Checking your lottery ticket in Idaho is an important step to take after purchasing a ticket for any of the Idaho Lottery’s draw games or scratch games. Taking the time to properly check your ticket could reveal if you’re a big winner!
Quick Ways to Check an Idaho Lottery Ticket
There are a few quick ways to check your Idaho Lottery ticket to see if you have a winner:
- For draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions, check your numbers against the winning numbers from the drawing. Match the numbers on your ticket to the winning numbers listed on the Idaho Lottery website or posted at retail outlets.
- For scratch games, scratch off the play area on the ticket with a coin while following the instructions printed on the back of the ticket. Reveal matching symbols or prize amounts to win.
- Scan your ticket at a lottery retailer to have the clerk check it for winners. Their scanners will confirm if you’ve won a prize.
- Use the ticket checker feature on the Idaho Lottery website or mobile app. This will instantly confirm if your ticket is a winner.
Checking your ticket after each drawing or promptly after buying a scratch game gives you the best chance of claiming any prizes you might have won. Prizes must be redeemed within specific time limits, so check right away!
Ways to Check Idaho Powerball Tickets
For Idaho Powerball tickets, check the following to see if your ticket is a winner:
- Match the 5 white ball numbers on your ticket to the winning numbers drawn. Match just the Powerball number to win a prize.
- Check if you matched 2, 3, 4, or 5 white balls plus the Powerball to win other set prize amounts.
- See if you won a prize by matching just the Powerball number. Matching the Powerball wins $4.
- Check if you won a prize amount on the Power Play option if you purchased that add-on. It can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 5 times.
Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 7:59 p.m. MT. Tickets must be purchased by 6:59 p.m. MT on draw days. Check Idaho Lottery results right after the drawings for the most up-to-date winning numbers.
Checking Idaho Mega Millions Tickets
To check Mega Millions tickets purchased in Idaho, review the following:
- See if your 5 main numbers match the winning numbers drawn. Match the Mega Millions number too to win the jackpot.
- Check if you matched 3, 4, or 5 of the main numbers to win set cash prizes.
- See if you just matched the Mega Millions number to win a $2 prize.
- Check your Megaplier option too if purchased. It can multiply your non-jackpot winnings by up to 5 times.
Mega Millions drawings occur every Tuesday and Friday at 8:00 p.m. MT. Buy tickets by 7:45 p.m. MT on draw nights. View Mega Millions results after drawings on the Idaho Lottery website for the latest winning information.
Checking Results for Idaho Scratch Games
Checking scratch game tickets requires different steps than draw games. Follow these tips:
- Scratch the play area with a coin as directed on the back of the ticket.
- Reveal matching symbols, numbers, or uncovered prize amounts to win.
- Scratch any “Bonus” or additional play areas if directed.
- Make sure all required areas are scratched off to verify any winners.
- Double-check tickets to confirm you haven’t missed any winners.
Scratch all removable coverings completely and always follow the instructions printed on tickets. This will ensure you check properly. Sign the back of winning tickets immediately for security.
Use Idaho Lottery Tools to Check Tickets
The Idaho Lottery offers ticket checkers online and via mobile app to provide easy ways to check for winners. Here are some options:
- Website Ticket Checker – Visit idaholottery.com and click “Check My Tickets” to scan or enter details from a ticket to check results.
- Mobile App – Download the Idaho Lottery App on iOS or Android to scan tickets to check for prizes.
- Retailer Ticket Checker – Take tickets to authorized lottery retailers to have staff scan them to verify winners.
These online and mobile tools instantly connect to the Idaho Lottery’s database to check tickets and confirm results. They provide quick and efficient ways to check tickets aside from viewing winning numbers and manually checking tickets.
Claiming Idaho Lottery Prizes
Once you’ve checked your ticket and confirmed a win, you’ll need to claim your prize within the claim period:
- Scratch game prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the official end of that game.
- Draw game prizes must be claimed within 180 days from the draw date of the winning ticket.
You can claim Idaho Lottery prizes a few different ways:
- Prizes up to $600 can be claimed at any authorized lottery retailer in Idaho.
- Prizes between $601 and $50,000 can be claimed at Idaho Lottery offices or by mail using a claim form.
- Prizes over $50,000 must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Boise.
Make sure to sign the back of your winning ticket and bring valid photo ID. Double-check the claim requirements listed on the Idaho Lottery website for your specific prize amount.
Unclaimed Prizes in Idaho Lottery Games
Any prizes not claimed within the required timeframes become unclaimed or expired prizes. These funds are handled as follows:
- Unclaimed scratch game prizes remain in the prize pool for additional winners.
- Unclaimed draw game prizes are returned to the prize pool for future games.
So make sure to check any tickets you have thoroughly and claim any prizes promptly. Unclaimed prizes mean less funding for important lottery beneficiary programs in Idaho.
Idaho Lottery Games to Play
The Idaho Lottery offers the following games to play for chances to win cash and prizes:
| Game | Type | How to Play |
|---|---|---|
| Powerball | Draw Game | Match 5 numbers 1-69 plus the Powerball 1-26. Drawings held 3 days a week. |
| Mega Millions | Draw Game | Match 5 numbers 1-70 plus the Mega Ball 1-25. Drawings held 2 days a week. |
| Weekly Grand | Draw Game | Match 5 numbers 1-45 out of numbers drawn. Match all for jackpot. Drawn 1 day a week. |
| Pick 3 | Daily Draw Game | Match 3 numbers 0-9 drawn daily. Play different wager types to win. |
| Scratch Games | Scratch Ticket | Scratch off coating to reveal symbols and numbers to match and win. |
Check Idaho Lottery results after drawings for the 5 main draw games. New scratch games are also launched regularly offering more chances to win.
Odds of Winning an Idaho Lottery Prize
While playing Idaho Lottery games is fun and entertaining, it’s helpful to keep the odds and probabilities of winning a prize in perspective:
- Odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338.
- Chances of matching 5 main numbers in Mega Millions are 1 in 12,607,306.
- The Weekly Grand jackpot odds are 1 in 678,000.
- With scratch games, odds range from about 1 in 3 to over 1 in 2 million depending on the game.
The Idaho Lottery posts official odds for all draw games and scratch games online. Review the odds before playing and remember that big jackpots are still long shots to hit. Play responsibly for entertainment.
Scam Lottery Games and Notices
Fraudulent lottery games and scams are unfortunately common. Here are tips to identify legitimate vs. fake games and prizes:
- The Idaho Lottery will never contact you stating you’ve won a prize. Prizes must be checked and claimed directly.
- Be wary of unsolicited emails, calls, or mail stating you won a lottery prize. These “notices” are scams.
- Never pay any fees upfront to claim a prize. Avoid foreign lotteries requiring fees before you can collect supposed winnings.
- Look out for fake lottery games online and always verify if a game is run by the Idaho Lottery.
- Confirm lotteries are legitimate by checking with consumer protection agencies before playing or providing any personal/financial information.
Protect yourself by being aware of major lottery scams. Report any suspicious contacts or fraudulent games to local law enforcement.
Responsible Lottery Play in Idaho
While playing Idaho Lottery games can be enjoyable, remember to always play responsibly. Useful tips include:
- Set a budget for lottery expenditures and stick to it. Only use discretionary income.
- Balance lottery play with other recreational activities.
- Play for fun, not as a way to make money or recoup losses.
- Don’t chase losses or spend more trying to win back past expenditures.
- Consider participating in the Idaho Voluntary Exclusion Program if you need help managing lottery expenditures.
Know the warning signs of problem gambling and get help if lottery play ever negatively impacts work, relationships, finances, or other parts of life.
Lottery Retailers in Idaho
You can buy Idaho Lottery tickets at over 970 retailer locations throughout Idaho. Common lottery retailers include:
- Gas stations and convenience stores
- Grocery stores
- Drug stores and pharmacies
- Large retail chains e.g. Walmart, Albertsons
- Small markets and liquor stores
Use the Idaho Lottery Retailer Finder to locate authorized retailers selling tickets near you. Enter an address to display the nearest lottery retailers on an interactive map.
The Idaho Lottery
Important background on the Idaho Lottery includes:
- Started in 1989 after voters approved a state lottery via initiative petition and referendum.
- Generated over $887 million for the state since inception as of 2022.
- Provides dividends and funding for:
- Public schools
- School buildings
- Higher education scholarships
- Permanent building funds
- Headquartered in Boise and offers games statewide.
- Joined the Multi-State Lottery Association in 1990.
- Offers Powerball, Mega Millions, scratch games, Pick 3, and more.
The Idaho Lottery contributes vital funding for education programs across the state. When you play, you’re supporting important community causes!
Conclusion
Checking lottery tickets promptly after purchasing them is crucial. Make sure to match your numbers to winning numbers, verify your plays, and claim any prizes you win. Use the Idaho Lottery’s ticket checker tools for convenient ways to confirm results. Always play lottery games responsibly and avoid lottery scams. With the right strategies, you’ll have fun playing the lottery while helping support Idaho education programs and state-run draw games and scratch games offer exciting chances to win cash jackpots and prizes!
