FAQs

Where does the money I spend on Lottery games go?

Ninety-five cents of every dollar you spend on Lottery games goes back to the community through contributions to public schools and colleges, prizes and retail compensation. See how Lottery funds are making a difference on the Who Benefits page.
Can I buy Lottery tickets online or by mail?
No. Purchase Lottery products only through authorized Lottery retailer locations. App-based and online Lottery ticket resellers are not permitted to operate in California. Sales of California Lottery tickets by mail, online or via a mobile application are illegal. Anyone who buys their tickets through a digital reseller is ineligible to win.
If I live out of state or in a different country, can I still buy and play California State Lottery games?
Yes. You don’t need to be a California resident or U.S. citizen to play and win any Lottery Scratchers® or draw game, but California Lottery games can only be purchased from a Lottery retailer in California.
How can I claim my Lottery prize?

Collect your prize of up to $599 at any participating Lottery retail location.

Collect your prize over $599 at any Lottery District Office or by mail. Bring your winning ticket and a completed Claim Form to a District Office. Pick up the Claim Form at any Lottery retail location or District Office, or download the form (PDF). 

Same-day check processing of claim prizes $600 to $1,000 is also available in each district office location until 4:30 p.m. with a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.

For 2nd Chance prizes, there’s a different Claim Form, which you can download at 2nd Chance Claim form (PDF).

If you have a Claim Authorization Receipt from a retailer, submit that, too. We recommend sending the claim form ticket and Claim Authorization Receipt (if you have it) by certified mail, and save a copy of every item you submit.

If mailing, send Claim Forms to California State Lottery, 730 North 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811.

For your 2nd Chance prize, mail your 2nd Chance Winner Claim Form to California State Lottery, Attn: 2nd Chance Promotion, 700 North 10th Street MS: 2–2, Sacramento, CA 95811.

After your Claim Form is processed at Lottery Headquarters in Sacramento, you’ll receive a check in the mail in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I be anonymous when I win the Lottery?
The California Lottery is subject to public disclosure laws that allow access to certain governmental records. Your full name, the name and location of the retailer who sold you the winning ticket, the date you won and the amount of your winnings, including your gross and net installment payments, are matters of public record and are subject to disclosure. The Lottery will not disclose any other personal or identifying information without your permission unless legally required to do so.
Will the Lottery share my personal information with any third-party companies?
Your privacy is extremely important to the Lottery, and while your name is a matter of public record, we will not disclose any other personal or identifying information without your permission unless legally required to do so. Learn more by reading our Privacy Policy.
Are my lottery prizes taxable?

Yes. The Lottery is required to withhold federal taxes from your prize.

Keep in mind that federal taxes are subject to change. State and local taxes won’t be withheld on your lottery prizes, but you may still be liable for any California state and local personal income taxes. A professional tax adviser can help you determine your total tax liability.
I signed up for a Lottery account, so why can't I enter 2nd Chance draws?
Only verified accounts that have confirmed their email can submit codes. To activate your verified account, the Lottery needs to confirm your email address. Just find the Lottery verification email in your inbox and follow the simple instructions.
My Lottery verification email isn't in my inbox. Now what?
If you don’t see your Lottery verification email, check your junk/spam folder. Add us to your safe senders list so this doesn’t happen in the future.
What is a verified account?

To ensure the integrity of your account, the Lottery uses age/identity verification technology to validate your information. To participate in registered player benefits like 2nd Chance and Jackpot Captain and confirm your eligibility to win a promotional or 2nd Chance prize, players must provide the following information:

  • Full legal name (first and last name)
  • Valid California street address (including city, state and zip code)
  • Date of birth (to ensure you’re 18 or older and can legally play the Lottery)

It is the Lottery’s policy to limit the collection of personal information and protect the personal information we collect and maintain.
How do I update my email address or other personal information?
Just sign in and go to “My Profile.” After you update your information, simply hit “Save.” If you update your email address, the Lottery will send you a verification email. If you don’t see it in your inbox, check your junk/spam folder. Add us to your safe senders list so this doesn’t happen in the future.
How can I suspend or delete my Lottery account?

You have two options: Suspend your account, or delete your account.

  • Suspend - Your account will be suspended, but your profile information will be retained – so you can reactivate your account whenever you wish.
  • Delete - All your information will be removed from our database. Your active 2nd Chance draw submissions will also be deleted. When you want to come back to the Lottery, you will need to create a new account.

Sign in, go to "My Profile," select “Edit My Profile” button, then select the link for “Suspend/Delete My Account." Follow the options for suspending or deleting your account.

Note that if you delete your account while you have active 2nd Chance entries, your entries will be deleted along with all your other account information.
How can I reactivate my Lottery account?

If you suspended your Lottery account and would like to reactivate it, simply go to the “Sign In” page and enter the email address and password associated with your Lottery account, then follow the prompts.

Note that if you deleted your account, all of your account information was deleted. You will need to create a new Lottery account.
How do I file a complaint about a Lottery retailer?

Call the Lottery’s Security & Law Enforcement Division toll-free at 1-800-LOTTERY (1-800-568-8379) and provide:

  • Retailer’s name, ID number and/or address
  • Date and time of the incident
  • Description of the incident

A security incident report will be opened and, depending on the situation, the Lottery will take further action.
What if I think I was paid the wrong Lottery amount?

If you ever feel you weren’t paid correctly for your Lottery ticket(s), contact the Lottery’s Security & Law Enforcement Division toll-free at 1-800-LOTTERY (1-800-568-8379) as soon as possible and provide:

  • Retailer’s name, ID number and/or address where you bought and/or redeemed your ticket
  • Date and time of the incident
  • Ticket information
  • Amount you were paid
Which browser works best with the new website?
We recommend using the latest versions of Chrome or Safari on your desktop, laptop or mobile device (with the latest mobile operating system). While other ones may work, your experience might not be ideal so consider updating your browser.