|  | Play Information
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| Q: | | What Lottery retailers are closest to neighboring states? |
| A: | | Utah Border/Highway 89A/Fredonia, AZ:
Judd Auto Service - 623 S. Main St., 928.643.7107;
Buckskin Tavern - Hwy. 89A - 928.643.7094;
Las Vegas/Nevada Border:
Hoover Dam area - Boulder Inn - Mile Post 28, Hwy. 93 - 928.767.3348;
Littlefield, AZ - Beaver Dam Station - Hwy. 91 exit on I-15 - 928. 347.5492;
Kingman, AZ - Westside Chevron - 1224 W. Beale St., - 928.753.1333;
Bullhead City - Woody's Food Store - 600 Highway 95 - 928. 754.4060;
California Border - Needles:
Mohave Valley
Superstop - 10485 Barrackman Road - 928.768.7577;
Best Buy Market - 8892 Hwy. 95 - 928.788.3325;
California Border - Parker Dam:
Parker
Mac's Market - 3303 Riverside Dr. -
928.667.2231;
Little Brown Jug - 900 S. California Ave. - 928. 669.8284;
California Border - Blythe:
Ehrenberg
E-Z Mart - 49998 Parker/Poston Hwy. - 928.923.9110;
River Lagoon Resort - 50078 Ehrenberg/Parker Hwy. - 928.923.7942;
California Border - Winterhaven:
Yuma - Circle K - 379 W. 1st St. - 928.782.6745.
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| Q: | | What is the legal age to purchase/redeem Arizona Lottery tickets? |
| A: | | You must be 21 years or older to purchase or redeem tickets. (A.R.S. §5-515 and A.R.S. §5-520) |
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| Q: | | Can I buy Arizona Lottery tickets by phone, mail, or on the Internet? |
| A: | | At this time, the Arizona Lottery does not sell tickets directly to our players over the phone, by mail or on the Internet. |
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| | Game Information
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| Q: | | Where can I find past winning numbers? |
| A: | | You can find past winning numbers on our website. In the left navigation bar, click on "Winning Numbers." |
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| Q: | | Where can I find information on Arizona Lottery games? |
| A: | | Click on the game name on the left navigation panel. Rules, prize payouts, and drawing times will be listed. |
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| Q: | | Why aren’t the winning numbers on your website regularly updated? |
| A: | | The winning numbers are updated every night. If you are getting winning numbers that aren’t updated, hold down the “shift” key and click on your “refresh” or “reload” button. Clicking on this button should show you the current winning numbers. |
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| Q: | | What states/jurisdictions participate in Powerball? |
| A: | | Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Okalahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Washington D.C., Wisconsin, and West Virginia. |
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| Q: | | How many advance draws can you play on each game? |
| A: | | You can play up to 10 consecutive draws for Powerball and The Pick and 12 consecutive draws for Pick 5 and Pick 3. |
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| Q: | | If game odds are 1 in 4, why don't I win when I buy 5 consecutive Scratchers? |
| A: | | Like other Lottery games, Scratchers is a random game of chance, and winning tickets are not predetermined. When the tickets are printed, the winning tickets are randomly distributed among all available tickets. In addition, the tickets are then distributed throughout the state to more than 2,500 retail locations.
The fact that overall odds of a Scratchers game are 1 in 4 does not guarantee every fourth ticket will be a winner. The odds are based on the number of winning tickets out of the total number of tickets printed. It is therefore possible that sequential winning or non-winning tickets could occur. |
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| Q: | | How long does it take for The Pick jackpot to get above $1 million? |
| A: | | The jackpot amount is guaranteed to be $1 million. The $1 million is the annuitized value of the jackpot; the cash amount is approximately $500,000. In order for the jackpot to increase, sales need to reach and then exceed $500,000. Typically, it takes approximately six drawings for this to happen. Therefore, until sales are high enough to increase the jackpot estimate, we advertise it at $1 million. |
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| Q: | | Where can I find prize payout information for games? |
| A: | | Click on the appropriate game icon located in the left navigation bar. |
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| Q: | | Has anyone from Arizona ever won the Powerball? |
| A: | | Yes. Since Arizona joined Powerball April 4, 1994, the state has sold nine jackpot tickets:
April 27, 1994 - $5.2 million;
March 4, 1995 - $101 million;
August 12, 1995 - $77 million;
November 16, 1996 - $22 million;
April 15, 2001 - $83.9 million;
January 26, 2002 - $95.3 million;
December 22, 2004 - $10.3 million; November 1, 2006 - $47.5 million and January 27, 2007 - $15 million; .
The number of winning tickets is proportional to Arizona’s population when compared to that of other Powerball states. |
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| | Claiming Your Prize Information
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| Q: | | How long do I have to claim/redeem a winning ticket? |
| A: | | For online games (Powerball, The Pick, Pick 5, 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 game ends, the information is available on our website on the “Scratchers Ending Dates” chart. |
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| Q: | | What happens if a winner, paid in annuity installments, dies before the last payment? |
| A: | | 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. |
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| Q: | | What happens if I lose a winning ticket? |
| A: | | 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. |
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| Q: | | How do I collect prizes $600 and above? |
| A: | | Prizes of $600 or more must be claimed at an Arizona Lottery office Monday through Friday (except holidays) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
You can also collect your winnings by mail. To claim by mail, sign and complete the back of your winning ticket and a Winner Claim Form. You must also provide a copy of a governmental identification document that includes your mailing address and signature (such as a driver's license or citizenship/residency card). You should retain a copy of both the claim form and both sides of the ticket for your records. Send the original winning ticket, the claim form, and the copy of your identification to: Arizona Lottery, P.O. Box 2913, Phoenix, AZ 85062-2913.
Click here for a PDF of the Winner Claim Form. |
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| Q: | | What is the difference between cash and annuity? |
| A: | | 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 the annuity is paid in equal payments annually for 30 years for The Pick and in graduated annual payments over 30 years for Powerball.
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 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. |
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| Q: | | If I win the jackpot, do I have the option of remaining anonymous? |
| A: | | No. The Arizona Lottery is required to release, upon request, the winner’s name, city of residence, game, and amount won. A press release will be sent out to the media when a winner has collected the prize. However, Arizona Lottery jackpot winners are given the option of participating in or declining a press conference and/or publicity. We believe a press conference enhances the winning experience, and it usually eliminates receiving multiple calls from the media. |
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| | Tax Information
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| Q: | | Do I have to pay taxes on Arizona Lottery winnings? |
| A: | | Yes. The Arizona Lottery is required by law to withhold 25% for federal taxes and 5% for Arizona state income taxes for U.S. citizens or resident aliens. For non-resident aliens, the withholding tax is 30% federal and 6% state. These taxes will be withheld from any Arizona Lottery prizes valued over $5,000. Winners may be liable for additional or fewer taxes when they report winnings to the IRS. You may wish to consult with a tax advisor regarding tax obligations. |
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| Q: | | What are the Arizona Lottery’s Tax Identification Numbers for tax purposes? |
| A: | | The federal tax filing number is 86-0411543; the state tax filing number is 80353200Z. |
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| | Drawing Information
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| Q: | | How often does a Digital Draw System have to be replaced? |
| A: | | This is more a question of technological upgrade than replacement. Just as computer software improves with upgrades, so will the Origin™ system. We are fortunate in that we had access and purchased the latest technology in digital draw systems. This system provides a solid platform from which we can upgrade. |
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| Q: | | Will you keep a file of the drawings? |
| A: | | Yes. As soon as the Origin™ System is activated, a log starts to record all keyboard input and activity for the console. Once the drawing process is complete, the log is automatically saved onto the system and archived. The file can be viewed or printed. Users cannot alter it. In addition, the computer’s video images created by the draw are saved. All activities are monitored by closed-circuit camera. |
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| Q: | | What is a Digital Drawing System? |
| A: | | The Origin™ Digital Draw System (DDS) by Smartplay offers a new way of selecting and broadcasting winning lottery numbers. It replaces the mechanical drawing machines with a state-of-the-art random number selection device and a graphic display computer for presentation of the winning numbers. |
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| Q: | | Won’t this new system be susceptible to computer hackers? |
| A: | | No. There is no connection to any Lottery network or the Internet. |
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| Q: | | How was the system vendor selected? |
| A: | | Through a competitive bid process. We solicited bids from qualified vendors and the evaluation panel concluded that Smartplay’s Origin™ Digital Draw System was the most advantageous for us.
Established in 1993, Smartplay is a leading lottery supplier of drawing equipment, including the drawing machines currently used by the Arizona Lottery, whose clients include lotteries around the world. It does not sell its products to the general public.
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| Q: | | What other lotteries have converted from drawing machines to digital drawing technology? |
| A: | | Other North American lotteries that have already converted from mechanical drawing machines to digital drawing systems are Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, and South Dakota. Washington is in the process of conversion. Integrity is the cornerstone of a successful lottery organization. To ensure the highest ethical and technical standards, these and other lotteries worldwide have independent laboratories perform various statistical tests for randomness. |
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| Q: | | How are the winning numbers selected? |
| A: | | The Origin™ system generates billions of numbers. When a particular game is selected, the Origin™ system first runs a series of tests to check for randomness. Next, the Drawing Manager pushes a button to select the particular game. The system then identifies the play numbers for that game (e.g., 1 though 44 for The Pick) and runs a series of tests to ensure randomness. If it passes all tests, the next step is to select the winning numbers for the game. The system is programmed to allow or prohibit selection of duplicate numbers.
If the game is The Pick, all the billions of numbers will range from 1 through 44. The program selects the first number. If it is 44, no more 44s can be selected. The process continues until all six numbers have been selected. The same holds true for Pick 5. The play numbers range from 1 through 35. If the first number selected is 5, no more 5s can be selected and the process continues until all five numbers have been selected. For Pick 3, duplicate numbers from 0 through 9 are allowed.
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| Q: | | Why did the Arizona Lottery change to a Digital Draw System? |
| A: | | Our current drawing ball machines were nearing the end of their life cycle, and the digital drawing system was selected as a replacement because:
It opens future ways of communicating the winning numbers to a wider audience.
It is cost-effective.
It maintains the integrity and security of the games, including reducing liabilities associated with aging equipment.
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| Q: | | How do we know the numbers generated by the Digital Draw System are random? |
| A: | | Each Origin™ system contains two separate random numbers servers. The system randomly selects one prior to each drawing. Each of the random number servers independently performs its own set of randomness tests and each has been put through a battery of scientific tests for randomness conducted by an independent testing lab, Secure Software of Chantilly, VA. Independent tests of the random number servers have been conducted by the Arizona Lottery. The system has passed all tests. |
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| Q: | | Is the Digital Drawing System a computer? |
| A: | | Yes. It is a custom-built computer installed in a secure console. The Origin™ system is housed at the Lottery in a secure (card-access only) draw studio monitored by a closed-circuit camera. |
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| Q: | | Couldn’t the vendor or a Lottery user pre-program the system? |
| A: | | Pre-programming is impossible because there are an undetermined number of pre-draws before an actual drawing is conducted. The number of pre-draws is unknown to the vendor or Lottery personnel until the drawing night. For example, on any given draw date there could be one, two, three, or four pre-draws prior to the real draw. Therefore, programmed results for a real drawing would be impossible. |
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| Q: | | What types of future capabilities does this system offer? |
| A: | | The Digital Drawing System technology will eventually enable us to distribute the winning numbers in an animated package to a statewide audience. Beginning May 2, the animation package can be seen at approximately 10:25 p.m. during the ABC 15 newscast. |
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| Q: | | Why didn’t you just replace the old machines with new ones? |
| A: | | The decision was based on cost effectiveness and improved technological capabilities. The Lottery purchased three Origin™ System machines for a total of $70,000. It would have cost nearly $100,000 to replace the two drawing ball machines – the one used for The Pick and Pick 5 and the one used for Pick 3. The costs for replacing the ball sets would have been in excess of $28,000 ($2,000 to $3,000 per set for four sets of Pick 5 and The Pick balls and five sets for Pick 3). In addition, the Lottery would have continued to fund costs for ongoing maintenance of the mechanical drawing ball machines and the ball sets, as well as personnel required to manage the mechanical drawings.
The decision to move to a Digital Draw System wasn’t made in haste. We sought counsel and ideas from other state lotteries, conducted research regarding the drawing process of online games and surveyed our players. Overall, people supported a change to a digital draw after they learned about future opportunities for communicating the winning numbers, its cost-effectiveness and its security and integrity.
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| Q: | | What if there is a power failure? |
| A: | | First, each console has its own independent power supply which allows it to run on batteries for approximately 30 minutes. Second, the Lottery has a generator which could supply power for 1½ hours. Finally, in the event these backups fail, there is a third machine at an off-site facility. |
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| Q: | | Is this system as secure as the drawing machines? |
| A: | | Yes:
• The computer that generates the winning numbers is contained in a secure console.
• Only a SMARTPLAY technician, in the presence of authorized Lottery personnel, can access the locked console.
• A security seal rated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as “high-security compliant” protects the console from tampering.
• The seal has a unique number and a bar code for audit confirmation. The system records any opening of the console.
• The computer requires logon validation from two different people prior to startup. To ensure checks and balances, the logons are unique confidential codes that are independently entered by authorized employees from different departments.
• After the system is powered up, every keystroke is written to a log. The system also runs a self-diagnostic check during startup. All procedures must balance and match before drawing results are made official.
• All drawing results are subjected to regular internal and external audits.
• Additionally, all Arizona Lottery drawings are open to the public for viewing and monitoring. Advance requests are necessary because of after-hours access to a secured facility.
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| Q: | | How will this affect people who play the Lottery? |
| A: | | There will be no effect on our players other than the future potential for a wider broadcasting of winning number results. The system has no effect on the odds and the games will maintain their integrity and security. |
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| Q: | | If this system is better, why wasn’t this implemented earlier? |
| A: | | As stewards of the Arizona Lottery, we are accountable to our beneficiaries and to the public in general. Therefore, a change in our process had to be evaluated carefully, and this takes time. However, once the decision was made to move to a digital draw system, the implementation was timely and efficient. |
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| Q: | | How will the new system affect game odds? |
| A: | | It has no effect on the odds. |
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| Q: | | How much will it cost to maintain a Digital Drawing System machine? |
| A: | | Because it isn’t a “mechanical” system, like a drawing ball machine, maintenance for a digital draw machine is minimal and entails bi-annual cleaning and servicing by Smartplay to ensure that all cooling vents and fans operate correctly. We no longer have to worry about ‘mechanical’ malfunctions (loose doors, loose screws, low suction in the shafts etc.) or the maintenance of the drawing balls (managing 13 sets of balls included weighing them, washing them and submitting them to the Department of Public Safety for certification before use). |
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| Q: | | How will the winning numbers be selected in the event of a catastrophic incident? |
| A: | | A third back-up machine will be located off-site in case of a disaster. |
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| | Where the Money Goes Information
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| Q: | | Do Lottery monies go to education? |
| A: | | In addition to other beneficiaries, the Lottery also contributes revenue to the General Fund. The legislature allocates all monies deposited into the General Fund for a number of projects in a variety of areas; education is one of those areas. Since the Lottery's inception, more than $476.2 million has been contributed to education. |
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| Q: | | Where can I learn more about how Arizona Lottery revenues benefit the state? |
| A: | | In the left navigation bar, click on “Where the Money Goes.” |
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| Q: | | How can I apply for Lottery funding? |
| A: | | Organizations receive Lottery funds from grants administered by the statutory recipients of game proceeds. The statutory recipients are the Heritage Fund and the Local Transportation Assistance Fund (LTAF).
The Heritage Fund, administrated by the Arizona State Parks Department and the Arizona Department of Game and Fish, provides grants to local agencies as well as department-sponsored programs. These monies are used for parks, trails, natural area development, historic preservation, environmental education, habitat evaluation and protection, and land acquisition.
To request information about the application procress, please contact Andrea Madonna, PR Grants and Program Manager, at State Parks (602.542.4174) or Karen Schedler, Environmental Education Program Manager, at Game and Fish (602.789.3238).
LTAF funds are distributed to incorporated towns and cities throughout the state for transportation-related projects such as street improvements, traffic and street lights, dial-a-ride, and buses. Cities have the discretion to use 10% of their LTAF appropriations for cultural, recreational, educational, or scientific programs or facilities if matching funds are provided. Organizations seeking funding can contact their local city manager's office. |
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| | Broadcast Information
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| Q: | | How will the numbers be broadcast? |
| A: | | The winning numbers will be presented digitally in an animation sequence and will be broadcast at 10:25 p.m. Monday through Saturday on ABC 15 in Phoenix. And, the drawings will be broadcast during the 10 p.m. “Noticias Univision,” (Univision News)in Phoenix on Channel 33, and in Tucson on Channels 38 and 46, Monday through Saturday. People can also log on to www.arizonalottery.com for results and can sign up to receive the winning numbers via e-mail. The winning lottery numbers will continue to be published in the Arizona Republic the day after each drawing. Players can also check their numbers by calling the winning numbers hotlines at 480-829-PICK in Phoenix, 520-325-9141 in Tucson, and 1-800-499-3798 in all other Arizona areas. The Pick drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday evening. Pick 5 and Pick 3 drawings are held Monday through Saturday evenings. |
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| Q: | | Why are the games drawn only on ABC 15/Phoenix? |
| A: | | ABC 15 and the Lottery have a marketing agreement that allows the station to exclusively broadcast the drawings in the Phoenix and Flagstaff areas. |
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| Q: | | Where and when are the drawings broadcast? |
| A: | | ABC 15/Phoenix, Univision 33/Phoenix and Univision 52/Tucson, and KOLD in Southern Arizona are the homes of Powerball, The Pick, Pick 5, and Pick 3 drawings.
The numbers will be broadcast at 10:25 p.m. Monday through Saturday. |
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| Q: | | If I miss the drawings on TV, where can I get the winning numbers? |
| A: | | Winning numbers can be found on the Arizona Lottery Hotline at 480.829.7425 in Phoenix. In outlying areas, call 1.800.499.3798. You can also ask for the numbers at any participating Arizona Lottery retailer, or visit the winning numbers section of this Web site. |
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| | Game Security
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| Q: | | Who audits the drawing results? |
| A: | | Drawing results are audited by an independent auditing firm. |
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| Q: | | What happens prior to the official drawing? |
| A: | | The draw officials randomly select the number of Pre-Drawing Tests to be conducted that evening. They usually conduct one to four Pre-Drawing Tests according to policy compliance. |
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| Q: | | What happens after the official drawing? |
| A: | | The Digital Draw System is locked and sealed, and all drawing equipment is secured. |
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| Q: | | How secure are the drawing systems? |
| A: | | The Digital Drawing Systems are in a secure room, locked and sealed with a steel crimp. A delicate paper tamper-proof seal with a control number is placed over the steel crimp. |
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| Q: | | What information does the drawing record include? |
| A: | | The drawing record includes:
- The names of staff who are present
- The Digital Drawing System and Selection Device used
- The Pre-Drawing Test numbers selected
- The Official Drawing numbers selected
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| Q: | | What is the online drawing process? |
| A: | | Two Lottery employees (Drawing Manager and Auditor List Representative) report to the computer room at least 1 1/2 hours prior to the official drawing. Only Lottery Officials are allowed access into the room where the drawing equipment is maintained. |
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| Q: | | Is a drawing record completed each evening by the draw officials? |
| A: | | Yes, a drawing record is completed after each drawing. |
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| Q: | | Can anyone view the procedures? |
| A: | | Yes. The official procedures are available upon request. |
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| Q: | | When does the Official Drawing take place? |
| A: | | At approximately 9:30 p.m., Arizona Lottery Information Technology (IT) alerts the Drawing Manager to proceed with the drawing. |
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| | Miscellaneous
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