Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1 | Ohio Administrative Code 3770:1 — State Lottery Commission | Lottery Commission

Chapter 3770:1-2 Authority; Administrative Procedure

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-2-01 Authority of the commission.

The rules of the commission are adopted and promulgated by the commission under the authority of section 3770.03 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 17, 2026 at 10:11 AM

History

Effective: February 13, 2004
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-2-02 Administrative Procedure Act.

The licensing function of the commission and the director will be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, except to the extent that the director is authorized by sections 3770.02 and 3770.03 of the Revised Code to suspend a license without prior hearing.

Last updated August 5, 2024 at 7:27 AM

History

Effective: August 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-2-03 Adoption, amendment or rescission of rules by the commission.

(A) Administrative Procedure Act. The commission will adopt, amend, rescind and promulgate its rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, except that rules pertaining to instant lottery games will be promulgated pursuant to section 111.15 of the Revised Code, but are not subject to division (D) of that section.

(B) Filing of proposed administrative and on-line game rules:

(1) The full text of each proposed administrative or on-line game rule, amendment, or rescission will be filed with the secretary of state, the director of the legislative service commission and the joint committee on agency rule review at least sixty days prior to the date on which the commission, in accordance with paragraph (E) of this rule, issues an order adopting the proposed administrative or on-line game rule, amendment, or rescission. The proposed administrative or on-line game rule, amendment, or rescission will be available for at least thirty days prior to the date of the public hearing to be held in accordance with paragraphs (C) and (D) of this rule at the headquarter and regional offices of the state lottery in printed or other legible form without charge to any person affected by such proposal.

(2) If the commission makes a substantive revision in the text of the proposed administrative or on-line game rule, amendment or rescission after it is filed, the state lottery will promptly file the full text of the proposed administrative or on-line game rule, amendment, or rescission in its revised form with the secretary of state, the director of the legislative service commission and the joint committee on agency rule review. The latest version of the text of the proposed administrative or on-line game rule, amendment, or rescission will supersede each earlier version of the text of the same proposed administrative or on-line game rule, amendment, or rescission.

(C) Filing of proposed instant game rules. The commission will review the text and form of each new instant game rule and afford an opportunity for comment on the rules by any party present at that commission meeting. Proposed instant game rules will then be filed pursuant to section 111.15 of the Revised Code, except that division (D) of that section will not apply. The full text of each proposed instant rule, amendment, or rescission will be filed with the secretary of state, the director of the legislative service commission and the joint committee on agency rule review.

(D) Public hearing.

(1) The state lottery will conduct a public hearing in accordance with section 119.03 of the Revised Code and other applicable provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act on all proposed adoptions, amendments, or rescissions of any administrative or on-line game rules.

(2) The hearing will be held at a place in the state of Ohio designated by the commission. The hearing will be conducted by a representative of the state lottery. At such hearings, any person affected by the commission's proposed action may appear and be heard to present evidence and argue that the proposed action will be unreasonable or unlawful.

(E) Notice of public hearing. The state lottery will give reasonable public notice of the commission's proposed action in the register of Ohio pursuant to section 119.03 of the Revised Code at least thirty days prior to the date set for the hearing on the adoption, amendment or rescission of any administrative or on-line game rule. Such notice will include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) The state lottery may give whatever other notice it reasonably considers necessary to ensure notice constructively is given to all persons who are subject to or affected by the proposed rule, amendment or rescission;

(2) The state lottery will provide a copy of the notice of the public hearing to any person who requests it and pays a reasonable fee to be determined by the director but not to exceed the costs of copying and mailing. The state lottery will mail a copy of the notice to any person who requests to be placed on a mailing list for the purpose of receiving such notices, and will also mail a copy of such notice in any addressed, stamped envelope provided by a person requesting the notice; and

(3) The notice of the hearing will contain a statement of the commission's intention to consider adopting, amending or rescinding an administrative or on-line game rule; a synopsis of the proposed administrative or on-line game rule, amendment or rescission or a general statement of the subject matter to which such proposed administrative or on-line game rule relates; a statement of the reason or purpose for adopting, amending or rescinding the administrative or on-line game rule; and the date, time and place of hearing on the commission's proposed action which will not be earlier than thirty days after the proposed administrative or on-line game rule, amendment, or rescission is filed as provided in paragraph (B)(1) of this rule.

(F) Adoption, promulgation and effectiveness.

(1) After compliance with paragraphs (B), (D) and (E) of this rule, and when the time for review and invalidation under sections 106.021, 106.023, 106.031, 106.04 and 106.041 of the Revised Code have expired, the commission may issue an order adopting the proposed administrative or on-line game rule, amendment or rescission, modified as the commission may determine, but consistent with the synopsis or general statement included in the original public notice of the hearing. With respect to instant game rules adopted pursuant to paragraph (C) of this rule, the commission may issue an order adopting the proposed instant game rule, amendment or rescission, modified as the commission may determine. Such orders of the commission will designate the effective date of the rule, amendment or rescission adopted, which date will not be earlier than the tenth day after said rule, amendment or rescission has been filed in its final form with the secretary of state, the director of the legislative service commission and the joint committee on agency rule review as provided in section 119.04 or 111.15 of the Revised Code, whichever is applicable.

(2) Prior to the effective date of a rule, amendment or rescission, the state lottery will make a reasonable effort to inform those affected thereby and to have available to those requesting it the full text of the rule as adopted or amended. In order to carry out the intent of this paragraph, the state lottery will mail a first class letter to each person who appeared at the hearing and offered evidence or arguments against the commission's proposed action.

Last updated August 5, 2024 at 7:27 AM

History

Effective: August 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-2-04 Actions by the director.

Any action by the director in establishing regulations governing sales agent standards or procedures, which includes the adoption, amendment or rescission of a license rule, will be taken in compliance with rule 3770:1-2-03 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated April 22, 2025 at 7:55 AM

History

Effective: April 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-2-05 Licensing decisions.

(A) Director to comply with Administrative Procedure Act. The director will comply with sections 3770.02 and 3770.03, as well as sections 119.06 to 119.10 of the Revised Code, and other applicable provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, in decisions and orders made or adopted in conducting the licensing function.

(B) Licensing hearings. When obligated to do so by the Administrative Procedure Act, the director will afford a hearing to a person affected by an order or decision of the director to deny, suspend or revoke a license, except to the extent that the director is authorized by sections 3770.02 and 3770.03 of the Revised Code to suspend or revoke a license without prior hearing. Such hearings will be conducted by the director or a hearing officer designated by the director and will comply with the mandates for adjudication hearings set out in the Administrative Procedure Act. The mandates of the Administrative Procedure Act that adjudication hearings be afforded prior to a final decision by the director to suspend a license may be waived under circumstances such as non-payment of funds owed by a sales agent to the lottery fund, for reasons related to the public safety, convenience or trust, or when immediate action is justified. The director will also comply with the Administrative Procedure Act in affording the sales agent subsequent opportunity for an adjudication hearing.

Last updated April 22, 2025 at 7:55 AM

History

Effective: April 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 3770:1-5 By-Laws

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-5-01 Scope and purpose of by-laws.

The by-laws of the commission contained in this chapter set out the policies and procedures which will govern the organization and administration of the commission and the state lottery.

Last updated August 17, 2026 at 10:09 AM

History

Effective: December 27, 1996
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-5-03 Powers and duties of the commission.

(A) Purpose of the commission. The commission will create a program of lottery games in the state of Ohio. The commission will carry out all duties assigned to it in the Lottery Act and will determine the rules under which the state lottery program will be established and conducted. Consistent with the Lottery Act, the commission will perform its duties so as to make as large a contribution as is practicable to the lottery profits education fund.

(B) Delegation to director. In addition to those duties assigned to the director in the Lottery Act, the commission may delegate the performance of other executive or administrative functions to the director.

(C) Commission to adopt rules for the conduct and operation of the state lottery. The commission will promulgate further rules, in addition to those promulgated under paragraph (C) of this rule, pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code for the conduct and operation of the lottery except that instant game rules will be promulgated pursuant to section 111.15 of the Revised Code but are not subject to division (D) of that section. Subjects covered in these rules will include but need not be limited to:

(1) The payment of prize awards;

(2) The criteria for the sealing of records and allowable offenses of lottery sales agent applicants or vendors; and

(3) All other areas relating to the efficient and economical operation and administration of a statewide lottery consonant with the public interest.

(D) Reports. The commission will report immediately to the governor and the general assembly any matters relating to the operation or administration of the lottery that, in the commission's judgment, would demand immediate legislative attention.

(E) Studies and investigations. The commission will continuously examine and update the operating procedures of the state lottery and may authorize studies of the state-run lotteries of other states for purposes of comparison.

Last updated August 5, 2024 at 7:27 AM

History

Effective: August 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-5-04 Meetings of the commission.

(A) Regular meetings. The commission shall hold a regular meeting with the director at least once each month.

(B) Special meetings. Special meetings of the commission shall be convened at the request of the chairperson or any five of the commissioners.

(C) Emergency special meetings. Emergency special meetings of the commission shall be convened at the request of the chairperson or any five of the commissioners. An emergency special meeting shall be convened only when an emergency has arisen which, in the determination of the conveners, requires immediate attention or action. An emergency special meeting shall be held at the commission's headquarters or such other place designated by the conveners of the meeting.

(D) General public notice of meetings.

(1) Any person may ascertain the time, place and purpose of regular meetings and special meetings by:

(a) Writing, with a stamped, self-addressed return envelope, to:

"Office of Legal Counsel

Ohio Lottery Commission

615 W. Superior Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44113-1879;"

(b) Calling the office of legal counsel, Ohio lottery commission, at (216) 774-5682 during normal business hours; or

(2) Any person may receive notice of the time, place and agenda of all regular and special meetings of the commission. The lottery shall maintain a list of all persons who have made written requests for such notification. Such notice shall be mailed or sent electronically no later than five calendar days prior to the date of the meeting.

(3) Any person who collects or disseminates news to the public and who requests general notice of regular and special meetings under paragraph (D)(2) of this rule may also receive notice of emergency meetings. Such notification shall include the time, place and purpose of the emergency meeting. It shall be given in person or by telephone to the representative designated under paragraph (D)(4) of this rule at least twenty-four hours before the time of the meeting. If that representative cannot be reached personally or by telephone, the notification shall be sent by telefax, overnight mail or electronically to said representative at least twenty-four hours before the time of the meeting.

(4) Requests for general notices of regular and special meetings of the commission under paragraph (D)(2) of this rule must be made in writing and must clearly state the address or electronic mailing address to which notices are to be mailed or sent electronically. If the person requesting such general notice is a corporation, partnership or other form of organization, its request shall specify the name or title of an individual representative to whose attention notices shall be directed. Only one notice of any given meeting will be mailed or sent electronically to any single organization.

(5) Requests from persons who collect or disseminate news to the public for notice of emergency meetings under paragraph (D)(3) of this rule shall state no more than two telephone numbers at which the representative of such person who is designated under paragraph (D)(4) of this rule to receive general notices may be reached for the purpose of receiving notices of emergency meetings.

(E) Notice of meetings to the commission and the director.

(1) Written notice of the time, place and agenda of any regular or special meeting shall be given to each commissioner and the director at least five days before the date of the meeting. Notice shall be deemed given on the day it is sent electronically to the person at the most recent electronic mail address or placed in the first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the person at the most recent postage address, in the records of the commission.

(2) Notice of the time, place and purpose of any emergency meeting shall be given to the commissioners and the director in person or by telephone at least twenty-four hours before the time of the meeting. If the person entitled to notice cannot be reached, notice shall also be given by telefax, overnight mail or electronically at least twenty-four hours before the time of the meeting.

(3) Notice of any meeting may be waived in writing by any person entitled to receive it under paragraph (D) of this rule at any time before or after a meeting.

(F) Procedures. Except as otherwise provided by these rules or a decision of the commission, meetings of the commission will be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

(G) Quorum: Voting. Five commissioners shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business at a meeting of the commission. Each commissioner present at a meeting, including the chairperson and vice chairperson, may make or second a motion, or call a question, and may vote on any question before the meeting.

Last updated August 17, 2026 at 10:09 AM

History

Effective: May 31, 2018
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-5-05 The director of the state lottery.

(A) Executive officer of the state lottery. The director shall be the state lottery's executive officer and shall be responsible for keeping all state lottery records, for supervising and administering the state lottery in accordance with the Lottery Act and for carrying out all commission rules and orders, all duties assigned by the Lottery Act, and other such duties as the commission prescribes.

(B) Contracts. Pursuant to other provisions of law relating to public contracts, the director may enter into contracts for the operation or promotion of the state lottery, including, but not limited to, contracts with individuals or business organizations experienced in the design and operation of the state-administered lotteries of other states. No contract to which the Ohio lottery commission is a party shall be assigned by any party to it without the director's approval.

(C) Title. The director, but only the director, may use the title "executive director" in carrying out the duties of that position.

(D) Director to adopt regulations. In accordance with the Lottery Act and these rules, the director shall adopt and promulgate internal management regulations governing the operation and administration of the state lottery. The director's actions shall comport with the purposes of the Lottery Act, the rules of the commission, and the regulations of the director through management orders, regulations and directives.

(E) Delegation by the director. Insofar as is consistent with the Lottery Act and these rules, the director may delegate the performance of certain duties to the deputy directors and the employees of the state lottery.

Last updated August 17, 2026 at 10:09 AM

History

Effective: June 8, 2007
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-5-06 Deputy directors.

(A) Appointment. The director shall appoint an assistant director and may appoint such deputy directors as necessary to carry out the state lottery's functions and duties. All deputy directors shall serve at the director's pleasure. All officers and employees appointed by the director shall be compensated pursuant to Chapter 124. of the Revised Code. Deputy directors shall perform such duties as are assigned to them by the director or the commission.

(B) The assistant director. An assistant director may be appointed by the director to serve as the second officer of the state lottery, subordinate only to the director. If the director does not appoint an assistant director, the director shall designate a deputy director to act as director in the absence or disability of the director.

(C) Qualifications. The assistant director shall meet all the qualifications required of the director and shall serve at the pleasure of the director.

(D) Duties.

(1) The assistant director shall devote full time to the duties of the office. Duties to be performed may be assigned by the director or the commission.

(2) The assistant director shall be familiar with all aspects of the conduct and operation of the state lottery. Except as otherwise requested by the commission, the assistant director shall attend all meetings of the commission. The assistant director shall confer regularly with the director and the commission when requested to do so.

(E) Absence or disability of the director.

(1) If the director is temporarily absent, the assistant director shall perform those ministerial duties of the director necessary to insure the uninterrupted operation of the state lottery.

(2) If the director, through death, disability or other cause, is unable to perform the duties of that office, the assistant director shall immediately inform the commissioners and then act in the director's place to perform the director's duties until a new director is appointed by the governor or until otherwise instructed by the commission.

(F) Actions for the director. Except for situations in which the Lottery Act or these rules intend that the director alone take a particular action, the assistant director may act for and in the place of the director when authorized to do so by the director or the commission.

Last updated August 17, 2026 at 10:09 AM

History

Effective: May 31, 2018
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-5-07 Professional employees.

(A) Lottery offices. The state lottery will have a number of functional offices as deemed necessary by the director. The deputy director of each office shall have a title to be determined by the director. Unless the director orders otherwise, each division will have a deputy director who reports to the director and shall perform duties as assigned by the director or the commission.

(B) Duties. All professional employees shall report to the deputy directors or to supervisory employees in their division as designated by the director. They shall perform duties as assigned by the director, deputy directors, or by such supervisory employees.

Last updated August 17, 2026 at 10:09 AM

History

Effective: May 31, 2018
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-5-08 Technical and clerical employees.

The director may appoint such technical and clerical employees deemed necessary. These employees shall report to supervisory employees designated by the director and shall perform such duties as are assigned to them by the director or such supervisory employees. All such employees shall comply with the requirements of Sections 3770.02 and 3770.021 of the Lottery Act and shall be appointed and compensated pursuant to Chapter 124. of the Revised Code and shall serve at the director's pleasure.

Last updated August 17, 2026 at 10:09 AM

History

Effective: June 8, 2007
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-5-09 State lottery offices.

(A) Headquarters. The headquarters of the commission and the state lottery shall be located in Cleveland or suburb thereof. The director, all deputy directors, the bureau managers and such other employees as the director may determine shall be located in the headquarters office.

(B) Regions. Upon receiving the approval of the commission, the director shall divide the state into regions, each region to surround a major Ohio city, or in the case of a rurally situated region, a centrally located city. The director shall establish a state lottery regional office to be headquartered in each of these cities or suburb thereof, or in the case of a region that is rurally situated, in a city or municipality geographically centered within the region. The director shall appoint a regional manager in accordance with division (C)(1) of section 3770.02 of the Revised Code to head each such office. Each regional manager shall report to the director or office deputy director designated by the director, and shall be responsible for such duties within the region as the director or the designated office deputy director may assign.

(C) Addition or removal of regions. As it appears necessary or advisable, the director with commission approval, may establish additional regions, may remove regions or may change the headquarters city of a region.

Last updated August 17, 2026 at 10:09 AM

History

Effective: June 8, 2007
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-5-10 Financial administration.

(A) Disbursement from the state lottery gross revenue fund. The state lottery gross revenue fund will be in the custody of the treasurer of state for the use of the state lottery, and moneys will be disbursed from it on the order of the office of budget and management, pursuant to vouchers or invoices signed by the director or the director's designee. The monies in the state lottery gross revenue fund will be appropriated in the following order, and only for the following purposes:

(1) Payment of prize awards to holders of winning lottery tickets, including prizes awarded in any statewide joint lottery games offered by the commission, provided the total prize disbursements at the end of the fiscal year be of an amount equal to or greater than fifty per cent of lottery tickets sales;

(2) Payment of expenses incurred by the state lottery in the operation and promotion of the state lottery, including but not limited to, costs arising from contracts entered into by the director for promotional, consulting or operational services, salaries of professional, technical, and clerical assistants, and purchases or lease of lottery equipment and materials, and any expenses incurred from the operation of any statewide joint lottery games; and

(3) Transfer into the lottery profits education fund of all net revenues remaining in the state lottery fund, after the payments specified in paragraphs (A)(1) and (A)(2) of this rule.

(B) Other disbursements. Subject to any applicable provisions of law, vouchers authorizing disbursements from any funds in the custody of the treasurer of state for use by the state lottery will only be made upon the director's own express written authorization. The director may designate individuals with authority to act as the director's signator when the director is unavailable to provide such express written authorization.

(C) Director to adopt internal management rules. The director will adopt internal management rules providing detailed financial procedures and controls. These will include, without limitation, the manner in which expenses may be incurred and the manner in which all financial transactions are to be effected and recorded.

(D) Audits. The auditor of state will conduct annual audits of all funds and such other audits as the auditor of state or general assembly considers necessary. In addition, the director, or the director's designee, including another state agency, may provide for and conduct such audits or examinations of the operations of the state lottery, sales representatives, and lottery sales agents as deemed necessary. The director and the auditor of state may examine all records, files, and other documents of the commission, and such records of agents and sales representatives as pertain to their state lottery activities, for purposes of conducting authorized audits or examinations.

Last updated August 5, 2024 at 7:27 AM

History

Effective: August 3, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 3770:1-6 General Conduct of Games

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-6-01 Conduct of lottery games by the state lottery.

(A) State lottery to conduct a program of lottery games. The commission shall conduct a program of lottery games in the state of Ohio. The design of each game, however, shall be approved by the commission upon the recommendation of the director. Each game shall incorporate the general characteristics set out in Chapter 3770:1-6 of the Administrative Code, and may include any statewide joint lottery game as based upon an agreement with other lottery jurisdictions as entered into by the director.

(B) Commission to adopt rules governing each lottery game. Before the state lottery begins any particular lottery game, the commission shall adopt a rule governing the design and operation of that game. Such rules shall be catalogued sequentially in Chapters 3770:1-7, 3770:1-9, 3770:1-10, 3770:1-11, 3770:1-12 and 3770:1-13 of the Administrative Code and shall cover without limitation, the type of lottery game that is to be conducted; the prices of tickets in the game; the prizes in the game, including the number and size of prize disbursements; the manner and frequency of prize drawings; that the entire net proceeds must be used to fund elementary, secondary, vocational and special education programs in the state if the game is a statewide joint lottery game; and any such other matters as the commission deems necessary or advisable to describe, or to provide for the conduct of, the particular lottery game.

Last updated January 2, 2024 at 2:02 PM

History

Effective: July 19, 2002
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-6-02 Play of lottery games by the public.

(A) A person will be able to play any game operated by the state lottery by purchasing a ticket authorized by the state lottery.

(B) Regarding draw-based lottery games, each purchaser of a ticket for a given price will have the same probability of winning any prize offered in that game as every other purchaser of a ticket at the same price.

(C) Regarding preprinted instant lottery games, chances of winning and the number of winning tickets are established at the time of printing and will change as prizes are won, or as tickets are lost, stolen, destroyed or voided.

(D) Instant tickets may also be in other than preprinted formats, and odds of winning are subject to change as prizes are won.

(E) The director will seek to obtain the widest possible participation and play by the public, excluding minors, in the games of the state lottery except that the director may limit any block orders by any person(s) attempting to purchase all combinations in a given game or if any such block orders interferes with the ability of other players to place their bets in a timely fashion.

(F) Notwithstanding the foregoing, each lottery game is established by the creation of an operating procedure or by promulgating a game rule, which governs the play of that game.

Last updated April 22, 2025 at 7:56 AM

History

Effective: April 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-6-03 Prices of lottery tickets.

The commission shall set the prices for tickets in the lottery games which it conducts in Chapters 3770:1-7, 3770:1-9, 3770:1-10, 3770:1-11, 3770:1-12 and 3770:1-13 of the Administrative Code describing such games.

Last updated January 2, 2024 at 2:02 PM

History

Effective: July 19, 2002
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-6-05 Prize drawings.

(A) Determination of winning draw game tickets. Winners in all draw lottery games conducted by the state lottery will be determined through prize drawings. All draw game prize winners will be selected in accordance with random procedures to be approved and adopted by the director. Draw game drawings may be conducted utilizing physical elements, i.e., game balls. They may also utilize random number generation computer technology.

(B) Draw game drawings to be public. Draw game drawings will be conducted in places to be determined by the director. All such drawings will be open to the public pursuant to procedures established by the director. Game drawings utilizing random number generation computer technology, are not viewable by the public.

(C) All other drawings to be public. All other prize drawings of the state lottery, including second chance drawings and special instant ticket game drawings and game show drawings, will be conducted in places determined by the director and will be open to the public pursuant to procedures established by the director.

(D) Participants in drawings.

(1) In drawings where prize contestants are present, each person claiming the right to be awarded a prize at a drawing in which persons eligible to win prizes are entitled to participate, will be mandated to provide identification and establish a claim to the satisfaction of the director. The director will need such identification and documentary proof as necessary to answer any questions that may arise.

(2) In all drawings where persons eligible to win prize awards are entitled to participate, participants may attend in person or authorize a representative to attend in their place. In either case, persons participating will present satisfactory identification and authorization. If a participant does not attend in person or by a representative, or if satisfactory identification and or authorization are not presented, an alternate will be appointed by the participant or the director or the participant may voluntarily forfeit any prize claim or prize winnings. All prizes won will be remitted to the original prize contestant.

(E) Instant lottery ticket prizes. Winning pre-printed instant lottery tickets are not determined by prize drawings, rather such winning instant tickets will be revealed immediately upon the removal of the covering on the face of the instant ticket. The holder of a winning instant ticket will be able to discern the prize, if any, based on the information revealed beneath the surface of the ticket. Instant tickets that are produced at the time of ticket purchase, utilizing computer technology, may need the removal of the covering on the face of the instant ticket to determine if a prize is won, if any.

Last updated April 22, 2025 at 7:56 AM

History

Effective: April 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-6-06 Special lottery drawings or promotions.

(A) Single event lottery drawings or promotions.

(1) In connection with a drawing, promotion or a special event, which is held as part of a lottery game of the commission, the director may conduct single-event or door-prize lottery drawings or promotions.

(2) The director may order that persons will become eligible to win a prize award in a single-event or a door-prize lottery drawing or promotion by purchasing a ticket or tickets offered in the related lottery game of the commission; provided, that the director may require that such purchase shall occur at the drawing or special event itself, or at other special times or places to be specified by the director for each single-event or door-prize lottery drawing or promotion.

(3) The director may also provide that a given class of holders of winning tickets or non-winning tickets who are eligible to participate in a prize drawing or promotion, which is part of a lottery game, be eligible to participate in a single-event or a door-prize lottery drawing or promotion to be conducted at such prize drawing or promotion.

(B) Promotional lottery drawings. If the director determines that they will increase sales of tickets in a lottery game of the commission, the director may institute and conduct promotional lottery drawings. These will be special lottery drawings, which are conducted for a specified period of time in addition to, and in conjunction with, a lottery game of the commission. Such promotional lottery drawings will be integrated with the marketing and promotional programs conducted by the director for the related lottery game.

(C) Drawings. The winners of prize awards in any special lottery drawing permitted by this rule may be determined either by a prize drawing, which is part of a related lottery game of the commission, or by a prize drawing conducted specifically for the special lottery drawing. All such prize drawings will follow procedures approved by the director, and each person eligible to win a prize award in the special lottery drawing, will have the same probability of winning a given prize award.

(D) Claiming and payment of prizes. The manner of claiming and payment of prize awards in special lottery drawings conducted pursuant to this rule will be governed by Chapter 3770:1-8 of the Administrative Code and by regulations, orders and directives adopted by the director pursuant to said Chapter 3770:1-8 of the Administrative Code.

(E) Claims in special lottery drawings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these rules, the director may order that a prize award in a special lottery drawing be claimed at a particular place, and within a time less than one hundred eighty days, including without limitation, the actual time and place of the drawing at which the winner of the prize award is determined.

Last updated January 2, 2024 at 2:02 PM

History

Effective: February 20, 2021
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-6-07 Public information.

The director shall inform the public about the lottery games being conducted by disseminating information to sales agents, and using advertising, press releases or other methods. Important features of each game shall be described to the public including the subjects covered by commission rules contained in Chapters 3770:1-7 3770:1-9, 3770:1-10, 3770:1-11, 3770:1-12 and 3770:1-13 of the Administrative Code in connection with each game.

Last updated January 2, 2024 at 2:02 PM

History

Effective: June 8, 2007
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 3770:1-8 Claiming and Payment of Prizes

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-8-01 Persons entitled to receive prizes.

(A) Valid tickets. Every ticket which is duly sold or is deemed to be duly sold in accordance with these rules and regulations will be valid unless otherwise made void in accordance with the rules. Tickets are bearer instruments and only the holder of a valid winning ticket will be entitled to the lottery prize award if such winning ticket is fully validated and the prize is claimed and presented for payment within the established redemption period as specified in rule 3770:1-8-04 of the Administrative Code. Tickets which are stolen from the state lottery, its employees, agents or representatives, or are otherwise acquired without ever having been lawfully sold, or deemed to be sold, in accordance with the rules of the commission and the regulations of the director, and tickets which are torn, altered, mutilated, or that do not comply with the applicable game rules may be declared void by the director.

(B) Claimant eligible to receive payment.

(1) A lottery prize award shall be claimed by the holder of a winning ticket, or by the executor or administrator of the estate or the trustee of a trust, of a deceased holder of a winning ticket, in the manner prescribed in rule 3770:1-8-02 of the Administrative Code.

(2) No right of any prize winner to a lottery prize award shall be the subject of a security interest or used as collateral.

(3)

(a) Pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs (B)(3)(a) to (B)(3)(e) of this rule, upon the death of a deferred prize winner, the executor or administrator of the deceased deferred prize winner's estate, or the trustee of the trust benefiting a deceased deferred prize winner, may elect to receive the remainder of the lottery prize award in the form of a discounted lump sum cash settlement, provided that the lottery prize award is not subject to a transfer agreement pursuant to sections 3770.10 to 3770.14 of Revised Code and the provisions contained in this rule. The amount of the discounted lump sum cash settlement shall be determined by calculating, as of the valuation date, the discounted value of the remaining future payments under the lottery prize award in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles using the discount rate formula hereinafter provided and then withholding the appropriate amount of state and federal income taxes as required by law. The valuation date shall be the first business day of the month immediately subsequent to the month in which the commission receives notification of the executor's, administrator's or trustee's election in accordance with paragraph (B)(3)(d) of this rule. The director shall disclose in writing to the executor, administrator or trustee the amount of the lump sum cash settlement, the discount rate used and the state and federal income taxes to be withheld. However, if the deferred lottery prize award was won in a statewide joint lottery game, the executor, administrator or trustee may elect to receive the present cash value for the remainder of such prize award calculated in accordance with the applicable section of the statewide joint lottery game rule under which prize winners may elect to receive a cash option prize.

(b) The discount rate to be used in determining the discounted lump sum cash settlement in paragraphs (B)(3)(a) to (B)(3)(e) of this rule shall be the cash option discount rate available at the time the prize was won based on the formula established by the director pursuant to authority granted under paragraph (C)(4) of rule 3770:1-8-04 of the Administrative Code. If no cash option discount rate was available at the time the original lottery prize award was won, the discount rate shall be the cash option discount rate that would have existed based on the formula established by the director pursuant to authority granted under paragraph (C)(4) of rule 3770:1-8-04 of the Administrative Code for determining the cash option discount rate formula. If the deferred prize award is a lifetime prize paid in an annual or monthly installment, the executor, administrator or trustee may elect to receive the present cash value for the remainder of such prize award as set forth in paragraph (B)(3)(c) of this rule with the present cash value based on the discount rate used by the lottery commission to fund deferred prize awards as of the date the prize was claimed. If the deferred lottery prize award was won in a statewide joint lottery game, the executor, administrator or trustee may elect to receive the present cash value for the remainder of that lottery prize award calculated in accordance with the applicable section of the statewide joint lottery game rule under which prize winners may elect to receive a cash option prize.

(c) In the case of a lifetime annual or a monthly installment deferred prize winner, the payments to be valued shall be the future payments to be made to the executor or administrator of the deceased prize winner's estate, or the trustee of the trust benefiting a deceased deferred prize winner, which, when added to the payments previously paid to such person and/or the prize winner, total the minimum guaranteed lottery prize award required under the game for which such award was granted as subject to the valuation requirements of paragraph (B)(3)(b) of this rule. If the minimum guaranteed lottery prize award was reached and paid during the life of the deceased prize winner, no discounted lump sum will be available to the deceased prize winner's estate or trust.

(d) To elect the option described in paragraphs (B)(3)(a) to (B)(3)(e) of this rule, the executor or administrator of the estate of a deceased, deferred prize winner or the trustee of a trust benefiting a deceased deferred prize winner shall:

(i) In the case of an annual installment deferred prize winner, provide the commission written notice of election within sixty days following the later of:

(a) The first annual payment following the prize winner's death; or

(b) The appointment of a legal representative for the deceased prize winner's estate; or

(ii) In the case of a lifetime installment deferred prize winner, provide the commission written notice of election within sixty days following the later of:

(a) The first payment following the prize winner's death; or

(b) The appointment of a legal representative for the deceased prize winner's estate.

(e) Upon receiving a notice of election, the commission shall cease making any further payments on the lottery prize award, and shall process the discounted lump sum cash settlement within a reasonable period of time, but in no event any longer than ninety days following the commission's receipt of the notice of election.

(f) Any estate or trust that receives a discounted lump sum cash settlement pursuant to this rule shall be responsible for payment of any fee which may be levied by the treasurer of state for early withdrawal of funds from the deferred prizes trust fund.

(i) The director may refuse to pay a discounted lump sum cash settlement to the executor or administrator of a deceased prize winner's estate, or the trustee of a trust benefiting a deceased prize winner if the director learns that any beneficiary who will subsequently receive the discounted lump sum cash settlement is in default on or is under a continuing child support or spousal support order as defined in sections 3119.01, 3105.18, and 3770.071 of the Revised Code or indebted to the state under section 3770.073 of the Revised Code.

(ii) The director may agree to pay a portion of the remainder of a deferred lottery prize award to the executor or administrator of a deceased prize winner's estate, or the trustee of a trust benefiting a deceased prize winner if the director learns that any beneficiary who will subsequently receive the discounted lump sum cash settlement is in default of or subject to a continuing child and/or spousal support order or is indebted to the state, provided that the discounted lump sum cash settlement does not include amounts owing on a child or spousal support arrearage, or amounts subject to a valid and continuing child or spousal support order, or amounts subject to state debt withholding, and that the appropriate state and federal income taxes are withheld on such amounts. The provisions of this paragraph apply only to the extent of the obligor/beneficiary's share of the discounted lump sum cash settlement payable to the estate or trust.

(iii) An election under this subsection may not be made by the executor or administrator of a deceased prize winner's estate, or the trustee of a trust benefiting a deceased prize winner, when there are fewer than two annual deferred payments remaining; or in the case of a lifetime deferred lottery prize award, when there are fewer than twelve monthly or four quarterly payments remaining; or at any time within the last year during which payments were to be made to the deferred prize winner.

(4) Assignments and/or transfers of lottery prize awards are governed by sections 3770.07, and 3770.10 to 3770.14 of the Revised Code.

(a) If the lottery prize award is a lifetime or a monthly installment deferred prize and the prize winner desires to transfer that prize award, the prize winner may only transfer the minimum guaranteed prize to which the prize winner is entitled pursuant to the applicable game rule. The prize winner shall then forfeit any right they would have to amounts beyond the guaranteed minimum associated with a lifetime lottery prize award should they live beyond the number of months or years associated with that guaranteed minimum amount.

(5) Partial assignments and/or transfers of lottery prize awards are governed by section 3770.121 of the Revised Code.

(6)

(a) Upon receipt of a court order issued under section 3770.13 of the Revised Code, the transferee shall provide a certified copy of the court order to the director of the commission. Not later than ten calendar days after receipt of the certified copy of the court order, the director shall acknowledge to the transferee in writing the commission's intent to comply with the court order in making future payments.

(b) The director shall make payments of the lottery prize award to the transferee designated in the certified copy of the court order and in accordance with the prize payment schedule established when the prize was claimed. A processing fee in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars shall be remitted by the transferee via money order made payable to the Ohio lottery commission subsequent to court approval of the lottery prize award transfer, to cover any direct or indirect costs associated with adjusting the prize award payments for the transferee in accordance with that prize payment schedule.

(c) Upon payment of any lottery prize award pursuant to paragraph (B)(6)(b) of this rule, the director and the commission are discharged from all further liability therefor.

(7) Garnishment, attachment, execution, withholding, or deduction of a lottery prize award is authorized by division (D) of section 3770.07 of the Revised Code and is subject to the following rules:

(a) Any creditor with a court order judgment against a lottery prize winner who has an unpaid balance prize award of one hundred thousand dollars or more, shall apply with the same court for a hearing to determine whether a garnishment, attachment, execution, withholding, or deduction should be issued against the prize winner's lottery prize award.

(b) The creditor shall duly notify all interested parties, by certified mail, return receipt requested, including the prize winner and the lottery commission at least thirty days prior to the hearing date.

(c) Upon the court's final determination whereby a garnishment, attachment, execution, withholding, or deduction should be issued, the creditor shall provide a certified copy of such order to the lottery commission.

(d) Any withholdings pursuant to such order shall be in accordance with the prize payment schedule established when the prize was claimed. The lottery commission shall not accelerate any future annual payments to fulfill the judgment amount in the order. The lottery commission shall not pay the entire judgment amount if such amount is beyond the total net prize award payable to the prize winner.

(e) Upon payment of any lottery prize award pursuant to paragraph (B)(7) of this rule, the director and the commission are discharged from all further liability therefor.

Last updated July 10, 2025 at 12:14 PM

History

Effective: June 27, 2014
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-8-04

(A) Payment to be made to claimant. Prizes shall be claimed in the name of the holder or holders of the ticket. After validation and proper submission for payment within the established redemption period as specified in this rule, payment of prize awards shall be made promptly to the person in whose name the claim is made. Validation of any ticket does not complete the claiming process and will be subject to the redemption period as specified in this rule.

(B) Method of payment. As permitted by applicable law, the director may order that prizes up to and including five hundred ninety-nine dollars will be paid by sales agents out of the proceeds of their ticket sales. All valid tickets for prizes up to and including five hundred ninety-nine dollars must be validated and cashed by the sales agent within one hundred eighty days of the drawing date of the winning ticket if the lottery game is an on-line game, one hundred eighty days from the ticket purchase date if the lottery game is an EZPLAY game, or one hundred eighty days after the close of the game if the lottery game is an instant game. All other prizes will be paid by official check, warrant or other electronic forms of payment. After issuance of a pay-to-bearer by a sales agent to a prize winner, prizes from six hundred dollars up to and including five thousand dollars may be redeemed by a prize winner presenting proper identification as determined by the director at any authorized branch office of a banking institution participating in the lottery's bank cashing program or at any authorized sales agent participating in the lottery's licensed retailer cashing program. The lottery's licensed retailer cashing program for prizes from six hundred dollars up to and including five thousand dollars shall hereafter be referred to as the "LRC program." The LRC program shall be conducted in accordance with lottery rules, regulations, policies and procedures and the director shall have the authority to determine which sales agents may participate in the program and the director shall have the discretion to terminate the LRC program or remove a sales agent from the LRC program at any time and for any reason. All valid tickets for prizes from six hundred dollars up to and including five thousand dollars must either be redeemed at an authorized banking institution or at an authorized sales agent participating in the LRC program, or all tickets along with a completed claim form must be received by a lottery office, within one hundred eighty days of the drawing date of the winning ticket if the lottery game is an on-line game, one hundred eighty days from the ticket purchase date if the lottery game is an EZPLAY game, or one hundred eighty days after the close of the game if the lottery game is an instant game. After validation by the banking institution or a sales agent authorized to participate in the LRC program in conjunction with the lottery, the banking institution or a sales agent authorized to participate in the LRC program may pay the winner in cash, by official check, by deposit to an account or other electronic forms of payment. The participating banking institution may charge the prize winner a fee agreed to by the director. All valid claims exceeding five thousand dollars shall have the applicable state and federal withholding taxes withheld along with any other deductions required by law, and must be received by a lottery office within one hundred eighty days of the drawing date of the winning ticket if the lottery game is an on-line game, one hundred eighty days from the ticket purchase date if the lottery game is an EZPLAY game, or one hundred eighty days after the close of the game if the lottery game is an instant game in accordance with the procedures set forth in rule 3770:1-8-02 of the Administrative Code. All valid claims must be filed and redeemed for payment within one hundred eighty days of the drawing date of the winning ticket if the lottery game is an on-line game, one hundred eighty days from the ticket purchase date if lottery game is an EZPLAY game, or one hundred eighty days after the close of the game if the lottery game is an instant game.

(1) When there is more than one winning ticket for any prize subject to pari-mutuel distribution, each winning ticket shall entitle its holder to receive a pro rata share of the prize in accordance with the number of winning selections validated by the on-line computer system and the game rule governing that particular game.

(2) Prizes shall be paid in a lump sum unless otherwise provided or required in the game rule.

(3) If applicable, installment payments may be made by official check, warrant or other electronic forms of payment, sent to the prize winner's address by mail delivery within the United States, or, all but the initial installment payment, may be sent to the prize winner via electronic funds transfer to an established bank account located anywhere within the United States. Requests by a prize winner to have installment payments sent to addresses outside the United States, or to have payments sent via electronic funds transfer to any off-shore accounts, may be considered by the director. However, such requests may be denied. Prize winners may also request to pick up their installment payments at a designated lottery office.

(4) In the event that prizes may be paid as an annuity, the director may adopt an order that gives winners the option to receive a discounted cash value of a prize less the appropriately withheld state and federal income taxes and any other amounts required by law. The formula for setting the discounted cash value shall be determined by the director in accordance with the game rule governing the game in which the prize is won. The prize winner(s) shall have sixty calendar days from the date of the redemption for payment of their valid claim to the lottery, as prescribed by paragraph (B) of this rule, to opt for the discounted cash value of the prize award, and such option shall not be revoked. At the time the valid claim is presented to the lottery, the discounted cash value of the prize, the formula used to compute that amount and the amount of appropriately withheld state and federal income taxes shall be disclosed in writing to the prize winner. A single winning ticket may be paid pursuant to these rules in either annual installments or in a lump sum equaling the discounted cash value. Prize winners who claim a joint prize from a single winning ticket will all receive prize payments in either annual installments or in a single, lump sum equaling the discounted cash value of their portion of the joint prize award. Prize winners who claim a joint prize from a single winning ticket may not opt to receive different forms of payment. Notice of such selection must be received by the lottery or post office stamped by the sixty calendar day deadline, or the prize winner shall be paid in annual installments as set forth in the applicable game rule in which the prize was won.

Last updated March 5, 2024 at 1:45 PM

History

Effective: November 27, 2015
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-8-02

(A) Manner of making claims. To receive a prize award, the person holding a winning ticket must claim the prize in accordance with these rules and with procedures to be adopted by the director.

(B) Claims in special lottery drawings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these rules, the director may require that a prize award in a special lottery drawing conducted pursuant to rule 3770:1-6-06 of the Administrative Code be claimed at a particular place, and within a time less than one hundred eighty days, including without limitation, the actual time and place of the drawing at which the winner of the prize award is determined.

(C) Claims by mail. Any prize claimed by mail should be sent to lottery commission headquarters via certified or registered mail to:

"The Ohio Lottery - Room 452

615 West Superior Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44113-1879"

The lottery shall not be responsible for the loss of any claim sent by mail, nor shall a winning ticket be considered received until the valid winning ticket is actually logged in as received by the lottery claims bureau at the address noted in this paragraph.

(D) Claims made at the regional offices. Claims sent by mail to the regional offices shall be considered received by the lottery if the ticket and claiming information are photocopied and immediately forwarded to the claims bureau at lottery commission headquarters via electronic mail and the original ticket and claiming document sent via overnight courier service. Claims made in person by ticket holders at the regional offices shall be considered received by the lottery once photocopies are made of the original ticket, a claim form is completed, and after an initial validation of the ticket by the regional staff through the lottery claims bureau.

Last updated January 2, 2024 at 2:03 PM

History

Effective: May 31, 2018
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-6-06

(A) Single event lottery drawings or promotions.

Last updated January 2, 2024 at 2:02 PM

History

Effective: February 20, 2021
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-8-03 Validation of winning tickets.

The director shall adopt detailed procedures for the validation of tickets for which a claim is made. Such procedures may include computerized validation as well as other validation tests to insure that the ticket is valid, and is, in fact, a winning ticket. These procedures shall be followed in each case before payment of a prize award is authorized. If a ticket is presented but cannot be validated due to an improper cancellation by a sales agent, and the ticket is otherwise demonstrated to be a valid winning ticket, the lottery may pay the claim. Any sales agent that improperly cancels a winning ticket may be required to reimburse the lottery for all prize monies paid on such a ticket. Any ticket cancellations by a sales agent must be made pursuant to the director's ticket cancellation policy. Sales agents are responsible for enforcing the director's ticket cancellation policy at their respective locations.

Last updated January 2, 2024 at 2:03 PM

History

Effective: July 19, 2002
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-8-05 Discharge of payment obligation.

Upon the payment of prize awards pursuant to the Lottery Act, these rules, and the procedures adopted by the director pursuant to these rules, the director and the commission shall be discharged from all further liability for such awards.

Last updated January 2, 2024 at 2:03 PM

History

Effective: May 27, 1993
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-8-06 Director to adopt procedures.

The director shall adopt orders, regulations or directives providing detailed procedures, including appropriate forms, to implement the purposes of this chapter. These shall provide for prompt validation of winning tickets and payment of prize awards, in accordance with any applicable provisions of law. The director shall publish the procedures for cashing and claiming prize awards.

Last updated January 2, 2024 at 2:03 PM

History

Effective: July 19, 2002
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-8-07 Pay vouchers.

(A) For purposes of this rule only, the term "pay voucher" means a document that meets the conditions of this rule, is generated by an authorized lottery terminal approved for use in connection with lottery games and reflects the player's credit balance for a complete or partial terminal session, or an individual prize award in the amount of six hundred dollars or greater.

(B) A pay voucher needs to be redeemed within one hundred eighty calendar days from the date of printing as shown on the pay voucher after which time it will expire. A pay voucher may be redeemed for cash in the same manner as authorized for the redemption of winning tickets. A player may also redeem a pay voucher by using the pay voucher in a multi-purpose terminal to receive a credit on the terminal for purchases.

(C) If a pay voucher is not redeemed within the period of time set forth in paragraph (B) of this rule, the amount of the prize money and/or funds deposited as reflected in the pay voucher amount will be returned to the state lottery fund and distributed in accordance with section 3770.06 of the Revised Code.

(D) A pay voucher will be valid if all of the following apply:

(1) It has been generated by an authorized lottery terminal approved for use in connection with lottery games;

(2) It is not damaged, mutilated, miscut, or altered, to the extent that any of the information set forth in paragraphs (E)(1) to (E)(5) of this rule is missing, illegible or unreadable;

(3) It has not previously been paid; and

(4) It meets all conditions of this rule.

(E) Each pay voucher will, at a minimum, contain the following information:

(1) The date and time of issuance;

(2) The amount of the pay voucher, except that no amount will be needed on a pay voucher generated as the result of a terminal communications loss;

(3) A unique serial number automatically generated by the voucher system;

(4) The identification number of the machine dispensing the pay voucher; and

(5) A unique identifier printed on the pay voucher as a bar code to enable the voucher system to identify the numeric information on the pay voucher when it is presented for redemption.

(F) No individual pay voucher may exceed the amount of five hundred ninety-nine dollars and ninety-nine cents, except for a pay voucher generated as a result of a terminal communications loss, or except as an individual prize award in an amount of six hundred dollars or greater.

Last updated April 22, 2025 at 7:56 AM

History

Effective: April 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 3770:1-9 Additional Lottery Games

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-9-250 Game number two hundred fifty.

(A) Title and term. Game number two hundred fifty, the Ohio-adopted version of "Mega Millions," will be conducted at such times and for such periods as the Ohio lottery commission may determine. For the purpose of this rule, "sales cycle" will mean any such period beginning on the date when ticket sales are commenced and continuing through the date established by the Ohio lottery commission executive director as the date on which sales agents are to make their final settlement with respect to such period.

(B) General design.

(1) "Mega Millions" is a statewide joint lottery game that exists based on an agreement between all participating party lotteries.

(2) As used in this rule, "Mega Millions" will hereinafter be referred to as "game number two hundred fifty" as it applies to statewide ticket sales in Ohio conducted by the Ohio lottery commission.

(3) As used in this rule, "party lotteries" will mean the member lotteries established and operated pursuant to the laws of the jurisdictions participating in "Mega Millions" and any licensees authorized to sell Mega Millions.

(a) Game number two hundred fifty will not be amended when one or more lottery is added or removed from participating, unless the addition or removal of such party lottery will substantively change the game matrix, the play style or the method of prize payments in this game.

(4) As used in this rule, "directors" will mean the chief officers of the member party lotteries or any other persons to whom the directors' authority is lawfully delegated.

(5) As used in this rule, "cash grand prize" will mean the cash value of the grand prize jackpot paid in a lump sum as determined by the directors or their designees. The cash grand prize will be an amount less than the annuity grand prize.

(6) As used in this rule, "annuity grand prize" will mean the annuity value of a grand prize jackpot based on the investment by the Ohio lottery commission of the cash grand prize amount to fund an annual installment payment stream over twenty-six years as determined by the directors or their designees.

(7) As used in this rule, "Ohio lottery" will mean the Ohio lottery commission.

(8) As used in this rule, "Ohio director" will mean the executive director of the Ohio lottery commission.

(9) As used in this rule, game number two hundred fifty "panel or play area" will mean the area of an official "Mega Millions" ticket identified by the following two fields of play: one field of five numbers consisting of one or two digits that were selected by the player or the on-line gaming system computer, and a second field of one number consisting of one or two digits selected by the player or the on-line gaming system computer. Up to ten such panels or play areas may appear on any one ticket in game number two hundred fifty. The director may change the number of panels or play areas appearing on any one ticket in game number two hundred fifty. Each panel will constitute a separate wager.

(10) Each ticket in game number two hundred fifty will be imprinted with one set of five unique numbers from a set of numbers, one through fifty-six inclusively ("field one"), and one unique number from a second set of numbers, one through forty-six, inclusively ("field two"), as determined by the choice of the ticket purchaser or the auto pick feature of the on-line computer system, and recorded on the ticket at the time of purchase. Players may use a bet card to have the auto pick feature select their numbers in either field one, field two or both fields. Players may also use a bet card to manually select their numbers in either field one, field two or both fields. (Bet cards are available at no cost to the player and will have no pecuniary or prize value, nor will they constitute evidence of purchase or number selections). When a player orally places a "Mega Millions" wager, the player needs to either manually select numbers from both fields or request usage of the auto pick feature to select numbers from both fields. A ticket may include one or more panels as described in paragraph (B)(9) of this rule.

(11) As used in this rule, game number two hundred fifty winning numbers will be randomly selected during each official "Mega Millions" drawing, and will consist of five numbers selected from a field of numbers one through fifty-six, inclusively, and one number selected from a second field of numbers one through forty-six, inclusively. Holders of valid winning tickets for a given drawing bearing the numbers drawn in that drawing, in whole or in part, will be entitled to a prize award in accordance with the applicable paragraph(s) of this rule. The prize awarded to holders of winning tickets may be dependent upon whether a player has purchased the Megaplier feature.

(12) Tickets purchased in game number two hundred fifty are automatically deemed by the on-line gaming system to reflect payment of the grand prize jackpot in twenty-six annual installments. As set forth at paragraph (J)(3) of this rule, at the time of claim, any grand prize jackpot prize winner(s) who purchased their game number two hundred fifty ticket(s) from an authorized Ohio lottery sales agent will have sixty calendar days from the date of the presentation for payment of their valid claim to the Ohio lottery commission, to opt for a cash grand prize known as the "cash option." All other prizes, other than the grand prize in game number two hundred fifty, will be paid out in a lump sum.

(C) Price of tickets. The price of a wager for the game as described in paragraphs (B) to (D) of this rule issued by the Ohio lottery commission in game number two hundred fifty will be one dollar. The player may purchase up to the number of wagers per ticket, or multiples thereof, as designated by the director if a multi-draw wager is requested at the player's discretion in accordance with the number of game panels and inclusive drawings. The cost of every one dollar wager will be increased by one dollar if the player purchases the Megaplier feature.

(D) Structure, nature and value of prize awards. Based upon the numbers drawn in each regular drawing for game number two hundred fifty, prizes will be awarded to holders of valid tickets for that drawing as follows:

(1) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches none of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of two dollars;

(2) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches one of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of three dollars;

(3) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of seven dollars;

(4) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches two of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of ten dollars;

(5) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars.

(6) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars.

(7) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of ten thousand dollars.

(8) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches all five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of two hundred fifty thousand dollars.

(9) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches all five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number drawn for field two, the player will win the grand prize jackpot award which will be divided equally among the winning selections if there is more than one winning selection. Except as otherwise designated by the directors or their designees, the prize pool to be paid will be equal to the amount designated by the directors, following the drawing, as the cash grand prize jackpot amount rather than an annuity grand prize jackpot amount. The directors or their designees may advertise estimated cash grand prize or annuity grand prize jackpot amounts for each drawing. Except as otherwise determined by the directors or their designees, advertised cash or annuity grand prize jackpot amounts are in no way guaranteed amounts. Except as otherwise determined by the directors or their designees, the cash grand prize jackpot amount designated by the directors or their designees following a drawing will be the basis for determining the amount to be awarded for each valid winning ticket matching all five of the five winning numbers drawn for field one and one winning number drawn for field two. Advertised cash or annuity grand prize jackpot amounts may be forecasted for each drawing by the directors or their designees based upon expected sales, but, unless the directors or their designees have determined that such advertised amounts are guaranteed amounts, any such amounts forecasted for purposes of advertisement are in no way guaranteed amounts.

In any event, the directors or their designees will have discretion to change the prizes and percentages which represent the prize pools in each of the categories referred to in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(9) of this rule.

(10) The minimum total grand prize jackpot amount in any grand prize jackpot for which at least one ticket bears a winning selection which matches five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matches one number drawn for field two, as validated by the on-line computer system, will be an amount designated by the directors or their designees, and will be divided equally among the holders of the winning tickets if there is more than one winning ticket.

If the grand prize jackpot amount that is divided by the number of prize winners matching five winning numbers for field one and one winning number for field two is less than one million dollars, each grand prize jackpot winner will be paid in a single cash payment in an amount equal to the cash option grand prize divided equally by the number of grand prize jackpot prize winners.

The directors may set the grand prize jackpot at levels higher than the minimum amount in accordance with paragraph (D)(9) of this rule.

(11) Any amounts remaining in the prize pools described in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule after any given drawing, due to residual amounts after prize disbursements, will be retained by the party lotteries.

(12) When there are no winning tickets issued for the prize pool described in paragraph (D)(9) of this rule, the directors will carry the prize pool amount forward into the grand prize jackpot for the next consecutive drawing.

(13) When there are no winning tickets issued for the prize pool described in paragraph (D)(9) of this rule, the grand prize jackpot prize amount will roll pari-mutuelly based on sales as set by the directors, however, the directors may establish a grand prize jackpot prize amount higher than that amount.

(14) If the total prize liability for the prize levels described in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule exceeds the liability cap agreed upon by the directors, then that liability cap may be enforced for the payment of the prize awards set forth in paragraphs (D)(5) to (D)(8) of this rule. In the event the liability cap is exceeded, then the prizes set forth in paragraphs (D)(5) to (D)(8) of this rule may be paid on a pari-mutuel basis, or in another manner as determined by the director, rather than fixed prize basis, provided, however, that in no event will the pari-mutuel prizes or other prizes awarded be greater than the applicable fixed prizes. In the event that the liability cap is exceeded and prizes are paid on a pari-mutual basis, or in another manner as determined by the director, the amounts used for allocation of such pari-mutuel prizes, or other prizes awarded, for each prize level will be determined by the director. If the liability cap is exceeded for a particular drawing, the Ohio director will make the amount of the liability cap publicly available by means that the Ohio director deems appropriate. For purposes of prize calculation with respect to any game number two hundred fifty pari-mutuel prize, the calculation will be rounded down so that prizes will be paid in multiples of one dollar.

(15) In a single game number two hundred fifty drawing, a claimant may win in only one prize category per wager as a result of possessing winning numbers selected in either one or both fields of play, and will be entitled only to the highest prize level won.

(16) Subject to the laws and regulations governing each party lottery, the number of prize categories and the allocation of the prize fund among the prize categories may be changed at the discretion of the directors. Such change will be announced by public notice.

(E) In addition to the game described in paragraphs (B) to (D) of this rule, a player will have an option to play "The Megaplier." If a player selects the Megaplier feature, the words "Megaplier Yes" will be printed on the player's ticket. If a player fails to choose the Megaplier feature, the words "Megaplier No" will be printed on the player's ticket.

(1) The cost of every one dollar Mega Millions wager will be increased by one dollar if the player purchases "The Megaplier" feature.

(2) In connection with the Megaplier feature, if said feature is an available feature, for purposes of the prize levels set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(7) of this rule, a drawing will occur prior to each Mega Millions drawing to select, unless otherwise approved by the director, a multiplier number from one of the following twenty-one numbers: two, two, three, three, three, three, three, three, three, four, four, four, four, four, four, four, four, four, four, four, and four. As determined by the director, multiplier numbers other than two, three or four including but in no way limited to numbers higher than four may be used for promotions. In the event of a winning ticket, the multiplier number selected will only apply to the prize levels set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(7) of this rule. The multiplier number selected in no way applies to or impacts the prize award set forth in paragraph (D)(8) of this rule. In the event of a winning ticket, as set forth in paragraph (E)(2)(h) of this rule, purchase of the Megaplier feature will increase the regular prize award set forth in paragraph (D)(8) of this rule. Purchase of the Megaplier feature in no way multiplies, increases or impacts the grand prize jackpot award set forth in paragraph (D)(9) of this rule. A player who chooses the Megaplier feature, will win the prize awards set forth below which will be in lieu of the prize awards set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule, not in addition to the prize awards set forth therein.

(a) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches none of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number drawn for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, the regular prize award of two dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of four dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, the regular prize award of two dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of six dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of two dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of eight dollars.

(b) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches one of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number drawn for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, the regular prize award of three dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of six dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, the regular prize award of three dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of nine dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of three dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twelve dollars.

(c) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, the regular prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of fourteen dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, the regular prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twenty-one dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twenty-eight dollars.

(d) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches two of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number drawn for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, the regular prize award of ten dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twenty dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, the regular prize award of ten dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of thirty dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of ten dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of forty dollars.

(e) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number drawn for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, the regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of three hundred dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, the regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of four hundred fifty dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of six hundred dollars.

(f) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, the regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of three hundred dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, the regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of four hundred fifty dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of six hundred dollars.

(g) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number drawn for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, the regular prize award of ten thousand dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twenty thousand dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, the regular prize award of ten thousand dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of thirty thousand dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of ten thousand dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of forty thousand dollars; and

(h) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches all five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, and in the event the player has purchased the Megaplier feature, the regular prize award of two hundred fifty thousand dollars will be increased and the player will be entitled to a prize award of one million dollars.

(3) The directors or their designees will have discretion to change the prize amounts and number of prizes referred to in paragraphs (E)(2)(a) to (E)(2)(h) of this rule. Changes will be publicly announced.

(4) Any amounts remaining in the prize pools described in paragraphs (E)(2)(a) to (E)(2)(h) of this rule after any given drawing, due to residual amounts after prize disbursements, will be retained by the party lotteries.

(5) If the total prize liability for the prize levels described in paragraphs (E)(2)(a) to (E)(2)(h) of this rule exceed the liability cap agreed upon by the directors, then that liability cap may be enforced for the payment of the prize awards set forth in paragraphs (E)(2)(a) to (E)(2)(h) of this rule. In the event the liability cap is exceeded, then the prizes set forth in paragraphs (E)(2)(a) to (E)(2)(h) of this rule may be paid on a pari-mutuel basis, or in another manner as determined by the director, rather than fixed prize basis, provided, however, that in no event will the pari-mutuel prizes or other prizes awarded be greater than the applicable fixed prizes. In the event that the liability cap is exceeded and prizes are paid on a pari-mutuel basis, or in another manner as determined by the director, the amounts used for allocation of such pari-mutuel prizes, or other prizes awarded, for each prize level will be determined by the director. If the liability cap is exceeded for a particular drawing, the Ohio director will make the amount of the liability cap publicly available by means that the Ohio director deems appropriate. For purposes of prize calculation with respect to any game number two hundred fifty pari-mutuel prize, the calculation will be rounded down so that prizes will be paid in multiples of one dollar.

(6) In a single game number two hundred fifty drawing, a claimant may win in only one prize category per wager as a result of possessing winning numbers selected in either one or both fields of play, and will be entitled only to the highest prize level won, and if the Megaplier feature is selected, the prizes awarded under paragraphs (E)(2)(a) to (E)(2)(h) will be in lieu of the prize awards set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule, but never in addition to the prize awards set forth therein.

(F) Frequency and location of prize drawings. Drawings will be held at such times and places determined by the directors.

(G) Manner of prize drawings.

(1) All drawings conducted in connection with this rule will be open to the public and may be held at such places and times in any party lottery jurisdictions that the directors will determine. The directors will inform the public as to the time and place of each prize drawing.

(2) All holders of valid tickets for a given drawing are eligible to win in that drawing.

(3) All drawings in connection with the "Mega Millions" will be conducted randomly in accordance with procedures approved by the directors. For every drawing in connection with "Mega Millions", the directors will approve operating procedures and drawing devices to be used in the selection of winning numbers and the awarding of prizes.

(H) Validity of tickets.

(1) Each purchaser of tickets in game number two hundred fifty will be responsible for verifying that the numbers imprinted on such tickets are those requested, that the purchase price paid is the price recorded on such ticket, and that such ticket has recorded thereon the type of wager(s) and the drawing date(s) therefor that the purchaser desired to make. The Ohio lottery commission will be free of any liability in connection with this paragraph.

(2) Each ticket issued in game number two hundred fifty will have imprinted thereon at the time of purchase a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission. No prize will be paid by the Ohio lottery commission for any tickets without such control number or bar code data. A valid winning ticket bearing matching player or on-line gaming system computer number selections and also containing a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission, will serve as the only valid proof of the wager placed and the only valid receipt for claiming or redeeming any prize. Each party lottery follows the same Mandatesments set forth in this paragraph.

(3) As applicable to this rule, any and all game tickets, including "The Megaplier" feature, may not be canceled.

(4) Valid winning game number two hundred fifty tickets will need to meet the following conditions:

(a) Validation data will be present in its entirety and needs to correspond, using the computer validation file, to the number selections printed on the ticket for the drawing date(s) printed on the ticket;

(b) The ticket needs to be intact;

(d) The ticket must not be counterfeit or an exact duplicate of another winning ticket;

(e) The ticket needs to have been issued by an authorized Ohio lottery commission sales agent on official paper stock of the Ohio lottery commission;

(f) The ticket must not have been stolen;

(g) The ticket has been submitted for payment in accordance with the Ohio lottery commission's validation and claiming procedures;

(h) The ticket data has been recorded on the central computer system prior to the drawing and the ticket data must match this computer record in every respect (in the event of a contradiction between the information as printed on the ticket and as accepted by the Ohio lottery commission on-line gaming system, the wager accepted will be the valid wager);

(i) The player or computer number selections, validation data and the drawing date(s) of an apparent winning ticket needs to appear on the official file of winning tickets, and a ticket with that exact data will need to be validated as never being previously paid;

(j) The ticket needs to be properly registered, and any ticket defectively printed or printed or produced in error to an extent that it is incapable of being processed by the Ohio lottery commission;

(k) The ticket needs to pass all other confidential security checks of the Ohio lottery commission;

(l) In submitting an official game number two hundred fifty ticket for validation, the claimant agrees to abide by applicable laws, all rules and regulations of the Ohio lottery commission, and any instructions, conditions and final decisions of the Ohio director;

(m) There must not be any other breach of the rules described herein in relation to the ticket which, in the opinion of the Ohio director, justifies disqualification; and

(n) To be eligible for payment, all winning tickets will be presented for payment to the party lottery which issued it within the claiming period as established by that party lottery.

(5) All winning tickets in game number two hundred fifty are subject to validation by the on-line computer system under procedures established by the Ohio director before the payment of any prize.

(6) An official game number two hundred fifty ticket submitted for validation which fails any of the validation conditions as established in paragraph (H)(4) of this rule will be considered void, subject to the following determination:

(a) In all cases of doubt, the determination of the Ohio director will be final and binding. However, the Ohio director, at his/her option, may replace an invalid ticket with an official game number two hundred fifty ticket of equivalent sales price or a refund of the purchase price;

(b) In the event a defective ticket is purchased or in the event that the Ohio director determines to adjust an error, the sole and exclusive remedy will be the replacement of such defective or erroneous ticket(s) with an official game number two hundred fifty ticket of equivalent sales price or a refund of the purchase price; and

(c) In the event an official game number two hundred fifty ticket is not paid by the Ohio lottery commission, and a dispute occurs as to whether the ticket is a valid winning ticket, the Ohio lottery commission may, at its option, replace the ticket or provide a refund of the purchase price.

(7) The Ohio lottery commission has no responsibility for lost or stolen game number two hundred fifty tickets.

(8) The Ohio lottery commission not be responsible to any claimant and sales agent for game number two hundred fifty tickets redeemed in error by an Ohio lottery commission sales agent.

(9) Valid prize winners are determined by the numbers drawn and not the numbers reported. The Ohio lottery commission will not be responsible for game number two hundred fifty winning numbers reported in error.

(10) In purchasing a ticket issued for game number two hundred fifty, the player agrees to comply with and be bound by all applicable statutes, administrative rules and regulations, and procedures of the Ohio lottery commission, and understands that the directives and determinations of the other party lotteries do not apply to game number two hundred fifty purchases in Ohio. The player agrees, as its sole and exclusive remedy, that claims arising out of any "Mega Millions" ticket purchase can be pursued only against the state or jurisdiction of ticket purchase. Therefore, litigation, if any, may only be maintained against the Ohio lottery commission in the appropriate forum for game number two hundred fifty tickets purchased at an authorized Ohio lottery sales agent location.

(11) For the purpose of determining the number of winning wagers, division of the grand prize jackpot is contingent on the on-line computer system's determination of winning wagers sold, and not by the number of winning tickets presented for payment.

(I) Procedures for claiming and payment of prize awards.

(1) Effective upon determination of prize payouts, prizes will be redeemed or claimed only in the jurisdiction where the official winning "Mega Millions" ticket was purchased. Claimants of prizes in "Mega Millions" must comply with the claiming periods or deadlines of the jurisdiction where the winning "Mega Millions" ticket was purchased. Claimants of game number two hundred fifty prizes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio must comply with the following terms and conditions:

(a) Prizes for game number two hundred fifty tickets purchased in Ohio may be redeemed or claimed only through Ohio lottery sales agents authorized to sell game number two hundred fifty tickets, or other authorized claim centers designated by the Ohio lottery commission;

(b) Claimants of winning game number two hundred fifty prizes for tickets purchased in Ohio must comply with the prize claim mandates of the Ohio lottery commission and the applicable claiming period of one hundred eighty days as set forth in division (A)(1) of section 3770.07 of the Revised Code;

(c) In the event a single game number two hundred fifty ticket purchased in Ohio contains two or more winning wagers, the cumulative prize amount will be claimed or redeemed in accordance with the specified prize payment limits of the Ohio lottery commission;

(d) State and federal withholding taxes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio will be withheld from game number two hundred fifty prizes awarded by the Ohio lottery commission in such amounts as may be mandated by law, along with any other deductions mandated by law; and

(e) Game number two hundred fifty prizes will not be paid to any persons prohibited from playing by the governing law or rules of the Ohio lottery commission. In addition, "Mega Millions" tickets may not be purchased in any other party lottery jurisdictions by any party lottery board or commission member; or any officer or employee of a party lottery; or any spouse, child, brother, sister or parent residing as a member of the same household in the principal place of residence of any such party lottery board member or commissioner, officer or employee.

(f) For winning official game number two hundred fifty tickets purchased in Ohio for which no claim or redemption is made within one hundred eighty days after the date of the drawing as mandated by the procedures set forth in Ohio lottery commission rules, the corresponding prize monies will be returned to the Ohio lottery in accordance with procedures for the reconciliation of prize liability as may be agreed from time to time by the directors of the party lotteries. Such unclaimed prizes will be paid into the state lottery fund and distributed in accordance with section 3770.06 of the Revised Code.

(J) Payment of the grand prize jackpot award.

(1) In accordance with the "Mega Millions" agreement, if the Ohio lottery commission sells a winning grand prize jackpot ticket, the party lotteries will, through the "Mega Millions" clearinghouse, transfer to the Ohio lottery commission an amount equivalent to each party lottery's share as determined by the directors or their designees to be the amount needed to fund payment of the grand prize jackpot..

(2) If there is only one winning grand prize jackpot ticket, except as otherwise authorized, annual payments will be paid in twenty-six annual installments by the party lottery which sold the winning ticket. If the Ohio lottery commission sells a winning grand prize jackpot ticket, and such winning ticket is presented for payment, the initial installment will be paid upon completion of internal validation and claiming procedures as established by the Ohio lottery commission. The first installment payment will not be less than the twenty-five subsequent annual installment payments. The subsequent twenty-five equal installments will be paid annually to coincide with the federal bond auction dates as designated by the directors or their designees. If there is more than one winning grand prize jackpot ticket, then the annual payments will be paid in accordance with the "Mega Millions" agreement.

(3) Upon completion of internal validation and claiming procedures established by the Ohio lottery commission, at the time a valid claim is presented for payment of the grand prize jackpot, the cash grand prize option amount along with the amount of appropriately withheld state and federal income taxes will be disclosed in writing to the prize winner. Commencing with the date of presentment of a valid winning grand prize jackpot ticket to the Ohio lottery commission, and for sixty calendar days thereafter, claimants may choose the cash option instead of annual installments. Claimants who choose the cash option will receive the amount of cash grand prize option amount disclosed to claimant by the Ohio lottery commission in accordance with applicable rules, less the appropriately withheld state and federal income taxes and any other deductions mandated by law.

Notice of the cash option selection must be received by the Ohio lottery commission or post office stamped by the end of the sixty calendar day deadline. Such option, once chosen, may not be revoked. If no selection is made during the allowed time period, the prize winner will automatically be paid the prize as an annuity grand prize in twenty-six annual installments as provided for herein. No payment will be issued during the period prior to selection.

(4) As set forth in paragraphs (J)(1) to (J)(3) of this rule, a single winning game number two hundred fifty grand prize jackpot ticket may be paid in either twenty-six annual installments or in one lump sum, cash option payment. However, prize winners who claim a joint prize from a single winning ticket will all receive prize payments in either annual installments or in a lump sum payment. Prize winners who claim a joint prize from a single winning ticket may not opt to receive different forms of payment.

(K) Net proceeds to lottery profits education fund. The entire net proceeds from the sale of game number two hundred fifty in Ohio that remain after associated operating expenses, prize disbursements, lottery sales agent bonuses, commissions, and reimbursements, and any other expenses necessary to comply with the agreements among the party lotteries or these rules are deducted from the gross proceeds of game number two hundred fifty, will be transferred to the lottery profits education fund as mandatedd under division (B) of section 3770.06 of the Revised Code.

(L) Director's conduct of game number two hundred fifty.

(1) The Ohio director will conduct game number two hundred fifty in a manner consistent with the Ohio Lottery Act, the rules of the Ohio lottery commission, including without limitation this rule, and the regulations of the Ohio director. As deemed necessary or advisable, the Ohio director will adopt management regulations, orders or directives to implement and operate this Ohio lottery game.

(2) Names and definitions of elements of game number two hundred fifty used in this rule are considered generic terms used solely for the purpose of this rule.

(3) Should the Ohio director determine that drawings conducted pursuant to game number two hundred fifty are to be discontinued, such discontinuation must occur at the end of a jackpot sequence. Should the directors determine that "Mega Millions" will be discontinued and replaced by a modified version of "Mega Millions" or another joint lotto game with a grand prize jackpot agreed to by the party lotteries, then the directors will have the discretion to transfer any existing funds from the "Mega Millions" grand prize jackpot that was not won before such drawings were discontinued, to such new joint lotto game.

(4) The directors will have discretion to authorize any funding mechanism deemed necessary to accomplish payment of any prize pool. The directors may collectively authorize sale of "Mega Millions" tickets at a discount for promotional purposes. In addition, the Ohio director may authorize sale of game number two hundred fifty tickets at a discount for promotional purposes within the state of Ohio, provided that such discounted sales are reported to the other party lotteries at full gross sales value.

(5) In the event of any conflict between general "Mega Millions" rules and the statutes, rules or regulations of the Ohio lottery commission, the Ohio lottery commission statutes, rules and regulations will control.

(6) All decisions made by the Ohio director with respect to the play of game number two hundred fifty in Ohio, including the declaration of prizes and the payment thereof and the interpretation of Ohio lottery commission rules, will be final and binding on all purchasers and on every person making a claim in respect thereof.

Last updated April 22, 2025 at 7:57 AM

History

Effective: April 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-9-947 Game rule number nine hundred forty-seven.

(A) Title and term. Ohio lottery commission game rule number nine hundred forty-seven, "General EZPLAY tap game rule," and the individual EZPLAY tap games offered and operated pursuant to the authority of this general EZPLAY tap game rule will be conducted at such times and for such periods as the commission may determine.

(B) General design.

(1) Game rule number nine hundred forty-seven is an EZPLAY tap game known as an "online game," offered and operated pursuant to the authority of this general EZPLAY tap game rule and will only be played on a multi-purpose terminal manufactured in accordance with lottery approved specifications, owned and tested by the lottery and connected to a lottery gaming system.

(2) Each EZPLAY tap game will have an individual game name, a summary of how the game will be played, specified wager amounts and a prize structure detailing winning prizes at each wager amount selected by the player.

(3) Each EZPLAY tap game will provide for announcement of immediate EZPLAY tap game prize winnings as determined by a random number generator within the lottery central system which prize winnings will be communicated from the central system to each terminal.

(4) The amount of the prize pool for each EZPLAY tap game will be replenished after each winning prize and in no way will diminish as prizes are won.

(5) Each EZPLAY tap game will be displayed on a single screen. A game may allow for the screen to be tapped to reveal game results, or allow for game results to be revealed automatically, or both.

(C) Price of EZPLAY tap game tickets. The wager amount for an EZPLAY tap game ticket will be in the minimum amount of twenty-five cents. Other wager amounts and the maximum wager amount will be established for each EZPLAY tap game by the director and will be subject to approval through a resolution of five commissioners present at a meeting of the commission.

(D) Number nature and value of prize awards. Game design features as set forth in paragraph (B)(2) of this rule, including the value of EZPLAY tap game prize winnings and the number and nature of different EZPLAY tap game prize winning combinations available for each EZPLAY tap game, and any bonus features or progressive jackpot features in the game will be established by the director and will be subject to approval through a resolution of five commissioners present at a meeting of the commission prior to the EZPLAY tap game being available to a lottery sales agent for sale to players.

(1) The value of the EZPLAY tap game prize winnings, and any cash balance, will be displayed on the terminal.

(2) The EZPLAY tap game result, whether winning or non-winning, for a valid wager, will be displayed on the terminal.

(E) Payment of EZPLAY tap game prize winnings. Notwithstanding the information displayed on a terminal screen, EZPLAY tap game prize winnings will not be due and payable to a player until a pay voucher has been generated by the terminal, the pay voucher is presented by the player for payment and the pay voucher is determined by the lottery or an authorized lottery agent to be valid, all in accordance with applicable provisions of law. EZPLAY tap game prize winnings are subject to all applicable tax and other mandated withholdings.

(F) Frequency and period of EZPLAY tap games. EZPLAY tap games may only be played during the established hours of operation of lottery sales agents locations authorized by the lottery to use the terminal.

(G) Validity of EZPLAY tap game play.

(1) It will be the sole responsibility of the player to verify the accuracy of the EZPLAY tap game play. Once a player has initiated game play on a terminal, the wager is final and in no way may be canceled.

(2) All EZPLAY tap game play is subject to validation requirements, test and/or procedures established by the lottery, including but not limited to validation by the lottery gaming system.

(3) In addition to, but not in limitation of, all other power or authority conferred on the director or the commission by commission rules, the director may declare the play of an EZPLAY tap game, a pay voucher, or any other aspect of EZPLAY tap gaming void if stolen, not played or issued in accordance with commission rules; if it is illegible, altered, mutilated, or counterfeit; or if the terminal on which a game was played or a pay voucher fails any validation tests or procedures established by the director. The lottery will have no liability for EZPLAY tap game play, pay voucher or any other aspect of EZPLAY tap gaming declared by the director to be void.

(H) Director's conduct of EZPLAY tap games under game rule nine hundred forty-seven.

(1) The director will offer and operate EZPLAY tap games and promotions associated therewith under the authority of this general EZPLAY tap game rule in a manner consistent with the Lottery Act, the rules of the commission, including without limitation this rule and any resolution of the commissioners adopted under this rule. As deemed necessary or advisable, the director will adopt management regulations, orders or directives to implement and operate these lottery games and any promotions associated therewith. The director will inform the public of the provisions of this rule and the procedures established pursuant hereto which affect the play of EZPLAY tap games. The director reserves the right to declare any game as unavailable for sale at any time to maintain game integrity and accountability.

(2) More than one EZPLAY tap game may be offered by the commission, if authorized by the director or commission, under the authority of this rule. In actual operation, EZPLAY tap games offered under the authority of this rule may be given names or titles chosen by the director or commission.

Last updated April 22, 2025 at 7:57 AM

History

Effective: April 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-9-954 Game rule nine hundred fifty-four.

(A) Title and term. Ohio lottery commission game rule number nine hundred fifty-four, "Lucky for Life," is a statewide joint lottery game and shall be conducted at such times as the Ohio lottery commission determines.

(B) General design.

(1) "Lucky for Life" is a statewide joint lottery game that is based on an agreement for the sale of "Lucky for Life" by participating "Party Lotteries."

(2) As used in this rule, "Lucky for Life" shall hereinafter be referred to as "game number nine hundred fifty-four" as it applies to statewide ticket sales in Ohio conducted by the Ohio lottery commission for draws beginning on or after November 16, 2015.

(3) State lottery management of the game, collectively as the "Lottery Management," are offering the game for sale.

(4) In addition to the "Lottery Management", other lotteries may, from time to time, offer "Lucky for Life" in their respective jurisdictions (collectively the "Licensee Lotteries").

(5) As used in this rule, "Party Lotteries" shall mean "Lottery Management" and the "Licensee Lotteries."

(6) Game rule number nine hundred fifty-four shall be conducted in accordance with this rule and the "Official Game Rules" approved by the "Party Lotteries" on December 11, 2020 (hereinafter "Group Rules"). The "Group Rules" are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein and shall be posted on the Ohio lottery commission website. The "Group Rules" may be accessed by going to the link https://www.ohiolottery.com/Claiming/RulesAndRegulations and clicking on the "Lucky for Life" tab.

(7) Unless otherwise set forth in this rule, "Set Prize" means all other prizes except the "Top Prize" and "Second Prize" that are advertised to be paid by a single cash payment.

(8) As used in this rule,"Top Prize" shall mean the top prize tier in game number nine hundred fifty-four.

(9) As used in this rule, "Second Prize" shall mean the second prize tier in game number nine hundred fifty-four.

(10) As used in this rule, "Published Notice" shall mean notice of the amount of and changes to the "Cash Option" which shall be posted on the "Lucky for Life" website or the Ohio lottery commission's website at least thirty days prior to the first drawing to which it is applicable.

(11) As used in this rule, "Annuitized Payment Option" shall mean the manner in which the "Top Prize" or "Second Prize" may be paid in equal payments or installments. The "Annuitized Payment Option" shall be calculated on an annual basis. The schedule of payments shall be determined at the discretion of the director of the Ohio lottery commission.

(12) "Cash Option" shall mean the manner in which the "Top Prize" or "Second Prize" may be paid upon the winner's request in one single cash payment as an alternative to the "Annuitized Payment Option." "Lump Sum Cash Payment" shall mean the manner in which the "Top Prize" or "Second Prize" is required to be paid in one single cash payment when the liability limit is exceeded and no "Annuitized Payment Option" is available, as set forth in this rule.

(13) Each ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-four shall be imprinted with one set of five unique numbers from a set of numbers, one through forty-eight inclusively "field one," and one unique number from a second set of numbers, one through eighteen, inclusively "field two," as determined by choice of the ticket purchaser or the auto pick feature on the gaming system, and recorded on the ticket at the time of the purchase. Players may use a bet card to have the auto pick feature select their numbers in either field one, field two or both fields. Bet cards are available at no cost to the player and shall have no pecuniary or prize value, nor shall a bet card constitute evidence of purchase or number selection. When a player verbally places a "Lucky for Life" wager, the player must either manually select the numbers from field one and the "Lucky Ball" or request usage of the auto pick feature to select numbers from "field one" and the "Lucky Ball" which is defined in the "Group Rules." A player may also place a wager through other means that are approved by the director.

(14) As used in this rule, game number nine hundred fifty-four winning numbers shall be randomly selected during each official "Lucky for Life" drawing, and shall consist of five numbers selected from a field of numbers one through forty-eight inclusively, and one number, the "Lucky Ball," selected from a second field of numbers one through eighteen inclusively. Holders of valid winning tickets for a given drawing bearing the numbers drawn in that drawing, in whole or in part, shall be entitled to the prize award in accordance with the applicable section(s) of this rule.

(C) Price of tickets. The price of a "Lucky for Life" wager in game number nine hundred fifty-four shall be two dollars. The player may purchase up to the number of wagers per ticket, or multiples thereof, as designated by the director if a multi-draw wager is requested at the player's discretion in accordance with the number of panels and inclusive drawings.

(D) Structure, nature and value of prize awards. Based upon the numbers drawn in each regular drawing for game nine hundred fifty-four, prizes shall be awarded to holders of valid winning tickets for that drawing as follows:

(1) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches none of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of four dollars.

(2) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches one of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of six dollars.

(3) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches two of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of three dollars.

(4) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches two of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of twenty-five dollars.

(5) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of twenty dollars.

(6) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of one hundred fifty dollars.

(7) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of two hundred dollars.

(8) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, for each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of five thousand dollars.

Payment of five thousand dollar prize. The prize under this paragraph will be paid as a five thousand dollar "Set Prize," except that if there are more than one thousand winners of this prize level in a single drawing, the total prize liability of five million dollars will be split equally among the winners. Under no circumstances will the value of the prize under this paragraph fall below a minimum prize value of two hundred dollars per winner, regardless of the number of winners. Prizes under this paragraph will be rounded to the nearest whole dollar and paid in a single cash payment.

(9) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, for each ticket bearing a selection which matches five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a "Second Prize" award of twenty-five thousand dollars per year for the player's natural life before taxes, or the "Cash Option."

(a) Payment of a "Second Prize."

(i) One to twenty "Second Prize" winners. If there are between one and twenty "Second Prize" winner(s), the annuitized prize value will be twenty-five thousand dollars per year for life. Any of these one to twenty "Second Prize" winner(s) may choose the "Second Prize" "Cash Option" as an alternative to the "Annuitized Payment Option." The amount of the "Cash Option" for this category will be set forth in the "Published Notice."

(ii) Twenty-one or more "Second Prize" winners. If there are twenty-one or more "Second Prize" winners, the second prize liability shall be capped at nine million four hundred thousand dollars, shall be split equally among all "Second Prize" winners, and shall be paid in a single "Lump Sum Cash" payment, without an "Annuitized Payment Option." The minimum prize value for this category shall not be less than any lower tier prize paid in that respective drawing.

(iii) The winner(s) of the "Second Prize" who do not request the "Cash Option" shall be paid their appropriate "Second Prize" share on an annual basis for a minimum period of twenty years. The initial "Second Prize" payment will be made when the prize is claimed at the selling lottery's headquarters; subsequent "Second Prize" payments will be made annually thereafter.

(iv) Measuring life. For a single wager, the measuring life of a "Second Prize" winner used to determine the duration over which the "Second Prize" is paid, shall be the natural life of the individual determined by the selling lottery to be the "Second Prize" winner. If the "Second Prize" under a single wager is being claimed by more than one natural person or by a legal entity, the measuring life for that "Second Prize" winner shall be twenty years.

(v) If paid in a "Lump Sum Cash Payment," "Second Prize" amounts will be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.

(10) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, for each ticket bearing a selection which matches five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a "Top Prize" award of seven thousand dollars per week for the player's natural life before taxes, or the "Cash Option."

(a) Payment of "Top Prize"

(i) One "Top Prize" winner. If there is one "Top Prize" winner, the annuitized prize value will be seven thousand dollars per week for life. As an alternative to the "Annuitized Payment Option" the "Top Prize" winner may request the "Top Prize" "Cash Option" in the amount set forth in the "Published Notice."

(ii) Two to fourteen "Top Prize" winners. If there are between two and fourteen "Top Prize" winners, the "Annuitized Payment Option," based on an annuitized prize value of seven thousand dollars per week, will be divided by the total number of "Top Prize" winners. The minimum annuitized prize value for this category will be five hundred dollars a week for life. Any of these two to fourteen "Top Prize" winners may choose the "Cash Option" as an alternative to the "Annuitized Payment Option." The amount of the "Cash Option" for this category will be the amount of the "Top Prize" "Cash Option" set forth in the "Published Notice," divided by the total number of "Top Prize" winners. The minimum "Cash Option" for this category will be the amount set forth in the "Published Notice."

(iii) Fifteen or more "Top Prize" winners. If there are fifteen or more "Top Prize" winners, the "Top Prize" liability shall be capped at seven million one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars, shall be split equally among all "Top Prize" winners, and shall be paid in one "Lump Sum Cash Payment," without an "Annuitized Payment Option." The minimum prize value for this category shall not be less than any lower tier prize paid in that respective drawing.

(iv) The winner(s) of the "Top Prize" who do not request the "Cash Option" shall be paid their appropriate "Top Prize" share on a weekly basis, or according to such other schedule of payments authorized under this rule for a minimum period of twenty years. The first "Top Prize" payment will be made when the prize is claimed at the selling lottery's headquarters.

(v) Measuring life. For a single wager, the measuring life of a "Top Prize" winner used to determine the duration over which the "Top Prize" is paid, shall be the natural life of the individual determined by the selling lottery to be the "Top Prize" winner. If the "Top Prize" under a single wager is being claimed by more than one natural person or by a legal entity, the measuring life for that "Top Prize" winner shall be twenty years.

(vi) If paid in a "Lump Sum Cash Payment," "Top Prize" amounts will be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.

(11) In a single game number nine hundred fifty-four drawing, a claimant may win in only one prize category per wager as a result of processing winning numbers selected in either one or both of the fields of play, and shall be entitled to only the highest prize level won.

(12) Payment of prize payments upon the death of a prize winner. In the event of the death of a prize winner, payments will be made in accordance with rule 3770:1-8-01 of the Administrative Code relating to payment and calculation of the cash value of prize payments in a statewide joint lottery game upon the death of a prize winner.

(E) Frequency and location of prize drawings. Drawings shall be held at such times and places determined by the "Lottery Management."

(F) Manner of prize drawings.

(1) Prize drawings shall be open to the public and may be held at such places and times in any "Party Lottery" jurisdiction that the "Lottery Management" determine. The public shall be informed as to the time and place of each prize drawing.

(2) Holders of valid tickets for a given drawing are eligible to win in that drawing.

(3) All drawings conducted in association with "Lucky for Life" will be conducted randomly in accordance with procedures established by the "Lottery Management."

(G) Validity of tickets.

(1) It shall be the sole responsibility of each purchaser of a ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-four to verify the accuracy of the game play or plays and other data printed on the ticket. The Ohio lottery commission shall be free from any liability in connection with this paragraph.

(2) Each ticket issued in game number nine hundred fifty-four shall have imprinted thereon at the time of purchase a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission. No prize shall be paid by the Ohio lottery commission for any tickets without such control number or bar code data. A valid winning ticket bearing matching player number selections or gaming system generated number selections and also containing a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission, shall serve as the only valid proof of the wager placed and the only valid receipt for claiming or redeeming any prize in game number nine hundred fifty-four.

(3) As applicable to this rule, any and all game tickets may not be canceled. This shall not prohibit the director, at the director's discretion, from compensating a retailer for a returned ticket, which is not eligible to win a prize at the time it is returned to the Ohio lottery commission, except that tickets stolen by a retailer's employee or agent cannot be accepted as a returned ticket. Any ticket that is accepted by the director as a returned ticket is for Ohio lottery commission auditing purposes only and shall have no effect on the outcome of the drawing for which they were issued or reduce the Ohio lottery commission's required contribution to the "Top Prize" and "Second Prize" pool.

(4) In addition to all other validation conditions contained in this rule, valid winning game number nine hundred fifty-four tickets must meet the following conditions:

(a) Validation data must be present in its entirety and must correspond, using the computer validation file, to the number selections printed on the ticket for the drawing date(s) printed on the ticket;

(b) The ticket must be intact;

(d) The ticket must not be counterfeit or an exact duplicate of another winning ticket;

(e) The ticket must have been issued by an authorized Ohio lottery commission sales location authorized to sell tickets for game number nine hundred fifty-four on official paper stock of the Ohio lottery commission;

(f) The ticket must be submitted for payment in accordance with the Ohio lottery commission's validation and claiming procedures;

(g) The ticket data must have been recorded on the gaming system prior to the drawing and the ticket data must match this computer record in every respect (in the event of contradiction between the information as printed on the ticket and as accepted by the gaming system, the wager accepted by the gaming system shall be the valid wager);

(h) The player selected or gaming system selected number selections, validation data and the drawing date(s) of an apparent winning ticket must appear on the official file of winning tickets, and a ticket with the exact data must not have been previously paid;

(i) The ticket must not be misregistered, defectively printed or printed or produced in error to an extent that it cannot be processed by the Ohio lottery commission;

(j) The ticket must pass all other confidential security checks of the Ohio lottery commission;

(k) In submitting an official game number nine hundred fifty-four ticket for validation, the claimant shall abide by all applicable laws and rules of the Ohio lottery commission, and all claim form instructions; and

(l) All winning tickets in game number nine hundred fifty-four are subject to validation by the gaming system and the Ohio lottery commission before the payment of any prize.

(5) An official game number nine hundred fifty-four ticket submitted for validation which fails any of the validation conditions established in this rule shall be considered void subject to the following determinations:

(a) In all cases of doubt, the determination of the director shall be final and binding. However, the director, at the director's option, may replace an invalid ticket with an official game number nine hundred fifty-four ticket of equivalent sales price or a refund of the purchase price;

(b) In the event a defective ticket is purchased or in the event that the director determines to adjust an error, the sole and exclusive remedy shall be the replacement of such defective or erroneous ticket(s) with an official game number nine hundred fifty-four ticket of equivalent sales price or a refund of the purchase price; and

(c) In the event an official game number nine hundred fifty-four ticket is not paid by the Ohio lottery commission, and a dispute occurs as to whether the ticket is a valid winning ticket, the Ohio lottery commission may, at its option, replace the ticket or provide a refund of the purchase price.

(6) The Ohio lottery commission shall not be responsible for lost or stolen game number nine hundred fifty-four tickets.

(7) The Ohio lottery commission shall not be responsible to any claimant and sales agent for game number nine hundred fifty-four tickets redeemed in error by an Ohio lottery commission sales agent.

(8) Valid prize winners are determined by the numbers drawn and not the numbers reported. The Ohio lottery commission shall not be responsible for game number nine hundred fifty-four winning numbers reported in error.

(9) In purchasing a ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-four, the player shall comply with and be bound by all applicable statutes and administrative rules of the Ohio lottery commission. Unless designated or agreed to by the director, directives and determinations of other "Party Lotteries" do not apply to game number nine hundred fifty-four purchases in Ohio. Litigation, if any, arising out of any "Lucky for Life" ticket purchased at an Ohio lottery commission sales location shall only be maintained in the appropriate forum in the state of Ohio.

(10) For purposes of determining the number of winning wagers, division of the "Top Prize" and "Second Prize" jackpots are contingent on the gaming system's determination of winning wagers sold, and not by the number of winning wagers presented for payment.

(H) Procedures for claiming and payment of prize awards.

(1) Effective upon a determination of prize payouts, prizes shall be redeemed or claimed only in the jurisdiction where the official winning "Lucky for Life" ticket was purchased. Claimants of prizes in "Lucky for Life" must comply with the claiming periods of the jurisdiction where the winning "Lucky for Life" ticket was purchased. Claimants of game number nine hundred fifty-four prizes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio must comply with the following terms and conditions:

(a) Prizes for game number nine hundred fifty-four purchased in Ohio may be redeemed or claimed only through Ohio lottery sales agents authorized to sell game number nine hundred fifty-four, or other authorized claim centers or locations designated by the Ohio lottery commission;

(b) Claimants of winning game number nine hundred fifty-four prizes for tickets purchased in Ohio must comply with the prize claim requirements of the Ohio lottery commission and the applicable claiming period of one hundred eighty days as set forth in division (A)(1) of section 3770.07 of the Revised Code;

(c) In the event a single game number nine hundred fifty-four ticket purchased in Ohio contains two or more winning wagers, the cumulative prize amount shall be claimed or redeemed in accordance with the specified prize payment limits of the Ohio lottery commission;

(d) State and federal withholding taxes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio shall be withheld from game number nine hundred fifty-four prizes awarded by the Ohio lottery commission in such amounts as may be required by law, along with any other deductions required by law; and

(e) A "Lucky for Life" prize, including but not limited to any promotional prizes associated with "Lucky for Life," awarded by any "Party Lottery" shall not be paid to any persons prohibited from playing or claiming an Ohio lottery prize by the governing law or rules of the Ohio lottery commission. In addition, those persons designated by a "Party Lottery's" law as being ineligible to play its games shall also be ineligible to play "Lucky for Life," and any promotions associated therewith, in that "Party Lottery's" jurisdiction.

(I) Net proceeds to lottery profits education fund. The entire net proceeds from the sale of game number nine hundred fifty-four in Ohio that remain after associated operating expenses, prize disbursements, lottery sales agent bonuses, commissions, and reimbursements, and any other expenses necessary to comply with the agreements or the rules are deducted from the gross proceeds of game number nine hundred fifty-four, shall be transferred to the lottery profits education fund as required under division (B) of section 3770.06 of the Revised Code.

(J) Conduct by director(s) in game number nine hundred fifty-four.

(1) The director shall conduct game number nine hundred fifty-four and any promotions conducted in association with game number nine hundred fifty-four in a manner consistent with the Ohio Lottery Act, the rules of the Ohio lottery commission, including without limitation this rule.

(2) Names and definitions of elements of game number nine hundred fifty-four used in this rule are solely for the purpose of this rule.

(3) All decisions made by the director with respect to the play of game number nine hundred fifty-four in Ohio, including but not limited to the declaration of prizes and the payment thereof and the interpretation of Ohio lottery commission rules, shall be final and binding on all purchasers and on every person making a claim in respect thereof.

View Appendix

Last updated July 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM

History

Effective: July 4, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 3770:1-8-01