When you win the lottery, you have two options: claim your prize immediately or wait until it is drawn. When you do not claim your prize, it will sit in the lottery office until you claim it. If you choose to wait, it may not even be drawn until you’re ready to claim it. But you’ll still have the opportunity to play for the jackpot if you buy a ticket right away. And it’s much easier than you might think!
To claim your winnings, visit the retailer where you purchased them or play online. Some retail sites allow you to withdraw the money directly into your bank account. However, larger amounts require you to go to a lottery claim center in your state. In either case, you’ll need to present your identification documents and fill out an IRS form. You’ll also need to send a claim form through certified mail service if you win big. But once you’ve claimed your prize, the next step is to tell your family, friends, and coworkers.
While some jurisdictions have launched lottery online apps, others don’t. The Washington DC lottery’s website has strict requirements for playing the game. Players must be over 18 and be physically in the district. While lottery games online are still illegal in most states, third-party apps have started to pop up in recent years. Jackpocket, for example, is one such app. These apps allow lottery players to buy tickets for Mega Millions and Powerball online.