Claiming Your Prize Information
How long do I have to claim/redeem a winning ticket?
For draw games (Powerball®, Mega Millions®, The Pick™, Fantasy 5™, Weekly Winnings™, 2by2™, CA$H4™, and Pick 3™), the ending date is 180 days from the drawing. Scratchers can be redeemed up to 180 days from the announced game-ending date. When a Scratchers game ends, the information is available on our website on the Ended Scratchers Games chart.
What is the difference between cash and annuity?
The cash value is approximately one-half the advertised value of the jackpot and is given to the winner in one lump sum. The winner who selects an annuity is paid annually for 26 years for Mega Millions® and for 30 years for Powerball® and The Pick™.
The person who wins the jackpot has the option to choose either the cash or annuity option. The winner has 60 days from the claim date (the date the ticket is presented for validation) in which to make the decision.
If the winner chooses cash, the Lottery will issue a check when the ticket is validated.
In order to secure the annuity payment process, the Lottery purchases annuities from private companies. Each year, the Lottery prepares and issues a Request for Proposals to solicit the interest of various insurance companies. Companies that qualify through the evaluation process are asked to bid on the annuity payment after each winning jackpot. The company submitting the highest payment offer is selected and will issue the remaining annuity checks.
The Arizona Lottery is frequently asked whether players should choose cash or annuity. We can only suggest that financial issues be discussed with a lawyer, CPA, or financial planner.
What happens if an annuity winner dies before the last payment?
You can, and should, name a beneficiary when you claim your jackpot prize. The prize is the winner’s property and is considered part of the winner’s estate. If a beneficiary is not designated, the prize will remain part of the winner’s estate.
If I win the jackpot, do I have the option of remaining anonymous?
Jackpot winners are given the option of participating in a press conference. Many of our past jackpot winners have enjoyed this opportunity, and it usually eliminates receiving multiple calls from the media. The Arizona Lottery is required to release the winner’s name, city of residence, game, and amount won upon request, so total anonymity is not possible.
We ask each winner, no matter the amount, for a quote about their winning experience; the quote will not include your name if you prefer to remain anonymous.
What happens if I lose a winning ticket?
Losing a Lottery ticket is like losing cash. Protect yourself by signing the back of your ticket and filling in your address. Unless signed, anyone who has the ticket can file a claim. The Arizona Lottery is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets.
How do I collect a prize worth $600 or more?