The Ohio Lottery was founded in May 1973, each time a voter referendum approved it. The actual gaming were only available in 1974, and it contains weekly drawing. Later on, the lottery enlarged its possibilities by the addition of instant games, charitable bingo and increasing the frequency of drawings. The lottery can also be element of a donating program, offering 4.5 percent of its sales to Ohio public schools. In 2005, the sum offered in the program was of about $14 billion.

 

The games that can be played in Ohio Lottery are daily Pick 3 and Pick 4 drawings, and the twice-weekly Mega Millions drawing, along with numerous instant games. Additionally, it offers charitable bingo and the "Cash Explosion" TV show.

 

The period where a state may be made is 180 days from the drawing date, for cashing tickets, and 180 days from game closing in case of instant tickets. The payment method is straightforward for sums below $600. The winner simply asks the retailer to pay the corresponding sum. For prizes above $600 but below $5,000, the gamer must also visit the retailer and get a PAY TO BEARER ticket which enables him/her to ask for the prize from the lottery. You will find two ways to complete that. Either the player gets the claim form from the retailer or downloads it from the state website of the lottery. It's important for players to learn that identification, because some information are crucial to be able to establish the winners identity; therefore social security number, current address or photo identification are required. Upon the mailing of the claim form the payment will soon be produced in 30 days. For prizes over $5,000, the nearest lottery office must certanly be contacted, and the claim made in person.

 

Interesting reasons for having the lottery...

 

• Biggest OH Lottery jackpot ever won was: $267 million Mega Millions jackpot, 2/28/06, sold at Lyons Main Stop, 105 West Morenci Street, Lyons, OH 

• The Ohio Lottery is the 9th between state lotteries in sales. 

• Ohio Lottery has almost 8,500 licensed retailers across the entire state 

• Pick 3 and Pick 4 pools are ended at 12:25 p.m. Evening Pick 3 and Pick 4 close their pools at 7:25 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. 

• Weekly, Ohio Lottery chooses a Retailer of The Week, among the partners. 

• For help in problem gambling one should call Ohio Lottery Help Line and get support.