Attention, Lotto Winners: Here’s How To Claim Your Prize In Illinois

Written By Derek Helling on January 8, 2021Last Updated on April 6, 2021
powerball prize

The total jackpots for MegaMillions and Powerball are approaching a billion dollars in the second weekend of 2021.

An increase in the award share usually leads to higher profits from lottery tickets. Hence, if you win while playing these multistate lottery games in Illinois, it’s crucial to know how to claim your reward.

Regardless of the lottery sport you win, the procedures stay consistent. What is more important than the IL Lottery game you win is the amount of money you earn and your play style.

How to win a reward in the Illinois Lottery

Just like in most other sites, 600 is the magic number of combinations for drawing players.

You can claim any prize of $600 or less at any lottery retailer. If you purchased your winning ticket via the IL Lottery app or website, your winnings will be automatically credited to your account. You can then transfer these winnings to a bank account.

If you win an amount between $601 and $1 million, your claiming options are more limited. The Illinois Lottery recommends claiming these winnings via mail. To begin this process, download and fill out the claim packet.

If you bought a physical ticket, you’re required to sign the unique ticket and put it in an envelope along with the claim packet documents. If you played online, all you needed to do was ensure that the state message documents were completed and that the name on the form matched the name on your account. Before mailing anything, make duplicates of all documents for your records. Then, submit it through registered email.

  • Illinois Lottery Claims Department
  • Carton 19080 PO
  • 62794-9912 Springfield, Illinois

Alternatively, you have the option to book an appointment at one of the claim centers. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these centers are not accepting any walk-in visitors. To claim a prize, you are required to schedule an appointment online.

If you were present at the game, you are required to take the classic, autographed solution. If you bought your passport online, remember to carry your smartphone or tablet. Furthermore, you need to have a valid government-issued photo ID, a document verifying your Social Security number, and a live state message.

Only one person, either a medal winner or a representative, is allowed entry into the facility at a time. The IL Lottery also requires all claimants to wear appropriate face masks when on the premises. If your prize exceeds $1 million, like the Mega Millions or Powerball jackpot, a separate protocol applies.

What if I take home the Powerball or Mega Millions this trip?

Should you be fortunate enough to win the lottery, don’t delay. Immediately after discovering your win, reach out to the IL Lottery’s main claims center at 217-524-5147. The representative who answers your call will assist you and answer all your questions.

Despite the extremely high odds of winning either jackpot, let alone both in a span of a weekend or two, it is mathematically possible. This information could be vital to you, should you win any prizes playing the lottery in Illinois.

Nam Y. Huh/ AP photo
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Helling, Derek

Derek Helling is a principal writer at PlayUSA and also manages BetHer. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 2013 and his writing focuses on the overlap between sports, business, and law.

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