FAQs
Ninety-five cents of every dollar you spend on Lottery games goes back to the community through contributions to public schools and colleges, prizes and retail compensation. See how Lottery funds are making a difference on the Who Benefits page.
Collect your prize of up to $599 at any participating Lottery retail location.
Collect your prize over $599 at any Lottery District Office or by mail. Bring your winning ticket and a completed Claim Form to a District Office. Pick up the Claim Form at any Lottery retail location or District Office, or download the form (PDF).
For 2nd Chance prizes, there’s a different Claim Form, which you can download at 2nd Chance Claim form (PDF).
If you have a Claim Authorization Receipt from a retailer, submit that, too. We recommend sending the claim form ticket and Claim Authorization Receipt (if you have it) by certified mail, and save a copy of every item you submit.
If mailing, send Claim Forms to California State Lottery, 730 North 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811. For your 2nd Chance prize, mail your 2nd Chance Winner Claim Form to California State Lottery, Attn: 2nd Chance Promotion, 700 North 10th Street MS: 2–2, Sacramento, CA 95811.
After your Claim Form is processed at Lottery Headquarters in Sacramento, you’ll receive a check in the mail in about 6 to 8 weeks.
Yes. The Lottery is required to withhold federal taxes from your prize.
Keep in mind that federal taxes are subject to change. State and local taxes won’t be withheld on your lottery prizes, but you may still be liable for any California state and local personal income taxes. A professional tax adviser can help you determine your total tax liability.
To ensure the integrity of your account, the Lottery uses age/identity verification technology to validate your information. To participate in registered player benefits like 2nd Chance and Jackpot Captain and confirm your eligibility to win a promotional or 2nd Chance prize, players must provide the following information:
- Full legal name (first and last name)
- Valid California street address (including city, state and zip code)
- Date of birth (to ensure you’re 18 or older and can legally play the Lottery)
It is the Lottery’s policy to limit the collection of personal information and protect the personal information we collect and maintain.
Call the Lottery’s Security & Law Enforcement Division toll-free at 1-800-LOTTERY (1-800-568-8379) and provide:
- Retailer’s name, ID number and/or address
- Date and time of the incident
- Description of the incident
A security incident report will be opened and, depending on the situation, the Lottery will take further action.
If you ever feel you weren’t paid correctly for your Lottery ticket(s), contact the Lottery’s Security & Law Enforcement Division toll-free at 1-800-LOTTERY (1-800-568-8379) as soon as possible and provide:
- Retailer’s name, ID number and/or address where you bought and/or redeemed your ticket
- Date and time of the incident
- Ticket information
- Amount you were paid