Many times people interested in the Lottery have similar questions about different aspects of how the Lottery is run, prizes, winning numbers, etc. Here are but a few of the questions we have been asked in the past. Simply click on the question and you will be taken to the answer. If you do not find your question listed below please feel free to contact us.
Where can I find the game number on a scratch ticket?
On the back of any scratch ticket, the game number will be the first three numbers in the string of numbers located immediately above the long barcode (which is usually found at the bottom of the ticket back). For example, below you will see the numbers 818 referring to game # 818 on a Crossword ticket back.
FAST LUCKY 5 is an easy way to play all our on-line games. For $5, a player will receive a quick pick for each of the six on-line games for the next drawing. (Powerball, Megabucks, SuperCash!, Badger 5, Pick 3 and Pick 4). The $5 is for a $1 wager on Powerball, Megabucks, SuperCash!, and Badger 5; while Pick 3 and Pick 4 are a $.50 box play. The retailer only has to press one button on the lottery terminal to produce this type of play.
What's the difference between the Cash Option and the Annuity Prize?
The winner receives the cash value of the jackpot pool in today's dollars under the cash option, and would receive that same jackpot pool's worth over a 25 year period for Megabucks or a 30 year period for Powerball under the annuity option. However when that pool of money is invested today, it grows to the advertised amount in 25 or 30 years, paying the winner a check each year.
It is very similar to how a savings bond works. A $100 savings bond costs the purchaser only $50 today. However, if the holder of the bond waits until maturity, the bond is then worth the entire $100.
*Note: A new winner has 60 days after presenting the winning ticket to decide on cash or annuity, after 60 days have passed, if no decision has been made, it automatically becomes an annuity.
What happens to prizes that are not claimed?
The value of the unclaimed prizes are credited to the lottery property tax relief fund.
How long do I have to claim my prize?
Prizes may be claimed within 180 days from the date of the draw, or from the declared end of the game in the case of instant tickets.
May I use a credit card to buy lottery tickets?
NO, you may not use your credit card to purchase lottery tickets. Wisconsin Statutes allow for lottery tickets to be purchased only with cash.
Can I buy tickets through a subscription, by mail or using my computer?
NO, Wisconsin Lottery tickets may only be purchased with cash and only at a participating Wisconsin Lottery retailer. For a Retailer near you.
Why are large prizes paid in yearly installments?
The money in the prize pool is used to purchase zero-coupon bonds. Each of the bonds matures annually so the winner receives a check each year for 25 years. By buying bonds, the Lottery can offer larger prizes than a single, lump sum cash payment.
Besides the website, how can I find out the winning numbers?
Many local papers publish the winning Lottery numbers. You can also call the Lottery Player Hotline at (608)266-7777. All past historical numbers can be obtained by sending a request and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Wisconsin Lottery, attention Player Relations, PO Box 8941, Madison, WI, 53708-8941.
How old do I have to be to buy a Wisconsin Lottery ticket?
Tickets can only be sold to persons at least 18 years of age, but minors may receive tickets as gifts.
How are Lottery proceeds distributed?
View the latest figures on Where the Money Goes.
How do I go about collecting a large prize?
Winning tickets of $599 or less can be taken to any Wisconsin Lottery retailer for prize payment. Prizes $600 or more must be claimed at a lottery office or by mail. Location of lottery validation offices. If claiming by mail - sign the back of the ticket, complete our Winners Claim Form and mail them to:
Prize Payment
Wisconsin Lottery
Madison, WI 53774
ALL POWERBALL AND MEGABUCKS JACKPOT PRIZES MUST BE CLAIMED IN MADISON
For jackpot prizes please call (608) 261-4916 to make arrangements to come in to validate your ticket.
Can a winner remain anonymous?
Not in the true sense of the word. Wisconsin has what is called an "open records law." In short, virtually any piece of information state government produces or controls is available to any organization or person requesting. The statutes are specific however, in determining what individual information may be subject to this law. Only information "in the public’s interest" may be released by a government agency. What this means for Lottery winners is two-fold. One, it has been determined that it is in the public’s interest to know there have been lottery winners, as the proceeds of the Lottery are for public use (property tax relief). Two, the Lottery, upon request must release the name of the winner and that person’s hometown. Any other information about the winner, future plans or background information will be released only with the winner’s consent. Likewise, the winner may or may not speak to the media—it is not required, nor can it be prevented.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
All lottery winnings are taxable. The Lottery automatically deducts 25 percent federal for any winnings $5,001 or over, and 6.75 percent state income tax for any winnings over $1,999.
The odds are calculated by taking the total number of tickets printed divided by the total number of prizes available. Where the prizes end up when the tickets are printed is determined by random, computer generated formulas. Although any particular string of 10 tickets may not produce a winner, there is just as much possibility that another string of 10 tickets could produce several winning tickets.
Are most of the winning numbers "quick-picks" or "personally selected?"
Of the first 59 winners in the Powerball game, there were 41 winners (about 70%) who won using "quick-picks" (or computer picks). The remaining 18 winners used their personally-selected numbers.
The remaining payments are given to the estate of winner. (Wis. Stats. 565.30 (1).)
History of the Wisconsin Lottery