With lottery games being so popular, especially in a state like Florida, it’s common for players to want to check their tickets online or on their phone rather than having to go to a store. So can you actually check Florida Lottery tickets online? The short answer is yes, the Florida Lottery offers an online service and mobile app that allows you to check the status of both scratch-off and draw game tickets.
Checking Scratch-Off Tickets Online
The Florida Lottery allows you to check scratch-off tickets online using their website or mobile app. To check online, you’ll need the 10-digit serial number found under the latex on your scratch-off ticket. Here are the steps:
- Go to the Florida Lottery website or open the mobile app
- Click “Check Scratch-Off Tickets”
- Enter the 10-digit serial number from your ticket
- The results will show the following information:
- The status of your ticket (not a winner, winner, or pending)
- The name of the scratch-off game
- The prize won (if you have a winning ticket)
If you enter a serial number and no information comes up, it may mean it was entered incorrectly. Double check the number and try again. If still nothing, then contact the Florida Lottery to resolve the issue.
Checking Draw Game Tickets Online
You can also use the Florida Lottery website or app to check on draw game tickets, such as Powerball and Mega Millions. To check these tickets:
- Go to the website or open the app
- Click “Check Draw Tickets”
- Select the draw game you played
- Enter the ticket number found on your ticket
- Enter the draw date of the ticket
- The results will show:
- The winning numbers
- The status of your ticket (not a winner or winner)
- The prize won (if you have a winning ticket)
As with scratch-offs, if no information shows up, double check your ticket number and draw date to make sure they were entered correctly.
Benefits of Checking Online
There are a few key benefits to using the Florida Lottery’s online services to check your tickets:
- Convenience – You can check tickets any time of day without having to go to a retailer.
- Instant Results – Results are provided right away instead of having to scan your ticket.
- Ticket Information – Provides status, prize amount, game details, winning numbers, etc.
- Time Savings – Don’t have to wait in lines at a store to check tickets.
How to Claim Prizes on Winning Tickets
If you check your ticket online and find out you’re a winner, great! But keep in mind that checking online does not actually claim or redeem your prize. To officially claim your winnings follow these steps:
Scratch-Off Ticket Prizes
- Under $600 – You can claim these small prizes at any Florida Lottery retailer.
- $600 to $250,000 – Must be claimed at a Florida Lottery district office.
- Over $250,000 – Must be claimed at the Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee.
Draw Game Ticket Prizes
- Under $600 – Can be claimed at any retailer or mailed to the Lottery with your winning ticket.
- $600 to $250,000 – Claim at a Lottery district office.
- Over $250,000 – Must be claimed at Lottery headquarters.
Be sure to claim your prize within the required timeframe – generally 60 or 180 days after the draw date, depending on the game. Tickets expire after the claim period ends and prizes become forfeits. So check online promptly after the draw and then claim your winnings!
Getting the Mobile App
The Florida Lottery offers a free mobile app to iOS and Android users which allows you to conveniently check tickets on the go. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play Store. The app lets you:
- Check scratch-off and draw game tickets
- Scan tickets to check them
- See winning numbers
- Find retailers
- And more!
Scratch-Off Ticket Check Data
Here is some example data showing scratch-off ticket checks on the Florida Lottery website:
| Serial Number | Game | Status | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1030502901 | Gold Rush Classic | Not a Winner | $0 |
| 1256103203 | $2,000,000 Gold Rush Classic | Winner | $20 |
| 2846017105 | Lady Jumbo Bucks | Winner | $50,000 |
Draw Game Ticket Check Example
Here is example data for checking a Powerball ticket online:
| Draw Date | Winning Numbers | Ticket Number | Status | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/5/2023 | 3, 19, 30, 36, 50 PB: 25 | 102937501 | Not a Winner | $0 |
| 1/12/2023 | 6, 15, 22, 42, 47 PB: 26 | 202846503 | Winner | $100 |
Online Ticket Checker Limitations
While checking Florida Lottery tickets online is very convenient, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Can only check tickets once they have been entered into the Lottery system, which may take 12-24 hours after the draw or scratch-off game end.
- The automated system does not determine if a ticket actually wins a prize, it just checks the status and information in the Lottery database.
- Prizes still need to be claimed in person as outlined above.
- Technical issues could potentially impact ability to check tickets.
- App only shows draw games played through app, not all draw game tickets.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Play the Florida Lottery?
You must be at least 18 years old to purchase lottery tickets in Florida, including scratch-offs and draw games. Some key rules:
- Must be 18 to buy tickets, claim prizes, and collect winnings.
- It is illegal for minors to possess lottery tickets.
- 18, 19 and 20 year olds can play but must pay cash.
- Store clerks are required to verify age for ticket purchases.
- You do not have to be a Florida resident to play.
These age restrictions help ensure lottery games are played responsibly and help prevent underage gambling. Make sure you are at least 18 before playing any Florida Lottery games!
Unclaimed Florida Lottery Prizes
Unfortunately, every year lottery prizes in Florida go unclaimed because players do not check their tickets or fail to claim them in time. Here are some key stats on unclaimed FL lottery prizes:
- Over $1 billion in prizes have gone unclaimed since 1988.
- In Fiscal Year 2020-21 alone, over $92 million in prizes were forfeited.
- The biggest unclaimed jackpot was a $15 million Florida Lotto prize in 2006.
- Experts estimate over $500 million in prizes currently go unclaimed each year in the U.S.
So be sure to check your tickets promptly and claim any prizes in time to avoid losing out on winnings! Use the Florida Lottery’s online services to easily keep track of your tickets.
Five Biggest Florida Lottery Prizes Ever
The Florida Lottery has created many multi-millionaires over the years. Here are the 5 biggest lottery prizes ever won in Florida:
| Game | Prize | Winner | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| POWERBALL | $590.5 Million | One person | 2013 |
| MEGA MILLIONS | $451 Million | One person | 2018 |
| FLORIDA LOTTO | $327.4 Million | One person | 2014 |
| POWERBALL | $285.6 Million | Two winners | 2009 |
| FLORIDA LOTTO | $242.2 Million | One person | 2010 |
Will you be the next Florida Lottery millionaire? Best of luck!
Five Tips to Play the Florida Lottery Responsibly
The lottery is meant to be fun entertainment, but it’s important that adults play responsibly. Here are 5 tips for responsible play:
- Only use discretionary income for tickets, not money for necessities.
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Balance lottery play with other activities.
- Don’t chase losses or try to win back money.
- Don’t borrow money or use credit to play.
Remember that the Florida Lottery offers gambling support resources on their website or by calling 1-888-ADMIT-IT. Play for the excitement, not with the expectation you’ll win big. And use services like online ticket checking to keep lottery play in moderation.
Can You Buy Florida Lottery Tickets Online?
Currently, Florida law prohibits online and mail order sales of lottery tickets. Tickets must be purchased in-person at authorized Florida Lottery retailers. There are a few reasons for this:
- In-person purchases help prevent underage sales.
- Supports Florida retailers and business owners.
- Reduces risk of bulk ticket sales and fraud schemes online.
- Maintains the “thrill” of buying a ticket at a store.
While you can’t buy online, you can use the mobile app to check tickets and scan them to enter draw games. But you’ll need to visit a retailer in Florida to actually purchase lottery tickets.
What Days Are Florida Lottery Drawings?
Florida Lottery draw game drawings happen on the following days each week:
| Game | Drawing Days |
|---|---|
| LOTTO | Wednesday and Saturday |
| FANTASY 5 | Every night |
| PICK 2/PICK 3 | Twice daily (midday and evening) |
| PICK 4/PICK 5 | Twice daily (midday and evening) |
| POWERBALL | Wednesday and Saturday |
| MEGA MILLIONS | Tuesday and Friday |
Scratch-off games don’t have set drawing days but do have end dates after which no more prizes can be claimed. Make sure to check draw dates on your tickets and be aware of scratch-off end dates.
Are Lottery Winnings Taxed in Florida?
Yes, lottery prizes over certain amounts are subject to federal and possibly state taxes in Florida:
- Federal tax is 25% for prizes over $5,000.
- Florida does not tax lottery winnings from games played exclusively in Florida.
- Prizes from multi-state games like Powerball are taxed at Florida’s 4% rate for non-residents.
- Taxes are withheld automatically when claiming larger prizes.
- Winners are responsible for any additional taxes at filing time.
Be sure to factor taxes into your prize payout if you win more than $5,000. And consult an accountant if you claim a jackpot to manage tax obligations. Even with taxes, lottery winnings can mean big money with the right financial planning!
What is the Luckiest Florida Lottery Retailer?
With over 13,000 retailers across Florida, some locations have developed reputations for being “luckier” than others when it comes to selling big winning tickets. Here are two stores with notable track records:
- Publix – This grocery chain has sold more than 700 winning lottery tickets over $1 million, including a $590 million Powerball jackpot.
- 7-Eleven – Two locations in central Florida have each sold multiple winning tickets over $1 million, earning them both the nickname “lucky 7.”
Of course, lottery drawing outcomes are entirely random chance. But some retailers like these seem to defy the odds. So next time you’re out, you may want to pick up your lottery tickets from one of Florida’s reputedly luckiest stores!
Conclusion
The Florida Lottery offers a convenient website and mobile app to allow players to check the status of scratch-off and draw game tickets online. This provides many benefits such as instant results, time savings, and tracking tickets anytime. Players must still claim prizes in person at Lottery offices and retailers. And tickets themselves can only be purchased at authorized retailers in Florida. Overall, using the Florida Lottery’s online services is a great asset to responsibly keep track of lottery play.
