The Ohio Lottery offers a variety of lottery games that can be played using lottery machines located at authorized retailers across the state. Here is an overview of how to play some of the most popular Ohio Lottery draw games and instant games using a lottery machine:
Overview of Ohio Lottery Games
The Ohio Lottery offers the following major games that can be played using a lottery machine:
- Draw games: Games where numbers are drawn at scheduled times, such as Powerball and Mega Millions.
- Instant games: Also known as scratch-off games, these are played by scratching off a latex coating on the ticket to reveal prizes.
- Online games: Games such as Pick 3 and Pick 4 that can be played on the Ohio Lottery website or mobile app.
- Keno: A draw game played every 4 minutes with 20 numbers drawn from 1 to 80.
- EZPLAY games: Hybrid games combining aspects of draw games and instant games.
How to Play Draw Games on a Lottery Machine
For draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions, players can use a lottery machine to select their numbers or play quick pick and have the numbers randomly generated. Here are the steps:
- Locate the draw game menu on the lottery machine touch screen.
- Select the draw game you want to play (Powerball, Mega Millions, etc).
- Select the number of draws you want to play. You can play one draw or select multiple consecutive draws.
- Select the play type:
- Quick Pick: Have the machine randomly select your numbers.
- Pick Your Own: Manually select your own numbers.
- Combo: Play different combinations of randomly selected and player picked numbers.
- If picking your own numbers, touch the numbers on the screen that you want for your play. Some games require selecting a certain amount of numbers from different number ranges.
- Review your selected game, numbers, and number of draws.
- Insert cash or scan your player’s card to pay for the ticket.
- Take your printed ticket which will include your selected game, numbers, and draw dates.
How to Play Instant Games on a Lottery Machine
For instant scratch-off games, players can use the lottery machine to purchase tickets instead of getting them directly from the clerk. Here are the steps:
- Locate the instant games menu on the lottery machine touch screen.
- Browse through the available instant games on the screen.
- Select the game(s) you want to play. You can purchase multiple tickets from different games.
- Confirm your ticket purchase.
- Insert cash or scan your player’s card to pay for the tickets.
- Take your printed instant game tickets. Do not scratch them off until after you leave the retailer.
How to Play Keno on a Lottery Machine
Keno is a draw game with new numbers drawn every 4 minutes. To play on a lottery machine:
- Locate the Keno menu on the touch screen.
- Select the number of games you want to play consecutively (up to 10 games in a row).
- Select the bet amount per game ($1, $2, $3, etc).
- Select the number of spots you want to try to match from 1 to 10.
- Select your numbers by touching the numbers on the screen or use Quick Pick.
- Confirm your bet details including amount, number of games, and numbers played.
- Insert cash or scan your players card to pay for the ticket.
- A ticket will print with details on when the next draws are and your selected numbers.
- Return to check the machine or Ohio Lottery website for winning numbers at the appropriate times. Match all your numbers in exact order to the winning numbers to win.
How to Play EZPLAY Games on a Lottery Machine
EZPLAY games combine aspects of instant win and online games. To play on a lottery machine:
- Select the EZPLAY menu on the touch screen.
- Choose the EZPLAY game you want to play.
- Select the bet amount ($1, $2, $3, etc).
- Confirm your bet details.
- Insert cash or scan your players card to pay.
- A ticket will instantly print with results shown.
- Scratch off the latex coating on the ticket to reveal if you won a prize or need to match numbers later.
- If required, return at the specified time to check machine or website for results.
Buying Tickets for Online Games
You cannot play online games like Pick 3 and Pick 4 directly on the lottery machine. However, you can use the machine to conveniently purchase tickets for upcoming online game draws.
- Select “Online Games” on the lottery machine menu.
- Pick the online game and number of draws.
- Select Quick Pick or choose your own numbers.
- Confirm ticket details.
- Pay for ticket with cash or player’s card.
- A ticket will print with details on the draw dates and numbers played.
- Return at the specified draw times to check machine or website for winning numbers.
Important Tips for Using Lottery Machines
- Make sure you receive your printed ticket from the machine as proof of your play.
- Safeguard your lottery ticket as it is the only valid proof for claiming a prize.
- Check tickets carefully to confirm all details like game, numbers, and draw dates are correct.
- Never accept or try to redeem a ticket that you did not personally print from the machine.
- Sign the back of your ticket for security and to identify it belongs to you.
- Check draw results carefully to confirm if you won – matching numbers must be exact and in the right order.
- Claim lottery prizes within the required deadline set by the Ohio Lottery.
Why Play on a Lottery Machine?
Using a lottery machine offers several advantages and conveniences:
- Avoid waiting in line – Get your ticket quickly without waiting for a clerk.
- More game options – Machines offer a wide variety of games and bet combinations.
- Accurate tickets – Machines clearly print all ticket details avoiding errors.
- Anytime access – Play early morning or late night when clerks may be closed.
- Easy payment – Use cash or player’s card to quickly pay for your ticket.
- Speedy play – Makes playing multiple tickets or games simple and fast.
Where to Find Ohio Lottery Machines
You can find lottery machines at many authorized retailers across Ohio including convenience stores, supermarkets, gas stations, and more. Use the Ohio Lottery website or app to find a retailer near you with a lottery machine. Top tips for locating a machine:
- Check inside larger grocery stores and retailer chains which typically have machines.
- Look for the Ohio Lottery logo decal on storefront doors or windows indicating they sell tickets.
- Search in high traffic areas like near checkout lanes in stores where machines are prominently placed.
- The machines are bright yellow or blue and labeled “Ohio Lottery Self-Service Terminal.”
Pros and Cons of Lottery Machines
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Fast, convenient way to play | Less personal service compared to clerks |
Avoid lines during peak times | Unable to purchase tickets across state lines |
Access to a wide variety of games | Some retailers may not have machines or keep them off at certain times |
Can play anonymously | Malfunctioning machines may be out of service |
Easy to play multiple tickets | Must have cash on hand as machines don’t provide change |
Lottery Machine Gameplay Tips and Strategies
Use these tips to maximize your lottery machine experience:
- Check the machine screen carefully while making selections to avoid mistakes.
- Take your time and don’t rush when choosing numbers to ensure accuracy.
- Keep your lottery ticket safe and secure once printed.
- Never accept a ticket from another player – only claim winning tickets you printed yourself.
- Sign the back of tickets for security and identification purposes.
- Take advantage of features like scanning your players club card to speed up payment.
- Check your numbers carefully after each draw – matching numbers must be exact including order.
- Play consistently for drawings versus sporadically to increase odds.
- Consider using Quick Pick or auto features to take advantage of random number generation.
- Take a photo of your ticket to have a record in case the ticket is lost or damaged.
Responsible Gaming when Using Lottery Machines
When playing the lottery, it’s important to play responsibly and within your means. Keep these tips in mind:
- Set a budget for lottery spending and stick to it.
- Only use discretionary income for playing, not rent or bill money.
- Don’t chase losses or try to win back past losses.
- Don’t play under peer pressure or to impress others.
- Balance lottery play with other recreational activities.
- Don’t play when under stress or emotional influence.
- Consider taking periodic breaks from playing.
- Play for fun and entertainment, not as a way to make money.
- If gambling becomes unhealthy, seek help from resources like the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline.
Ohio Lottery Machine FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ohio Lottery machines:
Are lottery machines completely random?
Yes. The machines use certified random number generators to produce completely random and uniform results. Each play is separate and independent.
What games can be played on the machines?
You can play a variety of draw games, instant scratch offs, Keno, and EZPLAY hybrid games. Online games can also be purchased at the machines for future draws.
Can I use a credit card to play?
No, machines only accept cash payments. However, you can link a Ohio Lottery Players Club card to have funds deducted automatically.
Do machines give change?
No. Machines do not provide change or cash back. You must insert the exact amount into the machine to play.
What do I do if my ticket gets stuck in the machine?
Don’t attempt to retrieve the ticket. Call or notify the retailer for assistance and inform them of the date, time, machine number, and exactly what occurred.
Where can I find winning numbers for games played?
Draw results can be checked on the Ohio Lottery website, app, the machine screen, or at participating retailers.
Can stolen tickets be claimed if they win?
No. The Ohio Lottery only pays prizes to tickets signed by the original ticket purchaser. Stolen tickets are not valid.
Conclusion
Playing the lottery on official Ohio Lottery machines is a convenient and easy option for participating in draw games, instant tickets, and other lottery games. The touch screen machines are user-friendly and allow you to quickly purchase tickets anytime without waiting in line. Responsible play is still important when using the machines for gambling entertainment. With thousands of machines available across retailers statewide, Ohio Lottery players can enjoy the fun of playing lottery games at their own pace.