Smart player tips

• Sign the back of any Lottery ticket IMMEDIATELY after purchase. A lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument." It belongs to whoever signs it.
   

• You are responsible for determining if your ticket is a winner.
       If you have purchased an instant (scratch) ticket, read the instructions carefully and play the game. Do not rely on retailer validation codes to determine if a ticket

 is a winner.
     Check your lotto tickets promptly after each drawing. You may find the winning numbers here on the Lottery's website, at your local retailer, in newspapers, on radio and television or by calling the hotline at 1-900-378-8999. You may find results for past drawings here.
 

• Inspect your instant ticket upon receipt to make sure the latex covering the play area is intact. Do not accept the ticket if it is not.
   

• Ask the person validating your ticket for a copy of your lotto pay ticket. You may ask to see the a pay tickets produced when you are redeeming an instant scratch ticket. Because only one copy of an instant pay ticket is generated, it must be retained by the retailer.
   

• If you are cashing a multiple-draw lotto ticket and there are still more drawings remaining, be sure you receive a "trail" ticket.
   

• Verify the accuracy of your ticket and/or winning before leaving the retailer's premises. It is the player's responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the ticket.
   

• For prizes of $101 and above, you must claim your prize at a Lottery Redemption Center or by mail. If claiming a ticket by mail, it's a good idea to make a copy of the front and back of your ticket for your records.
  
  If you suspect that a retailer has misled you as to whether or not your ticket is a winner, ask for your ticket back. If the retailer refuses, contact the Lottery immediately.