Learn how to claim a prize in Massachusetts if you win on an instant game, whether it is just a few dollars or a jackpot worth millions.
Regardless of how much you win, you have one year from the end date of the relevant scratch-off to come forward and claim your prize. If the game remains active and a closing date has not yet been announced, it means the deadline is still unknown and will be more than a year away.
Prizes of $600 or Below – If you win up to $600, you can just go to a Massachusetts Lottery retail location to redeem your prize. Alternatively, go to a lottery office or mail in your winning ticket.
Prizes from $600 to $25,000 – You can’t claim prizes of more than $600 from a retailer, but you can claim by mail up to the value of $50,000 (details further down the page), or go to a lottery office up to $103,000. Another option for prizes up to $5,000 is to claim via mobile cashing on the Mass Lottery app. This just requires you to have a player account, then you can scan your instant ticket and start a claim if you win. The prize will be added directly to your bank account.
Prizes Above $103,000 – Win more than $103,000 and you must collect your prize in person from the MA Lottery headquarters in Dorchester.
If you are claiming a prize in person, you must provide a signed winning ticket, plus photo identification such as your passport and proof of your Social Security number. Here are the addresses of the regional offices where you can claim prizes.
You can claim any prize up to $50,000 by mail. You’ll need to send in your signed winning ticket, along with a completed claim form. Make sure to attach copies of your photo identification and proof of Social Security number (for prizes above $600). The address for mail-in claims is shown below. It is recommended that you use certified or registered mail.
Taxes are withheld at state and federal levels if you win a prize on an instant game in Massachusetts. The threshold for state tax is $5,000, so any win above this value will be subject to a five percent withholding, in addition to federal taxes. If you receive a big prize you should contact a tax expert for advice.