Frequently Asked Questions

Does the South Dakota Lottery offer a subscription service?
No. Lottery regulations prohibit selling subscriptions for advance lotto plays. However, you may purchase your lotto tickets for up to nine drawings in advance at a local Lottery retailer.

What happens if I win a Powerball jackpot and I die before I have collected all my payments?
The remaining installments of your prize will go to your estate or as directed by you in your will.

How do I claim a winning ticket?
You may claim lotto or instant ticket prizes of up to $100 at any retailer, regardless of where you purchased your tickets. If you are from out of state or want to claim a prize of over $100, complete a Lottery claim form, sign it and mail it, along with your winning ticket, to the address given. You will receive your check within seven to ten days.

How long do I have to claim a prize?
Lotto prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing. Scratch tickets expire 180 after a game ends. To find Game End Dates, click here.

Where can I claim a prize?
Prizes up to $100 may be claimed at a Lottery retailer. Prizes over $100 must be claimed by mail or at a Lottery redemption center. Click here for a claim form or here for redemption center locations.

How are Lottery revenues used by the state?
Proceeds from instant tickets go to the state's General Fund, which finances programs like health, human and social service projects, and K-12, university and technical school education. Through June 30, 2008, over $70 million was generated from the sales of all instant games. Lotto revenues are directed to the Capital Construction Fund. This fund is used for ethanol production incentives, water and environment projects, and state highway projects. Through June 30, 2008, the state's four lotto games contributed nearly $64 million to these and other special projects. Video lottery is the state's most profitable Lottery game. Since its inception in 1989 through June of 2008, over $1.4 billion has been raised for the state. Video lottery revenues now are earmarked for the Property Tax Reduction Fund.

How many people have won top lotto prizes in South Dakota?
As of October, 2008, one group and one single player have won Powerball jackpots, 10 South Dakota players have won $200,000 and 100 have won $100,000 Powerball prizes, 109 players have won Dakota Cash jackpots. Five players have won the Wild Card 2 jackpot. One player has won the Hot Lotto jackpot.

In the past, four South Dakota players won Tri-West Lotto jackpots, one South Dakota player won a $1 million Daily Millions jackpot prize and a $12.4 million jackpot was claimed from the Lottery's first lotto game, Lotto*America.

How do I know that the Lottery is safe?
The Lottery is one of the most closely scrutinized agencies in state government and is structured with a comprehensive oversight network of numerous checks and balances. The Governor is charged with oversight responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer of the state. The Attorney General hires and directs the investigative personnel for background checks on all persons licensed and doing business with the Lottery. Numerous security measures are included in the drawing procedures to assure their randomness. Lotto drawings are overseen by independent auditors.

What time are the winning numbers posted on your website on the nights of the drawings?
The numbers are posted at approximately 9:50 p.m. (CT) for Dakota Cash and 10:20 p.m. (CT) for Powerball, Hot Lotto and Wild Card.