Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQs are divided into the following sections:

• Lotto with Extra Shot
• My3
• Millionaire Raffle
• General Questions About the Illinois Lottery
• Playing the Illinois Lottery On The Internet
• Auto Play: Illinois Lottery Subscriptions
• Security & Compliance
• Retailer & Press Questions
• Contact Info

 

Lotto with Extra Shot

What is Extra Shot?

Extra Shot is an exciting new add-on feature of the Lotto game. With Extra Shot, players have six more ways to win, even if you don’t win on Lotto!

How does it work?

For an extra $1 per 2-game set, you get an Extra Shot number ranging from 1 to 25 for each Lotto game. Simply mark the Extra Shot spot on your play slip or ask the retailer for it. You win if you match the Extra Shot number and Lotto numbers, you can also win by just matching the Extra Shot number.

Extra Shot numbers are selected randomly for you by the terminal at the time of purchase.

How much does Extra Shot cost?

Extra Shot costs $1 per 2 game set.

Can I play Lotto without Extra Shot?

Yes. The base game of Lotto is still the same by matching 6 of 52 numbers. Extra Shot is an optional add-on to the game.

Can I play Extra Shot without playing Lotto?

No. Extra Shot is only available as an add-on when you play Lotto.

When is the drawing for Lotto with Extra Shot?

Lotto drawings are conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 9:22pm CST. You can watch the drawing on WGN-TV. Results will be available on illinoislottery.com shortly after the drawings.

What do I win when I play Lotto with Extra Shot?

What are the odds of winning Lotto with Extra Shot?

The overall odds of winning are 1 in 9. Odds of just playing Lotto: 1 in 32.

How many ways can I win?

There are now 10 ways to win playing Lotto with Extra Shot. By playing Extra Shot, you are adding 6 more ways to win!

Can I play at a lottery self-serve machine?

Yes.

Where can I play Lotto with Extra Shot?

You can play wherever Illinois Lottery tickets are sold and online.

Can I play online?

Yes. Click here to play online now!

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My3 FAQs

What is My3?

My3 is a new draw game from the Illinois Lottery where you put your favorite 3 numbers to work. Do you have 3 numbers in your life that have special significance; birthday, anniversary, area code, address, taxi fare? Play starts at $1. 3 numbers are drawn and if your favorite numbers match the numbers drawn, you win!

Is My3 replacing Pick 3?

My3 is not replacing Pick 3.  Pick 3 is the same game. My3 is a new draw game for you to know and love.

How is My3 different than Pick 3?

With My3 you just pick your favorite numbers. There is no need to specify what type (straight/box) of wager you would like to play. The prize levels for My3 are also different than Pick 3.

How much does it cost to play My3?

My3 play starts at $1. To increase your potential winnings, you can also play at $2, $3, $4 and $5 levels as well.

Where can I play?

You can play My3 wherever lottery tickets are sold.

Can I play at a Self-serve machine?

You sure can.  Simply insert your completed play slip and follow the machine instructions to complete your purchase.

Can I play for more than one draw at a time?

You sure can. Just tell the clerk you want this and they can create your ticket.

Is there a Quick Pick option?

Yes. Simply tell the clerk you’d like a Quick Pick for My3.  A Play slip is not needed for a Quick Pick.

When are the drawing times?

There are two draws daily for My3: Midday at 10:30am and Evening at 6:30pm.

Where can I find out if I have won?

The My3 results will be available on our website shortly after the draw.

How do I play My3?

Watch our "How-to-Play" video.

What are the odds for My3 and how do I win? 

See our odds and pay table below. 

If you choose a My3 with 3 different digits (like 3-2-1), you can win:

	Prize (on $1 play)	odds
Match all 3 in exact order	$200	1:1000
Match all 3 in any order (other than exact)	$40	1:200
Match any 2 in exact position as the winning numbers	$4	1:37
Overall Odds : 1:30

If you choose a My3 number with a repeated digit (like 2-2-1 or 2-1-2), the 2nd prize is bigger, because it’s harder to win:

	Prize (on $1 play)	odds
Match all 3 in exact order	$200	1:1000
Match all 3 in any order (other than exact)	$100	1:500
Match any 2 in exact position as the winning numbers	$4	1:37
Overall Odds : 1:33

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Millionaire Raffle

What is the Millionaire Raffle?

The Millionaire Raffle is a limited-time game from the Illinois Lottery that will create four new Illinois millionaires.  A computerized drawing will randomly select four winners of $1,000,000 million each, five winners of $100,000 each, and 500 winners of $1,000 each from the limited group of 500,000 raffle tickets to be sold. Past raffles have been held for Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day.

How do you play the Millionaire Raffle?

Tickets for the Illinois Lottery's Millionaire Raffle can be purchased at Illinois Lottery retailers throughout the state. A total of 500,000 raffle tickets are available, and are sold in numeric order.

How many winners are there in the Millionaire Raffle?

For each raffle, there will be four winners of $1,000,000 each, five winners of $100,000 each and 500 winners of $1,000 each.

What are the odds of winning a prize in the Millionaire Raffle?

The odds of winning any prize in the Millionaire Raffle game are 1 in 982. The odds of winning one of the four $1 million prizes are 1 in 125,000. The odds of winning one of the five $100,000 prizes are 1 in 100,000. The odds of winning one of the 500 $1,000 prizes are 1 in 1,000.

Can a player pick his/her own number?

No. Tickets will be sold in numeric order through the lottery terminal. There is no playslip or manual number entry involved in this game. Each Millionaire Raffle ticket will have a unique number - there will not be any repeat or duplicate ticket numbers.

How much does a Millionaire Raffle ticket cost?

Each Millionaire Raffle ticket costs $20.

How will the winning raffle tickets be selected?

The Illinois Lottery is very serious about the security and integrity of our games. The winning numbers are selected by a computerized random number generator.  The random number generator software has been certified using widely accepted statistical analysis formulas by Gaming Laboratories International, an outside gaming device and systems testing laboratory. As with all Illinois Lottery drawings, representatives of the Illinois Lottery and an external auditor are present to conduct and certify the drawing.

Can a Millionaire Raffle ticket be cancelled?

No. Millionaire Raffle tickets cannot be cancelled.

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General Questions About the Illinois Lottery

Can anyone play lottery?

Anyone who is 18 years or older can play Illinois Lottery games. To play online, players must also be a resident of Illinois and physically located in Illinois at time of purchase.

Where can I play?

The Lottery has a statewide network of over 7,500 retailers, and growing. You can purchase Illinois Lottery products at locations such as convenience stores, gas stations and supermarkets, plus you can also look for our Instant Games ticket vending machines. All locations sell scratch-off Instant games, and many offer online games at computer terminals.

The Illinois Lottery also offers players the ability to play select lottery games online. Click here for the available games and to play online.

Can I subscribe to Mega Millions, Lotto and Lucky Day Lotto?

Yes. To set up your subscription today, just click here.

Can I buy tickets in advance?

Yes. Powerball, Lotto, Mega Millions, and Lucky Day Lotto tickets can be purchased in advance for up to 15 consecutive drawings. Pick 3 and Pick 4 tickets can be purchased for 7 days ahead of time.

Quick, what's "Quick Pick?"

A Quick Pick is a set of randomly selected and automatically generated lottery numbers.

How can I find out more about the jackpots?

We announce the next estimated, single-winner Grand Prize each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Illinois residents can call 1-800-252-1775 or tune into local TV or radio.

Which other states participate in Powerball and Mega Millions?

Powerball

Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, U.S. Virgin Islands. (For a detailed map of participating states, please click here).

Mega Millions

AR CA CT DC DE GA IA ID IL IN KS KY MD MA MI MN MO NC ND NH NJ NM NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VT VA WA WI WV

What is Megaplier?

It's a play feature on Mega Millions. For an additional $1, you can multiply your non-jackpot winnings by 2, 3, or 4 times. If you match 5 white balls, the prize is $1 million.

What is Extra Shot?

It's a play feature on the Lotto game. For an additional $1 per 2-ticket set, you get a computer-generated Extra Shot number for each ticket. The Extra Shot number is drawn separately from the Lotto numbers. If you match the Extra Shot number, you can multiply your non-jackpot winnings by 25 times.

What is Power Play?

It's a play feature on the Powerball game. For an additional $1, you can multiply your non-jackpot winnings. The Match 5+0 prize doubles to $2,000,000 with Power Play®!

When are the winning numbers picked?

We draw the winning numbers LIVE every night at 9:22pm at Chicago’s WGN-TV, and on WBBM Radio (780 AM).

Where can I find the winning numbers?

You find the most recent winning numbers on the Illinois Lottery homepage. To search winning numbers just click here.

How do I claim my prize ($600 or under)?

If you won $600 or less and played online, your winnings will be deposited directly into your online account. If you played at your local retailer, you can collect your winnings directly from the closest Lottery retailer.

How do I claim my prize (over $600)?

Prizes over $600 but less than $1 million:

• Fill out a claim form while validating your ticket at any Illinois Lottery retailer and mail it in. You'll receive your check, less any taxes, in 4 to 6 weeks. 
• You can also visit one of the "Prize Centers" to receive winnings up to $25,000 immediately (less any taxes). For prizes over $25,000, the Prize Centers can mail your claim form for you.
  
• Prizes of $1 million or more:

Call the Lottery's Claims Office at 217-524-5147 for assistance.

When you visit a Prize Center to file a claim for any prize amount over $600, you need to bring a photo ID AND some means of verifying your Social Security Number.

CHICAGO
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph
7th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
312/793-2385
8:30am-4:30pm

DES PLAINES
Regional Office 1, 2, & 6
9511 Harrison St
Des Plaines, Illinois 60016
847/294-4851
8:30am-4:30pm

ROCKFORD
Regional Office 3
200 S Wyman
Rockford, IL 61101
815/987-7018
8:30am-4:30pm

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS
Regional Office 4
15 Executive Drive Suite 1
Fairview Heights, IL 62208
618/624-8670
8:30am-4:30pm

SPRINGFIELD
Regional Office 5 & Lottery Central
Department of Revenue
Willard Ice Building
101 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, IL 62702
Prize Center
Telephone: 217/524-5147
Region 5 Telephone: 217/524-5246
Lottery Central/Player Hotline
1-800/252-1775
8:30am-4:30pm

How long do I have to claim Pick 3, Pick 4, My3, Lucky Day Lotto, Lotto, Powerball and Mega Millions prizes?

You have 1 year from the drawing date.

Can more than one person claim a prize?

If your prize is $600 or less - only one person can claim it.

If your prize is $600 to $999,999 - a group can claim it if:

• The claim form is filled out in one person's name.
• The claim form is filed with form IL-5754 (available from the Lottery claim center).
• The IL-5754 form is filled out with the name, address and Social Security Number of each person in your group.
• Each person listed on the secondary form will receive a check for his or her portion of the winnings.

If your prize is $1 million or more:
A group may be entitled to form a partnership and secure a federal identification number. If members of your partnership want individual checks issued, they must state their preference in the formal partnership agreement, and must attach the agreement to the claim. Full names and Social Security Numbers are required.

Can I receive my prize as a one-time cash payment?

It depends. For Mega Millions and Lotto, winners have 60 days from the date of the drawing to decide between a one-time lump sum, or a 26-year annuity. The cash option amount is based on current U.S. Treasury bond prices. (For a current estimate on the cash amount for Mega Millions and Lotto, contact the Illinois Lottery)

Those who make a claim 60 days after the drawing automatically receive the annuity. This way, you are paid in annual installations over 26 years.

Lucky Day Lotto, My3, Pick 3 and Pick 4 prizes are paid with a one-time cash payment. Applicable state and federal taxes will be withheld from all payments.

Powerball jackpot winners will receive their prize in annual installments over a 29-year period - unless, within 60 days from the date they claim their prize, they request the cash option (Power Play multiplies non-jackpot prizes only). For an estimate of the cash amount for Powerball, Mega Millions and Lotto, contact the Illinois Lottery).

Do I have to pay taxes on winnings?

Yes. 25% in Federal tax is withheld from prize amounts over $5,000, and 5% Illinois state tax is withheld from prizes of $1,000 or more. Actual tax liability may be more or less, depending on your individual filing status.

How can I shrink taxes on a major prize?

While we cannot advise players on taxes, or the use of their individual prizes, we strongly suggest you contact an attorney, tax preparer, Internal Revenue Service (1-800-424-1040) or Illinois Department of Revenue (1-800-732-8866 or 217-782-3336).

What happens to my winnings if I die?

If a winner dies before receiving the entire prize, the balance is paid to their estate (determined by a will). Whatever happens, the entire prize is guaranteed to be paid. A winner's heirs also have the option to receive all future payments as a one-time, present-value payment.

If I win big, can I avoid having my name released?

To assure other players that prizes are actually paid, the Lottery publishes the name, home city and amount won. We will not, however, release the addresses or telephone numbers of winners. Multi-million dollar winners must participate in a one-time news conference.

Where do Lottery profits go?

By law, profits from all regular Lottery games are deposited into the state's Common School Fund supporting kindergarten through 12th grade public education as well as the Capital Projects Fund. Illinois students and schoolrooms receive nearly $623 million per year in Lottery revenue - about 9.6% of the state's annual contribution to K-12 education. From chalk to computer labs, the dollars you don't win back are going toward a winning cause. The Illinois Lottery is additionally mandated to conduct lottery games to benefit specific causes. Through June 30, 2006, the Lottery has transferred $2.6 million to the Ticket for the Cure Fund to support breast cancer awareness programs and $1.6 million to the Veterans Assistance Fund to support programs for the benefit of Illinois military veterans.

Who determines which school districts receive Lottery profits?

The Illinois General Assembly determines how money in the Common School Fund and Capital Projects Fund is distributed. Although the Lottery contributes to this fund, we do not decide how that revenue is allocated.

I own a business and want to sell Lottery tickets - what do I do?

Great, we're excited to have you! Just click here to join us. 

In fiscal year 2010, over $110 million was paid in commissions to Lottery retailers. With about 7,300 retailers selling Illinois Lottery products, each received approximately $15,000 in annual commissions.

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Playing The Illinois Lottery On The Internet

What is an Illinois Lottery online account?

An Illinois Lottery online account allows a player to purchase Lottery tickets online. You can use your selected numbers or use the Quick Pick option. You can play Powerball, Mega Millions and Lotto. Click here to sign up for an account today.

Who can play the Illinois Lottery online?

Anyone over 18 years of age and a resident of Illinois can play Illinois Lottery games online. Employees of the Illinois Lottery, the Lottery Control Board, officers and employees of Northstar Lottery Group, LLC and its affiliates including Scientific Games International, Inc. and GTECH Corporation; officers and employees of Northstar Lottery Group's advertising, public relations, and sales promotion agencies assigned to the Illinois Lottery account; officers and employees of audit firms performing for the Illinois Lottery; certain other contractors of the Illinois Lottery or Northstar Lottery Group, LLC; and other agents and families living in the same household of each are not eligible to play.

Which games can I play on the Internet?

At this time, you can play Powerball, Mega Millions and Lotto.

Is there a minimum purchase?

Yes. Minimum online purchase is $5.

How do I choose my numbers?

You can pick your own numbers or choose the Quick Pick option if you want the system to randomly select numbers for you.

How do I know if I won?

We'll let you know by email. Check the 'My Info' section on your account profile and make sure your current email address is listed.

How do I claim my prize?

Winnings of $600 or less are automatically deposited into your account. Winnings over $600 will be processed by the Illinois Lottery Claims Department. You'll receive an email to notify you how to complete the claim process.

How can I check my account balance?

Check your balance any time by logging in to your account at www.illinoislottery.com. You can also call the Player Hotline at 1-800-252-1775.

How do I fund my online lottery purchases?

Your purchases can be made by credit or debit card (Visa®, Mastercard® or Discover®). You can store your credit/debit card information for later or you can provide it each time you play.

Can I fund purchases directly from my bank account?

No. You can only fund purchases with either a credit card or debit card, or with the balance in your account.

How can I withdraw funds from my online account?

If you have funds in your account, you can have these funds directly deposited into your checking or savings account or you can request a check.

Can I cancel my purchase?

No, once a ticket purchase is placed it can’t be cancelled. So, make sure to double check your selections before you hit 'Submit'.

How can I view my current purchases?

To review your account history, click on “My Account” and select “My Transactions.” You'll be able to see a listing and descriptions of all debits and credits to your account (under “Financial History”). To see a listing of all past purchases, click on “My Account” > “My Transactions” and select “Game History.”

When are the winning Lottery numbers picked?

The winning Powerball numbers are drawn Wednesday and Saturday at 9:59 p.m.  The winning Mega Millions numbers are drawn Tuesday and Friday at 9:59 p.m.  The winning Lotto numbers are drawn Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 9:22 p.m. at WGN-TV studios in Chicago.  Results are posted to www.illinoislottery.com shortly thereafter.

What if I forget my password?

If you forget your password, you can reset it online.

What if I forget my username?

If you forget your username, you can call the Player Hotline at 1-800-252-1775.

What happened to the Illinois Lottery Visa Debit Card?

The Illinois Lottery Visa Debit Card was discontinued on November 30, 2012.

Who do I call with questions about my Illinois Lottery Visa Debit Card?

You can call the Player Hotline at 1-800-252-1775.

Is there a risk of technical problems with playing lottery games on the Internet?

From time to time, access to the website may be unavailable, delayed, limited or slowed due to, but not limited to, the following reasons:

• Scheduled daily maintenance (2:00am–3:30am CST).
• Emergency (unscheduled) maintenance.
• Hardware failure, including but not limited to, failures of computers (including your own computer), servers, networks, connections, and other electronic and mechanical equipment.
• Software failure, including but not limited to, bugs, errors, viruses, configuration problems, incompatibility of systems, utilities or applications, the operation of firewalls or screening programs, unreadable codes, or irregularities within particular documents or other content.
• Overload of system capacities.
• Damage caused by severe weather, earthquakes, acts of God, accident, fire, water damage, explosion, mechanical breakdown or natural disasters.
• Interruption (whether partial or total) of power supplies or other utility or service (including the Internet) or other any other disruptions.

For assistance with technical issues, send an email to: LotteryInfo@NorthstarLottery.net.

What is the Illinois Lottery doing about the potential for gambling problems, especially now that you can play on the internet?

Responsibility is a core value of the Illinois Lottery. We design our games to be an exciting and fun form of entertainment and encourage players to play responsibly. We do realize that some players may have difficulty knowing when to stop, and that for some, gambling of any kind can become a problem. If you or someone you know you may have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER or click here for more information.

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Auto Play: Illinois Lottery Subscriptions

What is Auto Play?

Auto Play allows you to subscribe to Illinois Lottery games. Subscriptions allow you to set up one or more lottery purchases automatically for a set number of draws for a game. You can use your own numbers or choose the Quick Pick option.

What Illinois Lottery games are available for subscription?

You can play Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto and Lucky Day Lotto  with subscriptions.

Is there a set time period for subscriptions?

There are 13 week, 26 week and 52 week subscription options available with the option to renew.

What is Auto Renew?

When you set-up your subscription, you have the option to select auto renew. This feature will automatically renew your lottery subscription once it reaches the end of the term you have selected. Your credit or debit card will automatically be charged. If your card is rejected for any reason, your subscription will not be renewed and you will be notified via email or postal mail.

Is the ticket cost for subscriptions the same as playing an individual game?

Yes, if you purchase a 13 week subscription. If you purchase as 26 week subscription you get one week free, if you purchase a 52 week subscription you get two weeks free.

What happens if I win on one of my subscriptions? How will I know?

If you win, you'll be automatically notified via email or postal mail. If you have an online account, winnings less than $600 will be automatically paid out to your account - giving you immediate access to your winnings. Winnings over $600 will be processed through the claims process.

How do I set-up Auto Play and subscribe to Illinois Lottery games?

You can subscribe to Illinois Lottery games through an online account. The subscription program on the internet is a convenient way to play the Illinois Lottery games you love. But, if you're a traditionalist and like to subscribe by printing and mailing in a form, download the corresponding forms below.

Either way, you will still be paid any winnings through your account once you're signed up.
Forms to download:

Powerball

Mega Millions 

Lotto 

Lucky Day Lotto

How can I check the status of my subscription?

You can always check the status of your Illinois Lottery subscriptions through your online account. Just go to “My Account” and select “My Subscriptions.” You will find all of the details on your subscriptions. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can get the details of you subscription by calling the Player Hotline at 1-800-252-1775.

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Security and Compliance

How are you going to protect against play by minors?

The registration process for prospective players must give personal information such as Date of Birth (DOB), address, and phone number and will identify players each time they log in.

In accordance with federal regulations, the Illinois Lottery conducts a "know-your-customer" (KYC) ID review for all registered players, including verification of their age.

Prospective players will pass this review while they are registering and making any lottery purchases.

The Illinois Lottery will use Internet Protocol (IP) address geo-location data to instantly verify that Internet players are within the state borders. Leveraging third-party technology, the Illinois Lottery is able to review the IP address location each time a user makes a Lottery purchase.

How are you going to ensure that children in the home are not accessing their parent's or guardian's computer accounts when the adults step away from their computers?

The site will time out if the registration page is inactive for 15 minutes.

The following language is on the website to distract underage usage of the site:

BY USING THIS WEBSITE, YOU REPRESENT THAT YOU ARE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE. PERSONS YOUNGER THAN THIS AGE ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM USING THIS WEBSITE.  IN ADDITION, TO OBTAIN A PLAYER ACCOUNT, YOU MUST PROVIDE A CURRENT VALID ILLINOIS ADDRESS WHEN YOU REGISTER. IF YOU ARE NOT AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE WITH A CURRENT, VALID ILLINOIS ADDRESS, DO NOT REGISTER FOR A PLAYER ACCOUNT. 

How are you going to ensure that players are within the state of Illinois?

Any access to this Website from outside of the State of Illinois to purchase Internet Tickets or Subscriptions is strictly prohibited. You may sign up for or log in to an Illinois Lottery online account from any location within or outside Illinois. However, in order to purchase Internet Tickets or subscriptions via the Internet, you must access this Website from a location within the geographical boundaries of the State of Illinois. If the Illinois Lottery is unable to verify your location, or verify that your location is within the geographical boundaries of Illinois, you will prohibited from making any purchases using this Website.

The Illinois Lottery uses geo-filtering software to verify your location when accessing this Website. If the Illinois Lottery is unable to verify your location, you will not be able to purchase Internet Tickets or Subscriptions. Access to, and use of your Illinois Lottery online account is strictly limited to you as the registered and authorized user of your Illinois Lottery online account. Accordingly, you should not share your username and password with anyone. Prior to logging into the Website, you must check a box certifying that you (1.) are the registered and authorized user of your Illinois Lottery online account, (2.) are at least 18 years old, and (3.) are completing a purchase from a location within the geographical boundaries of the State of Illinois. Failure to comply with any of these requirements will result in forfeiture of all winnings.

Because of the strict guidelines of this Internet Pilot, some residents may have difficulty purchasing tickets in the way that they are accustomed to. Currently, you will not be able to purchase tickets via mobile devices (cell phones, tablets, etc).

State residents must have an address of record in Illinois, a verifiable address and must be within the bounds of Illinois to purchase a ticket. Because it is illegal for the Lottery to sell tickets outside of the State of Illinois, we have taken extra precautions to ensure that this does not happen. As a result, you will receive a message that you do not have a verifiable IL address if:

• AOL is your Internet Service Provider - If you have an AOL account, we cannot determine that you are not in the state of Illinois, because of the way AOL's system is setup.
• You are accessing the Internet via a Proxy Server. If a Proxy Server is used, we will not be able to verify that you are actually within the state. Many companies use this process for providing Internet access to their employees. Therefore, if you try making a purchase from work, you may not be able to.
• Mobile Device or Wireless - There is not a 100% reliable way to validate location in this way. We are working on a solution, but in the interim - this is not something that we offer.
  
  

How much money can people spend on the Internet?

Responsible gaming limits have been established for online play. The daily maximum purchase limit is $150, the weekly maximum purchase limit is $1,050, and the yearly maximum purchase limit is $3,500.

System Integrity: How are you going to protect against hackers? BOTs - auto buys?

Upon successfully completing the KYC verification process, you will be able to:

• Utilize this Website to purchase Illinois Lottery game tickets  for Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto, and any other Internet games ("Internet Tickets") authorized by Illinois law.
• Sign-up for and purchase subscription plans ("Players Subscription").
• Log into your Illinois Lottery account ("Illinois Lottery online account").
• View transactional history, account balance, winning Illinois Lottery numbers, or otherwise manage your Illinois Lottery online account.
• Access other information related to the Illinois Lottery.
• Purchase up to $3,500 of Internet Tickets or Players Subscriptions per year on each credit card used to fund your Illinois Lottery online account. The Illinois Lottery uses geo-filtering software to verify your location when accessing this Website. If the Illinois Lottery is unable to verify your location, you will not be able to purchase Internet Tickets or Player Subscriptions. 

Access to, and use of your Illinois Lottery online account is strictly limited to you as the registered and authorized user of your Illinois Lottery online account. Accordingly, you should not share your username and password with anyone. Prior to logging into the Website, you must check a box certifying that you (1.) are the registered and authorized user of your Illinois Lottery online account, (2.) are at least 18 years old, and (3.) are completing a purchase from a location within the geographical boundaries of the State of Illinois. Failure to comply with any of these requirements will result in forfeiture of all winnings. The Illinois Lottery reserves the right to terminate, suspend or cancel any Illinois Lottery online accounts for suspected fraud of any type, any attempt to purchase Internet Tickets and/or Player Subscriptions from a location that is not within the geographic boundaries of Illinois, the purchase or attempted purchase of Internet Tickets and/or Players Subscriptions by persons under the age of 18 years old, and for violations of any applicable rules, regulations, state or federal laws.

In the event a purchase is determined to have been placed by an individual under the age of 18, by someone other than the registered owner of the Illinois Lottery online account, from a location outside the State of Illinois, or through any fraudulent or unlawful means, the prize will be forfeited, the funds deposited into the Common School Fund, and the Illinois Lottery online account may be cancelled.

The Illinois Lottery encourages parents to ensure that children under the age of 18 do not have access to Personally Identifiable Information ("PII") that may be used to set up an Illinois Lottery online account and/or purchase Internet Tickets on this Website.

Are player's funds safe?

Yes, all funds are FDIC insured.

What if someone knowingly attempts to improperly represent themselves during registration process?

In the event a wager is determined to have been placed by an individual under the age of 18, by someone other than the registered owner of the Illinois Lottery online account, from a location outside the State of Illinois or through any fraudulent and unlawful means, the prize will be forfeited, the funds deposited to the Common School Fund, and the Illinois Lottery online account may be cancelled.

The Illinois Lottery reserves the right to terminate your access to this Website at any time and for any reason, including for violation of these Terms and Conditions. In the event of termination, you will no longer be authorized to access this Website (including your Illinois Lottery online account), purchase Internet Tickets, or participate in the Players Subscriptions. You shall have no recourse and the Illinois Lottery shall have no liability as a result of any such termination. All provisions of these Terms and Conditions relating to warranties, confidentiality obligations, proprietary rights, and limitation of liability shall remain effective despite such termination. If your access is terminated and you believe you have remaining funds in your Illinois Lottery online account or remaining plays in your Players Subscription, you may submit a claim to: Illinois Lottery, P.O. Box 19081, Springfield, IL  62794-9081.

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Retailer & Press Questions

How did Internet Lottery sales come about?

In 2009 the Illinois legislature passed amendments to the Lottery Law that approved the Internet Pilot Program to launch the sale of Mega Millions and Lotto on the Internet. On December 23, 2011, a U.S. Justice Department decision provided much anticipated clarity to Illinois and other state lotteries by confirming that the sale of lottery products over the internet by state-run lotteries was legal.

Why sell Lottery on the Internet? How will this help grow sales of current Lottery retailers?

Modernization continues to be a top priority for the Illinois Lottery. The Illinois Lottery has invested more than $80 million to bring state-of-the-art technology to our retailer community. From a completely new central gaming system, a highly sophisticated satellite communications system, brand new POS terminals, consumer protection ticket checkers an unparalleled level of merchandizing sales support to a 24-hour streamlined product delivery system, innovation continues as we embrace the new Internet sales channel.

Our valued retailer partners are the lifeblood of our business. In addition to the Internet, the Lottery is committed to new instant and draw based game innovations that will continue to grow Lottery retailer commissions. Retailers are benefitting from the recent instant innovations growth with sales up 30% over last year. In addition to commission increases from instant ticket sales, retailers are also receiving a new 1% cashing bonus which to date has provided retailers an additional $7+million in commissions. We have also implemented three retailer performance based programs and will continue to reward retailers based upon sales goals to deliver the business plan.

How will the Lottery ensure that people buying tickets online are 18 and live in Illinois?

The registration process will include identity and age verification:

• The player's Lottery account is a fully-regulated, FDIC insured bank account.
• In accordance with federal regulations, the issuing bank conducts a "know-your-customer" ID review for all registered players, including verification of their age.
• Prospective players will pass this review while they are registering and making any Lottery purchases.

The Lottery will use Internet Protocol (IP) address geo-location data to instantly verify that Internet players are within the state borders. Leveraging third-party technology, the Lottery is able to review the IP address location each time a user makes a Lottery purchase.

How will sales on the Internet grow the player base at retail?

Offering the sale of Lottery games on the Internet is a huge growth opportunity for retailers and a significant new way to build a consumer relationship with one of the single largest addressable markets of young adult consumers. According to research the Internet Pilot Program will bring 600,000 to 1,000,000 new players to the Lottery - a majority of who have never played the Lottery before.

Internet-based sales and marketing of Lottery games will draw new consumers to the games and grow sales at retail by creating new demand for Lottery products and offering a variety of integrated promotions. For instance, offering players on the Internet a "Find a retailer near you" easy link. We need to reach a new group of consumers who have grown up on the Internet and currently are lapsed or non-Lottery players. Internet-based sales and marketing of Illinois Lottery games will draw new consumers to the games and actually grow sales at retail by creating new demand for Lottery products. This is the case in countries, such as England, Italy and others in Europe, who have introduced sales on the Internet over the last five years. In these countries retailers benefited from an increase in Lottery playership through more retail sales driven by the broader player base. These lotteries co-promote across the channels driving Internet players to brick and mortar retailers.

Who gets the commission on winning tickets?

Purchases on the Internet are not retail purchases and not subject to commission. Any savings to this end will go directly to the Capital Projects Fund.

What if a customer has an issue with their Internet purchase?

The Lottery has a player hotline trained to handle any issues a customer may have with their Internet purchase. Players can click the Live Chat button while online, email LotteryInfo@NorthstarLottery.net or contact the Player Hotline at 800-252-1775 for assistance.

Will this pilot program take any Lottery products out of retail locations?

No. The products that are part of the Internet Pilot Program will continue to be available in all of our retail locations. The full portfolio of Lottery products will only be available in our retail locations.

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Illinois Lottery Contact Information

How can I contact the Lottery's help desk?

IL Lottery website: Please click the Live Chat icon while online to be directly connected with an Illinois Lottery representative.
Email: LotteryInfo@NorthstarLottery.net.
Player Hotline: 1-800-252-1775

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