Ohio Lottery ticket sales end at 10:00pm each night. This cut-off time applies to all draw game tickets, including Powerball, Mega Millions, Classic Lotto, Rolling Cash 5, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Kicker, EZPLAY games, and fast play tickets. After 10:00pm, lottery retailers are unable to process or validate any ticket purchases until the next business day when sales resume at 6:30am.
When do Ohio Lottery ticket sales start each day?
Ohio Lottery retailers are authorized to begin selling draw game tickets each day starting at 6:30am. This opening time applies to popular multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as Ohio-only draw games like Classic Lotto and Rolling Cash 5. Tickets can be purchased during the day and early evening up until the 10:00pm cutoff time. Overall, there is a 15.5 hour window for ticket sales in Ohio six days a week.
Why does the Ohio Lottery stop selling tickets at 10pm?
The Ohio Lottery has set a 10:00pm cutoff time for daily ticket sales for a few key reasons:
- Allows time for balancing and processing sales – Retailers need time after closing to reconcile all ticket sales and payments from the day. Setting a uniform cutoff time gives stores time to handle end-of-day accounting and documentation required by the Ohio Lottery.
- Consistency with draw times – 10pm closings also align with the evening drawing schedules for most Ohio Lottery games. Powerball draws are at 10:59pm and Mega Millions at 11:00pm. Allowing an hour lead time before draws enables all ticket sales to be fully processed.
- Fraud prevention – Establishing definitive closing times makes it more difficult for retailers or players to manipulate winning numbers or attempt fraudulent activities surrounding ticket claims.
- Work schedules – A set closing time allows retailers to appropriately schedule staff to cover lottery sales hours without having to accommodate late purchases.
By mandating all ticket sales stop at 10pm, the Ohio Lottery creates order and security for lottery operations statewide.
What happens if a retailer tries to sell tickets after 10pm?
It is a violation of Ohio state lottery rules for any retailer to sell draw game tickets after the 10:00pm deadline. Retailer terminals are programmed to not allow ticket sales beyond closing time. If a retailer manually overrides the system to print tickets after hours, those tickets would be considered invalid and ineligible for any prizes claimed. Retailers who violate on-sale times risk penalties up to license suspension or termination for repeat issues. The Ohio Lottery takes cutoff times seriously to protect the integrity of its games.
Can you buy tickets earlier than 6:30am?
No, lottery retailers are unable to sell or validate any tickets prior to the 6:30am start time each day. Similar to the 10:00pm closing time, retailer terminals are programmed by the Ohio Lottery to prevent sales outside of authorized hours. Any tickets generated before opening would be considered invalid. Retailers are not permitted to override or adjust the certified terminal time for any reason other than official daylight saving time changes.
What are the ticket sales hours on holidays?
The Ohio Lottery follows adjusted sales hours on certain holidays throughout the year:
- Christmas Eve – Sales end at 7:00pm
- Christmas Day – No ticket sales
- Thanksgiving Day – Sales begin at 6:30am
- New Year’s Eve – Sales end at 6:00pm
- New Year’s Day – Sales begin at 12:00pm noon
- Memorial Day – No adjustments to normal hours
- July 4th – No adjustments to normal hours
- Labor Day – No adjustments to normal hours
Besides those listed holidays, daily lottery sales in Ohio follow the standard 6:30am-10:00pm schedule. Retailers are notified in advance of any temporary changes to sales hours on holidays through Lottery notifications.
Can you buy tickets online in Ohio?
Currently, the Ohio Lottery does not offer online sales of draw game tickets that can be purchased over the internet. All ticket purchases must be made in-person at authorized retailers during regular sales hours. The Lottery only permits online sales of eInstant games through its website, not ticket subscriptions or other draw games.
While some states do allow online lottery ticket sales, Ohio does not have approved legislation at this time to conduct online draw ticket sales. Purchasing tickets online from third party websites is prohibited in Ohio and considered illegal. Customers must visit retailers in order to legally buy Mega Millions, Powerball, or other Ohio draw game tickets.
What time does the Ohio Lottery make results official?
The Ohio Lottery posts official draw results and winning numbers for each game immediately following the scheduled drawings. After a drawing is completed, results are validated by the lottery security team and then published to the Lottery website and mobile app. Here are the approximate result posting times for Ohio’s most popular games:
- Mega Millions – Results posted by 11:15pm on draw nights
- Powerball – Results posted by 11:15pm on draw nights
- Classic Lotto – Results posted by 11:15pm on draw nights
- Rolling Cash 5 – Results posted by 11:00pm on draw nights
- Pick 3 and Pick 4 – Results posted by 8:00pm on draw nights
Once published, players can check OHlottery.com or the official app to view winning numbers and start checking their tickets. Results are considered final and official for redeeming tickets. The Lottery does not make winning numbers available by phone.
How long do you have to claim Ohio Lottery prizes?
For Ohio Lottery draw games, players have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim any prizes won. For example, if you won $1,000 playing Powerball on January 1st, you would need to redeem your ticket by July 1st of that year. Prizes not claimed within the 180 day timeframe are forfeited.
Key things to know about Ohio Lottery prize claims:
- Prizes up to $599 can be redeemed at any Ohio lottery retailer – prizes $600 or more must be claimed at an official Lottery office
- Tickets can be claimed by mail if you include a claim form and copies of your photo ID
- Prizes expire 180 days after the draw date, not the purchase date
- Lost or stolen tickets still must be redeemed within 180 days of the drawing
- Taxes are withheld on prizes over $5,000 when claimed – 24% federal and 4% Ohio state
Be sure to sign the back of your ticket immediately after checking numbers to establish ownership. Then redeem as soon as possible to avoid lost or misplaced tickets. Unclaimed funds from expired prizes are used to support future prizes or Lottery beneficiary funds.
What are the biggest jackpots in Ohio Lottery history?
| Game | Jackpot | Date Won |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Millions | $375 million | March 18, 2011 |
| Classic Lotto | $210 million | April 16, 2005 |
| Rolling Cash 5 | $2.04 million | June 5, 2021 |
The current record Mega Millions jackpot won in Ohio was an annuity prize of $375 million claimed in 2011. The cash option was over $177 million. Ohio Lottery winners have also hit massive Powerball jackpots, including a $314 million ticket in 2004. While the Multi-State games offer the biggest prizes, state-only games like Classic Lotto and Rolling Cash 5 have also produced jackpots over $200 million. With so many rolling jackpots across different Ohio games, huge lottery winnings are always up for grabs!
What are the odds of winning the jackpot for Ohio Lottery games?
| Game | Jackpot Odds |
|---|---|
| Classic Lotto | 1 in 13,983,816 |
| Rolling Cash 5 | 1 in 575,757 |
| Pick 5 | 1 in 575,757 |
| Mega Millions | 1 in 302,575,350 |
| Powerball | 1 in 292,201,338 |
Ohio’s own in-state jackpot games have better odds, while the big national lotteries are much tougher to beat. But the chance at hundreds of millions still attracts players to fork over $2 for a Mega Millions or Powerball ticket when the top prize climbs sky high. Somebody has to win eventually, and the lucky ticket could be sold right here in Ohio!
What time do Ohio Lottery results get drawn?
| Game | Draw Time |
|---|---|
| Mega Millions | 11:00 PM EST |
| Powerball | 10:59 PM EST |
| Classic Lotto | 7:05 PM EST |
| Rolling Cash 5 | 7:35 PM EST |
| Pick 3 | 7:00 PM EST |
| Pick 4 | 7:30 PM EST |
| Pick 5 | 8:00 PM EST |
Ohio Lottery drawings are held daily at the designated times above. The Multi-State games Powerball and Mega Millions have late evening draws, while in-state games take place earlier in the night. All draws are broadcast on Ohio Lottery partner television stations. The lotto drawing studio is secured and monitored by security personnel and drawings are conducted using certified drawing machines. Once the winning numbers are selected, results are validated by Lottery officials prior to public release.
Where does the Ohio Lottery lottery revenue go?
After paying prizes and expenses, net revenue generated by the Ohio Lottery is used to support education funding across the state. By law, Lottery profits benefit the following state education programs:
- K-12 Public Education – makes up the largest share at 61%
- Scholarship and Grants – receives 23% of Lottery profits
- Education Assistance Fund – uses 12% of revenue each year
- Veterans Services – Gets 4% of net income
In total, approximately 98% of Ohio Lottery revenue ends up going back to local public schools and educational institutions. Since inception in 1974, the Lottery has contributed over $23 billion to education programs. With strong and growing sales, the Ohio Lottery consistently ranks among the most profitable lotteries in the United States.
Can you buy lottery tickets with a credit card in Ohio?
No, Ohio Lottery rules prohibit the purchase of any draw game tickets with credit or debit cards. Customers must pay cash for all lottery ticket purchases at retail locations. This policy helps restrict problem gambling by not allowing ticket purchases on credit.
Some key policies to note about paying for Ohio Lottery tickets:
- Cash, money order, bank check, or travellers check only – no credit/debit cards
- No in-store financing – must pay full price up front
- No layaway programs accepted
- Foreign currency is not accepted
- Traveler’s checks must include purchaser’s name
Retailers who violate the cash-only rule could face penalties including fines or loss of lottery license. The cash basis helps maintain responsible gambling habits and financial prudence for players.
Conclusion
The Ohio Lottery provides regulated statewide games that deliver fun and entertainment for responsible players across the Buckeye state. By establishing definitive sales hours from 6:30am to 10:00pm daily, the Lottery creates order and fairness for lottery operations. Tickets must be purchased in-person during approved hours, with sales stopping promptly at 10:00pm each night. Cutoff times enable necessary end-of-day processing while preventing potential ticket manipulation after hours. With millions in jackpots up for grabs, Ohio Lottery players have plenty of chances to play it smart and take home big winnings!
