prizes over $100,000: Call the lottery at 803-253-4004 and leave a message; you'll need to wait until the claim center reopens
The lottery has also extended the deadline to redeem a wining ticket that would be due to expire on or after March 17, 2020.
Tennessee
Gov. Bill Lee has been progressively reopening the state. Residents have been able to get haircuts since May 6, and restaurants and retail reopened May 22.
All four lottery claim centers in Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Memphis have reopened for in-person claim processing.
Starting Monday, June 1, the claim centers will operate as follows:
- Walk-in claim hours: Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm
- Players will not be able to make an appointment - all in-person claims will be walk-in only
- Winners of $200,000 and above will need to claim at the Nashville headquarters
- Only one visitor will be allowed to enter the claim center at a time.
You'll need these documents to claim your prize:
- Signed winning ticket
- Completed claim form, if you've won $600 or more
- Identification, such as driver's license or military ID
- Proof of Social Security Number on a computer-generated document, such as Social Security card, pay stub or tax form
If you don't wish to visit a claim center in person, there are other options available to receive your prize. If you've won less than $600, visit a retailer to cash your ticket. If your prize is $600-$199,999, you can mail in a claim to the lottery - see the link below for details.
Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott has softened restrictions on the state's economy, allowing retail stores, gyms, salons, restaurants and childcare centers to restart.
The lottery will reopen all 16 claim centers on Monday, June 1 with social distancing in effect.
All visitors will need an appointment; call 800-375-6886 or use the online Claim Center Appointment Request form to schedule a time.
Your request should contain your full name, phone number, and preferred claim center. The lottery will then contact you to set up an appointment.
Here's what to bring to the claim center:
- Signed winning ticket
- Completed claim form
- Proper identification
- The lottery strongly encourages wearing a non-medical face mask or cloth face covering
If you don't want to visit a claim center, there are other ways to redeem your ticket. Head to a retailer if you've won less than $600, or claim any prize up to $5 million by mail.
For wins over $5 million and Lotto Texas, Mega Millions, or Powerball jackpots, you'll need to make a booking to visit lottery HQ in Austin.
Virginia
On May 12, the state started Phase One of its three-part "Forward Virginia" reopening plan. Gov. Ralph Northam said Phase Two could start on June 5 at the earliest, but he is concerned by the upward trend in infections. Beaches reopened May 29.
Lottery customer service centers statewide will reopen on June 1, except for the Prize Zone at 600 E. Main St. in Richmond, which will stay closed. To claim a prize in Richmond, visit the Prize Zone West at 1620 E. Parham Rd.
In addition to Richmond, customer service centers are located in Abingdon, Farmville, Hampton, Harrisonburg, Roanoke, and Woodbridge.
Here's what you'll need when you claim:
- Signed original winning ticket
- Completed claim form (forms will also be available when you arrive)
- Current photo ID
- Proof of Social Security Number
This is the process for in-person claims:
- Do not bring anyone else along unless you need their help
- You must wear a face mask or covering
- Do not arrive more than 10 minutes before the center opens at 8:30am. Please wait in your vehicle
- Lottery staff will give you a claim packet and instructions on social distancing
- Return to your vehicle and:
- Fill out the claim form - remember to circle "Visa Debit Card" or "Check" (if both, fill out amount for each)
- Place ticket, photo ID and proof of SSN in the claim packet
- Ask staff for a ticket and prepare to take the next available place in line
- A maximum of 10 people may be in the line at once; decals on the sidewalk will show where to stand
You may also claim a prize by mail - see the link below for details.
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