I am new to text messages. How do I begin?
Your cell phone MUST BE text enabled and text message functionality must be part of your mobile phone plan to get text messages. If you do not know if your mobile package includes text messaging, check your phone's user guide or ask your service provider. Text messages are also referred to as "SMS", Short Message Service.
Will I be charged for text messages?
Standard text messaging rates will apply to any text message received or sent. If you are not sure what your messaging plan is, ask your provider.
How do I send a text message?
Please consult the help option or user's guide for your phone.
All phones have different menu options and buttons and you should consult your user manual for specific instructions. There are, though, some general steps to send a text message. First, by going to the MESSAGE option and selecting NEW MESSAGE, your phone will open a new text message (your phone may also say "Create new SMS message"). In the message area use the keypad to type in the keyword associated with the mobile service you would like (you may have to press the numeric key more than once to display the letter you would like to type). In the area where it asks for the phone number, type the 5-digit short code and press SEND/SELECT.
What is a Short Code?
A short code is a 5- or 6-digit number that is like a phone number or website address. For example, to get The Pick jackpot amounts and winning numbers, you would text the keyword "AZLOT" to the short code 411247.
What is a Keyword?
The keyword is the word you send in your text message that identifies the service your message goes to. For example, to get The Pick jackpot amounts and winning numbers, you would text the keyword "AZLOT" to the short code 411247.
What happens after I have sent the keyword to the Short Code?
After you have successfully sent the keyword to the short code, you will receive a message back about the service you are trying to use. It usually takes less than a minute. However, sometimes there are delays on the network and it can take several hours to receive a confirmation back.
What if I do not receive a confirmation message?
If you are sure you sent the correct keyword, it can be that it is delayed at the network. Network congestion and bandwidth will sometimes slow the sending/receiving of text messages.
Do the text messages you send me count against my monthly messaging allotment?
Please consult with your provider as it varies from provider to provider.
How do I get to the arizonalottery.com mobile website?
In order to go to our mobile website, you need to have a phone with an Internet browser. On most phones, you can access the Internet browser from your phone's menu and then text in the address, www.arizonalottery.com. Add arizonalottery.com to your Bookmarks to save time.
Does going to a mobile website cost money?
The Arizona Lottery does not charge for visiting its site. However, your normal data rates will still apply. Check with your carrier to find out what plans are available.
Is my carrier one that you support?
The Arizona Lottery mobile site currently works with Alltel, AT&T Mobility (formally Cingular Wireless), Sprint/Nextel/Boost, T-Mobile®, Virgin Mobile, and Verizon.
My phone is not compatible with your service. What can I do?
Visit your local carrier store and purchase a phone that is compatible with our service.
I have a prepaid phone. Can I subscribe to the service?
Some carriers do not allow prepaid subscribers to subscribe to premium text services. Check with your carrier for product availability.
How do I cancel my Arizona Lottery Mobile subscription?
You can cancel or "opt out" by sending a text message with the opt-out keyword in the message body to the short code designated with that service. You will find the opt-out keyword in all text messages you receive through this subscription process. Also, you can send STOP to the keyword at any time to stop all messaging from the short code. You will get a message back asking to confirm your wish to unsubscribe from the service.