Rule 3770:1-9-984 | Game rule number nine hundred eighty-four.
(A) Title and term. Game rule number nine hundred eighty-four is the Ohio-adopted modified version of the "Mega Millions" game for "Mega Millions" draws expected to begin on or about April 8, 2025. Game rule number nine hundred eighty-four will be conducted at such times and for such periods as the director may determine. For the purpose of this rule, "Sales Cycle" will mean any such period beginning on the date when ticket sales are commenced and continuing through the date established by the Ohio lottery commission executive director as the date on which sales agents are to make final settlement with respect to such period.
(B) General design.
(1) "Mega Millions" is a statewide joint lottery game that exists based on an agreement between all participating party lotteries.
(2) As used in this rule, "Mega Millions" will hereinafter be referred to as "game rule number nine hundred eighty-four" as it applies to statewide ticket sales in Ohio conducted by the Ohio lottery commission.
(3) As used in this rule, "Party Lotteries" will mean the member lotteries established and operated pursuant to the laws of the jurisdictions participating in "Mega Millions."
(a) Game rule number nine hundred eighty-four will not be amended when one or more lottery is added or removed from participating, unless the addition or removal of such party lottery will substantively change the game matrix, the play style or the method of prize payments in this game.
(b) Game rule number nine hundred eighty-four will be conducted in accordance with this rule and the "Mega Millions Official Game Rules" effective on or about April 8, 2025, hereinafter "Official Game Rules." The "Official Game Rules" are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. The "Official Game Rules" will be posted on the Ohio lottery commission website and may be accessed by going to the link: https://www.ohiolottery.com.
(4) As used in this rule, "Directors" will mean the chief officers of the member party lotteries or any other persons to whom the directors' authority is lawfully delegated.
(5) As used in this rule, "Cash Grand/Jackpot Prize" will mean the cash value of the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" paid in a lump sum as determined by the directors or their designees. The cash "Grand/Jackpot Prize" will be an amount less than the annuity "Grand/Jackpot Prize."
(6) As used in this rule, "Annuity Grand/Jackpot Prize" will mean the annuity value of a "Grand/Jackpot Prize" based on the investment by the Ohio lottery commission of the cash "Grand/Jackpot Prize" amount to fund an annual installment payment stream over thirty years as determined by the directors or their designees.
(7) As used in this rule, "Ohio Lottery" will mean the Ohio lottery commission.
(8) As used in this rule, game rule number nine hundred eighty-four, "Panel Area" or "Play Area" or "Play Board" will mean the area of an official "Mega Millions" ticket identified by the following two fields of play: one field of five numbers consisting of one or two digits that were selected by the player or the lottery gaming system, and a second field of one number consisting of one or two digits selected by the player or the lottery gaming system. Up to five such panels or play areas may appear on any one ticket in game rule number nine hundred eighty-four. The director may change the number of panels or play areas appearing on any one ticket in game rule number nine hundred eighty-four. Each panel will constitute a separate wager.
(9) Each ticket in game rule number nine hundred eighty-four will be imprinted with one set of five unique numbers from a set of numbers, one through seventy inclusively "Field One," and one unique number from a second set of numbers, one through twenty-four, inclusively "Field Two," as determined by the choice of the ticket purchaser or the auto pick feature of the lottery gaming system, and recorded on the ticket at the time of purchase. At the time of purchase, each "Play Board" on a "Mega Millions" ticket will have a "Multiplier" feature that multiplies all non-jackpot prizes by two times, three times, four times, five times, or ten times. Players may use a bet card to have the auto pick feature select their numbers in either "Field One," "Field Two," or both fields. Players may also use a bet card to manually select their numbers in either "Field One," "Field Two," or both fields. Bet cards are available at no cost to the player and will have no pecuniary or prize value, nor will they constitute evidence of purchase or number selections. When a player orally places a "Mega Millions" wager, the player will either verbally select numbers from both fields or request usage of the auto pick feature to select numbers from both fields. A ticket may include one or more panels as described in paragraph (B)(10) of this rule.
(10) As used in this rule, game rule number nine hundred eighty-four winning numbers will be randomly selected during each official "Mega Millions" drawing, and will consist of five numbers selected from a field of numbers one through seventy, inclusively, and one number selected from a second field of numbers one through twenty-four, inclusively. Holders of valid winning tickets for a given drawing bearing the numbers drawn in that drawing, in whole or in part, will be entitled to a prize award in accordance with the applicable paragraph(s) of this rule.
(11) Tickets purchased in game rule number nine hundred eighty-four are automatically deemed by the lottery gaming system to reflect payment of the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" in thirty annual installments. As set forth at paragraph (J)(3) of this rule, at the time of claim, any "Grand/Jackpot Prize" winner(s) who purchased their game rule number nine hundred eighty-four ticket(s) from an authorized Ohio lottery sales agent will have sixty calendar days from the date of the presentation for payment of their valid claim to the Ohio lottery, to opt for a cash "Grand/Jackpot Prize" known as the "Cash Option." All other prizes, other than the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" in game number nine eighty-four, will be paid out in a lump sum.
(C) Price of tickets. The price of a wager for the game as described in paragraphs (B) to (D) of this rule issued by the Ohio lottery in game rule number nine hundred eighty-four will be five dollars. The player may purchase up to the allowed number of wagers per ticket, or multiples thereof, as designated by the director if a multi-draw wager is requested at the player's discretion according to the number of game panels and inclusive drawings.
(D) Structure, nature and value of prize awards. Based upon the numbers drawn in each regular drawing for game rule number nine hundred eighty-four, prizes will be awarded to holders of valid tickets for that drawing as follows:
(1) "Mega Millions" panels matching no numbers of the five "Mega Millions" winning numbers drawn for "Field One," but matching the "Mega Millions" winning number drawn for "Field Two," will be entitled to receive a "Ninth Prize" of five dollars;
(2) "Mega Millions" panels matching one of the five "Mega Millions" winning numbers drawn for "Field One" and the "Mega Millions" winning number drawn for "Field Two," will be entitled to receive an "Eighth Prize" of seven dollars;
(3) "Mega Millions" panels matching two of the five "Mega Millions" winning numbers drawn for "Field One" and the "Mega Millions" winning number drawn for "Field Two," will be entitled to receive a "Seventh Prize" of ten dollars;
(4) "Mega Millions" panels matching three of the five "Mega Millions" winning numbers drawn for "Field One," but not matching the "Mega Millions" winning number drawn for "Field Two," will be entitled to receive a "Sixth Prize" of ten dollars;
(5) "Mega Millions" panels matching three of the five "Mega Millions" winning numbers drawn for "Field One" and the "Mega Millions" winning number drawn for "Field Two," will be entitled to receive a "Fifth Prize" of two hundred dollars;
(6) "Mega Millions" panels matching four of the five "Mega Millions" winning numbers drawn for "Field One," but not matching the "Mega Millions" winning number drawn for "Field Two," will be entitled to receive a "Fourth Prize" of five hundred dollars;
(7) "Mega Millions" panels matching four of the five "Mega Millions" winning numbers drawn for "Field One" and the "Mega Millions" winning number drawn for "Field Two," will be entitled to receive a "Third Prize" of ten thousand dollars;
(8) "Mega Millions" panels matching five of the five "Mega Millions" winning numbers drawn for "Field One," but not matching the "Mega Millions" winning number drawn for "Field Two," will be entitled to receive a "Second Prize" of one million dollars;
(9) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches all five numbers drawn for "Field One" and matching the one number drawn for "Field Two," the player will win the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" award which will be divided equally among the winning selections if there is more than one winning selection. Except as otherwise designated by the directors or their designees, the prize pool to be paid will be equal to the amount designated by the directors, following the drawing, as the cash "Grand/Jackpot Prize" amount rather than an annuity "Grand/Jackpot Prize" amount. The directors or their designees may advertise estimated cash "Grand/Jackpot Prize" or annuity "Grand/Jackpot Prize" amounts for each drawing. Except as otherwise determined by the directors or their designees, advertised cash or annuity "Grand/Jackpot Prize" amounts are not guaranteed amounts. Except as otherwise determined by the directors or their designees, the cash "Grand/Jackpot Prize" amount designated by the directors or their designees following a drawing will be the basis for determining the amount to be awarded for each valid winning ticket matching all five of the five winning numbers drawn for "Field One" and one winning number drawn for "Field Two." Advertised cash or annuity "Grand/Jackpot Prize" amounts may be forecasted for each drawing by the directors or their designees based upon expected sales, but, unless the directors or their designees have determined that such advertised amounts are guaranteed amounts, any such amounts forecasted for purposes of advertisement are not guaranteed amounts. In any event, the directors or their designees will have discretion to change the prizes and percentages which represent the prize pools in each of the categories referred to in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(9) of this rule.
(10) The minimum total "Grand/Jackpot Prize" amount in any "Grand/Jackpot" for which at least one ticket bears a winning selection which matches five of the five numbers drawn for "Field One," and matches one number drawn for "Field Two," as validated by the lottery gaming system, will be an amount designated by the directors or their designees, and will be divided equally among the holders of the winning tickets if there is more than one winning ticket. If the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" amount that is divided by the number of prize winners matching five winning numbers for "Field One" and one winning number for "Field Two" is less than one million dollars, each "Grand/ Jackpot Prize" winner will be paid in a single cash payment in an amount equal to the cash option "Grand/Jackpot Prize" divided equally by the number of "Grand/Jackpot Prize" winners. The directors may set the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" at levels higher than the minimum amount in accordance with paragraph (D)(9) of this rule.
(11) Any amounts remaining in the prize pools described in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(9) of this rule after any given drawing, due to residual amounts after prize disbursements, will be retained by the party lotteries.
(12) When there are no winning tickets issued for the prize pool described in paragraph (D)(9) of this rule, the directors will carry the prize pool amount forward into the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" for the next consecutive drawing.
(13) When there are no winning tickets issued for the prize pool described in paragraph (D)(9) of this rule, the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" amount will roll pari-mutuelly based on sales as set by the directors, however, the directors may establish a "Grand/Jackpot Prize" amount higher than that amount.
(14) If the total prize liability for the prize levels described in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(9) of this rule exceeds the liability cap agreed upon by the directors, then that liability cap may be enforced for the payment of the prize awards set forth in paragraphs (D)(7) to (D)(8) of this rule. In the event the liability cap is exceeded, then the prizes set forth in paragraphs (D)(7) to (D)(8) of this rule may be paid on a pari-mutuel basis, or in another manner as determined by the directors, rather than fixed prize basis, provided, however, that in no event will the pari- mutuel prizes or other prizes awarded be greater than the applicable fixed prizes. In the event that the liability cap is exceeded, and prizes are paid on a pari-mutual basis, or in another manner as determined by the directors, the amounts used for allocation of such pari-mutuel prizes, or other prizes awarded, for each prize level will be determined by the directors. If the liability cap is exceeded for a particular drawing, the director will make the amount of the liability cap publicly available by means that the director deems appropriate. For purposes of prize calculation with respect to any game rule number nine hundred eighty-four pari-mutuel prize, the calculation will be rounded down so that prizes will be paid in multiples of one dollar.
(15) In a single game rule number nine hundred eighty-four drawing, a claimant may win in only one prize category per wager as a result of possessing winning numbers selected in either one or both fields of play and will be entitled only to the highest prize level won.
(16) Subject to the laws and regulations governing each party lottery, the number of prize categories and the allocation of the prize fund among the prize categories may be changed at the discretion of the directors for promotional purposes. Such a change will be announced by public notice.
(E) Built in multiplier feature. In addition to the game described in paragraphs (B) to (D) of this rule, at the time of purchase, each "Play Board" on a ticket will have one randomly selected built in "Multiplier" feature that multiplies all non-jackpot prizes by either two times, three times, four times, five times, or ten times the prize value. Each "Play Board" and "Multiplier" plays separately and cannot be combined in any way.
(1) The cost of every five dollar "Mega Millions" wager will be increased by zero dollars for the built in multiplier.
(2) In connection with the "Multiplier" feature, for purposes of the prize levels set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule, "Multiplier" is a unique number that is automatically selected by computer software according to the frequency set forth for each "Mega Millions Play Board" and prints directly on Official "Mega Millions" tickets. The "Multiplier" is included on each "Mega Millions Play Board" at no charge and increases non-jackpot prizes by two times, three times, four times, five times, or ten times the prize won. As determined by the director, multiplier numbers other than two, three, four, or five including but not limited to numbers higher than five may be used for promotions. In the event of a winning ticket, the multiplier number selected will only apply to the prize levels set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule. The multiplier number selected is not applied to or does not impact the prize award set forth in paragraph (D)(9) of this rule:
(a) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches none of the five numbers drawn for "Field One" and matching the one number drawn for "Field Two," and bearing the two times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of five dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of ten dollars. In the event that the player has received a three times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of five dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of fifteen dollars. In the event that the player has received a four times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of five dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twenty dollars. In the event that the player has received a five times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of five dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twenty-five dollars. In the event that the player has received a ten times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of five dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a prize award of fifty dollars.
(b) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches one of the five numbers drawn for "Field One" and matching the one number drawn for "Field Two," and bearing the two times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of fourteen dollars. In the event that the player has received a three times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twenty-one dollars. In the event that the player has received a four times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twenty-eight dollars. In the event that the player has received a five times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a prize award of thirty-five dollars. In the event that the player has received a ten times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a prize award of seventy dollars.
(c) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches two of the five numbers drawn for "Field One" and matching the one number drawn for "Field Two," and bearing the two times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twenty dollars. In the event that the player has received a three times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of thirty dollars. In the event that the player has received a four times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of forty dollars. In the event that the player has received a five times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a prize award of fifty dollars. In the event that the player has received a ten times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a prize award of one hundred dollars.
(d) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for "Field One," but not matching the one number drawn for "Field Two," and bearing the two times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twenty dollars. In the event that the player has received a three times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of thirty dollars. In the event that the player has received a four times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of forty dollars. In the event that the player has received a five times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a prize award of fifty dollars. In the event that the player has received a ten times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a prize award of one hundred dollars.
(e) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for "Field One," and matching the one number drawn for "Field Two," and bearing the two times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of two hundred dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of four hundred dollars. In the event that the player has received a three times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of two hundred dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of six hundred dollars. In the event that the player has received a four times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of two hundred dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of eight hundred dollars. In the event that the player has received a five times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of two hundred dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a prize award of one thousand dollars. In the event that the player has received a ten times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of two hundred dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a prize award of two thousand dollars.
(f) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for "Field One," but not matching the one number drawn for "Field Two," and bearing the two times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of five hundred dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of one thousand dollars. In the event that the player has received a three times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of five hundred dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of one thousand five hundred dollars. In the event that the player has received a four times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of five hundred dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of two thousand dollars. In the event that the player has received a five times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of five hundred dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a prize award of two thousand five hundred dollars. In the event that the player has received a ten times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of five hundred dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a prize award of five thousand dollars.
(g) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for "Field One," and matching the one number drawn for "Field Two," and bearing the two times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten thousand dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twenty thousand dollars. In the event that the player has received a three times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten thousand dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of thirty thousand dollars. In the event that the player has received a four times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten thousand dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of forty thousand dollars. In the event that the player has received a five times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten thousand dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a prize award of fifty thousand dollars. In the event that the player has received a ten times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of ten thousand dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a prize award of one hundred thousand dollars.
(h) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches five of the five numbers drawn for "Field One," but not matching the one number drawn for "Field Two," and bearing the two times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of one million dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of two million dollars. In the event that the player has received a three times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of one million dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of three million dollars. In the event that the player has received a four times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of one million dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of four million dollars. In the event that the player has received a five times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of one million dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a prize award of five million dollars. In the event that the player has received a ten times "Multiplier," the regular prize award of one million dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a prize award of ten million dollars.
(3) Subsequent drawings.
(a) "Play it Again" feature. When selecting the "Play it Again" feature, the players selected numbers will carry over to the following drawing, however, the "Multiplier" will be randomly generated.
(b) "Advance Play" feature. When selecting the "Advance Play" feature, the players previously selected numbers, along with the previously generated "Multiplier," will be carried over to the following drawing.
(4) The directors or their designees will have discretion to change the prize amounts and number of prizes referred to in paragraphs (E)(2)(a) to (E)(2)(h) of this rule in accordance with paragraph (E)(5) of this rule. Changes will be publicly announced.
(5) Any amounts remaining in the prize pools described in paragraphs (E)(2)(a) to (E)(2)(h) of this rule after any given drawing, due to residual amounts after prize disbursements, will be retained by the party lotteries.
(6) If the total prize liability for the prize levels described in paragraphs (E)(2)(a) to (E)(2)(h) of this rule exceed the liability cap agreed upon by the directors, then that liability cap may be enforced for the payment of the prize awards set forth in paragraphs (E)(2)(a) to (E)(2)(h) of this rule. In the event the liability cap is exceeded, then the prizes set forth in paragraphs (E)(2)(a) to (E)(2)(h) of this rule may be paid on a pari-mutuel basis, or in another manner as determined by the directors, rather than fixed prize basis, provided, however, that in no event will the pari-mutuel prizes or other prizes awarded be greater than the applicable fixed prizes. In the event that the liability cap is exceeded and prizes are paid on a pari-mutuel basis, or in another manner as determined by the directors, the amounts used for allocation of such pari-mutuel prizes, or other prizes awarded, for each prize level will be determined by the directors. If the liability cap is exceeded for a particular drawing, the director will make the amount of the liability cap publicly available by means that the director deems appropriate. For purposes of prize calculation with respect to any game rule number nine hundred eighty-four pari-mutuel prize, the calculation will be rounded down so that prizes will be paid in multiples of one dollar.
(7) In a single game rule number nine hundred eighty-four drawing, a claimant may win in only one prize category per single "Mega Millions" in connection with "Mega Millions Winning Numbers," and will be entitled only to the highest prize.
(F) Frequency and location of prize drawings. Drawings will be held at such times and places determined by the directors.
(G) Manner of prize drawings.
(1) All drawings conducted in connection with this rule will be open to the public and may be held at such places and times in any party lottery jurisdiction that the directors will determine. The directors will inform the public as to the time and place of each prize drawing.
(2) All holders of valid tickets for a given drawing are eligible to win in that drawing.
(3) All drawings in connection with the "Mega Millions" will be conducted randomly in accordance with procedures approved by the directors. For every drawing in connection with "Mega Millions," the directors will approve operating procedures and drawing devices to be used in the selection of winning numbers and the awarding of prizes.
(H) Validity of tickets.
(1) Each purchaser of tickets in game rule number nine hundred eighty-four will be responsible for verifying that the numbers imprinted on such tickets are those requested, that the purchase price paid is the price recorded on such ticket, and that such ticket has recorded thereon the type of wager(s) and the drawing date(s) therefore that the purchaser desired to make. The Ohio lottery will be free of any liability in connection with this paragraph.
(2) Each ticket issued in game rule number nine hundred eighty-four will have imprinted thereon at the time of purchase, a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery. No prize will be paid by the Ohio lottery for any tickets without such control number or bar code data. A valid winning ticket bearing matching player or lottery gaming system number selections and containing a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery, will serve as the only valid proof of the wager placed and the only valid receipt for claiming or redeeming any prize. If a receipt was printed by a retailer, the receipt will also be submitted with the winning ticket at the time of filing the claim. Each party lottery follows the same requirements set forth in this paragraph.
(3) As applicable to this rule, any and all game tickets, including the "Multiplier" feature, may not be canceled.
(4) Valid winning game rule number nine hundred eighty-four tickets will meet the following conditions:
(a) Validation data will be present in its entirety and will correspond, using the computer validation file, to the number selections printed on the ticket for the drawing date(s) printed on the ticket;
(b) The ticket will be intact;
(c) The ticket will not be mutilated, altered, reconstituted, or tampered with in any manner;
(d) The ticket will not be counterfeit or an exact duplicate of another winning ticket;
(e) The ticket will have been issued by an authorized Ohio lottery sales agent on official paper stock of the Ohio lottery;
(f) The ticket will not have been stolen, to the knowledge of the Ohio lottery;
(g) The ticket will be submitted for payment in accordance with the Ohio lottery's validation and claiming procedures;
(h) The ticket data will have been recorded on the central computer system prior to the drawing and the ticket data will match this computer record in every respect (in the event of a contradiction between the information as printed on the ticket and as accepted by the Ohio lottery lottery gaming system, the wager accepted will be the valid wager);
(i) The player or computer number selections, validation data and the drawing date(s) of an apparent winning ticket will appear on the official file of winning tickets, and a ticket with that exact data will not have been previously paid;
(j) The ticket will not be misregistered, defectively printed or printed or produced in error to an extent that it cannot be processed by the Ohio lottery;
(k) The ticket will pass all other confidential security checks of the Ohio lottery;
(l) In submitting an official game rule number nine hundred eighty-four ticket for validation, the claimant agrees to abide by applicable laws, all rules and regulations of the Ohio lottery, and any instructions, conditions and final decisions of the director;
(m) There will not be any other breach of the rules described herein in relation to the ticket which, in the opinion of the director, justifies disqualification;
(n) To be eligible for payment, all winning tickets will be presented for payment to the party lottery which issued it within the claiming period as established by that party lottery; and
(o) The ticket will not be in violation of commission rules, including, but not limited to, by way of prize discounting prohibited under rule 3770-3-01 of the Administrative Code.
(5) All winning tickets in game rule number nine hundred eighty-four are subject to validation by the lottery gaming system under procedures established by the director before the payment of any prize.
(6) An official game rule number nine hundred eighty-four ticket submitted for validation which fails any of the validation conditions as established in paragraph (H)(4) of this rule will be considered void, subject to the following determination:
(a) In all cases of doubt, the determination of the director will be final and binding. However, the director, at his/her option, may replace an invalid ticket with an official game rule number nine hundred eighty-four ticket of equivalent sales price or provide a refund of the purchase price;
(b) In the event a defective ticket is purchased or in the event that the director determines to adjust an error, the sole and exclusive remedy will be the replacement of such defective or erroneous ticket(s) with an official game rule number nine hundred eighty-four ticket of equivalent sales price or a refund provided of the purchase price; and
(c) In the event an official game rule number nine hundred eighty-four ticket is not paid by the Ohio lottery, and a dispute occurs as to whether the ticket is a valid winning ticket, the Ohio lottery may, at its option, replace the ticket with an official game rule number nine hundred eighty-four ticket of equivalent sales price;
(7) The Ohio lottery will not be responsible for lost or stolen game rule number nine hundred eighty-four tickets.
(8) The Ohio lottery will not be responsible to any claimant and/or sales agent for game rule number nine hundred eighty-four tickets redeemed in error by an Ohio lottery sales agent.
(9) Valid prize winners are determined by the numbers drawn and not the numbers reported. The Ohio lottery will not be responsible for game rule number nine hundred eighty-four winning numbers reported in error.
(10) In purchasing a ticket issued for game rule number nine hundred eighty-four the player agrees to comply with and be bound by all applicable statutes, administrative regulations, and procedures of the Ohio lottery, and understands that the directives and determinations of the other party lotteries do not apply to game rule number nine hundred eighty-four purchases in Ohio. The player agrees, as its sole and exclusive remedy, that claims arising out of any "Mega Millions" ticket purchase can be pursued only against the state or jurisdiction of ticket purchase. Therefore, litigation, if any, may only be maintained against the Ohio lottery in the appropriate forum for game rule number nine hundred eighty-four tickets purchased at an authorized Ohio lottery sales agent location.
(11) For the purpose of determining the number of winning wagers, division of the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" is contingent on the lottery gaming system's determination of winning wagers sold, and not by the number of winning tickets presented for payment.
(12) In addition to, but not in limitation of, all other power and authority conferred on the director by the commission's rules, the director may declare a ticket in game rule number nine hundred eighty-four void if it is stolen, deactivated, not sold or deemed not sold in accordance with commission rules; if it is illegible, mutilated, altered, counterfeit, reconstituted, miscut, defective, printed or produced in error or incomplete; or if the ticket fails any of the validation tests or procedures established by the director; or if the ticket is obtained in violation of commission rules, including, but not limited to, by way of prize discounting prohibited under rule 3770-3-01 of the Administrative Code. The commission's liability and responsibility for a ticket declared void, if any, is limited to refund of the retail sales price of the ticket or issuance of a replacement ticket of comparable price A ticket may not be canceled once the ticket is printed by the lottery terminal even if such ticket is printed in error.
(I) Procedures for claiming and payment of prize awards. Effective upon determination of prize payouts, prizes will be redeemed or claimed only in the jurisdiction where the official winning "Mega Millions" ticket was purchased. Claimants of prizes in "Mega Millions" will comply with the claiming periods or deadlines of the jurisdiction where the winning "Mega Millions" ticket was purchased. Claimants of game rule number nine hundred eighty-four prizes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio will comply with the following terms and conditions:
(1) Prizes for game rule number nine hundred eighty-four tickets purchased in Ohio may be redeemed or claimed only through Ohio lottery sales agents authorized to sell game rule number nine hundred eighty-four tickets, or other authorized claim centers designated by the Ohio lottery;
(2) Claimants of winning game rule number nine hundred eighty-four prizes for tickets purchased in Ohio will comply with the prize claim requirements of the Ohio lottery and the applicable claiming period of one hundred eighty days as set forth in division (A)(1) of section 3770.07 of the Revised Code;
(3) In the event a single game rule number nine hundred eighty-four ticket purchased in Ohio contains two or more winning wagers, the cumulative prize amount will be claimed or redeemed in accordance with the specified prize payment limits of the Ohio lottery;
(4) State and federal withholding taxes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio will be withheld from game rule number nine hundred eighty-four prizes awarded by the Ohio lottery in such amounts as may be required by law, along with any other deductions required by law; and
(5) Game rule number nine hundred eighty-four prizes will not be paid to any persons prohibited from playing by the governing laws or rules of the Ohio lottery. In addition, "Mega Millions" tickets may not be purchased in any other party lottery jurisdictions by any party lottery board or commission member; or any officer or employee of a party lottery; or any spouse, child, brother, sister or parent residing as a member of the same household in the principal place of residence of any such party lottery board member or commissioner, officer or employee.
(6) For winning official game rule number nine hundred eighty-four tickets purchased in Ohio for which no claim or redemption is made within one hundred eighty days after the date of the drawing as required by the procedures set forth in Ohio lottery rules, the corresponding prize monies will be returned to the Ohio lottery in accordance with procedures for the reconciliation of prize liability as may be agreed from time to time by the directors of the party lotteries. Such unclaimed prizes will be paid into the state lottery fund and distributed in accordance with section 3770.06 of the Revised Code.
(J) Payment of the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" award.
(1) In accordance with the "Mega Millions" agreement, if the Ohio lottery sells a winning "Grand/Jackpot Prize" ticket, the party lotteries will, through the "Mega Millions" clearinghouse, transfer to the Ohio lottery an amount equivalent to each party lottery's share as determined by the directors or their designees to be the amount needed to fund payment of the "Grand/Jackpot Prize."
(2) Except as otherwise provided by law, all annuitized prizes will be paid annually in thirty payments with the initial payment being made in cash and or check, to be followed by twenty-nine payments funded by the annuity, and all annuitized payments will be paid in twenty-nine graduated payments (increasing each year) by five percent or as otherwise agreed to by participating party lotteries. Prize payments may be rounded down to the nearest one thousand dollars.
(3) Upon completion of internal validation and claiming procedures established by the Ohio lottery, at the time a valid claim is presented for payment of the "Grand/Jackpot Prize," the cash "Grand/Jackpot Prize" option amount along with the amount of appropriately withheld state and federal income taxes will be disclosed in writing to the prize winner. Commencing with the date of presentment of a valid winning "Grand/Jackpot Prize" ticket to the Ohio lottery, and for sixty calendar days thereafter, claimants may choose the cash option instead of annual installments. Claimants who choose the cash option will receive the amount of cash "Grand/Jackpot Prize" option amount disclosed to claimant by the Ohio lottery in accordance with applicable rules, less the appropriately withheld state and federal income taxes and any other deductions required by law. Notice of the cash option selection will be received by the Ohio lottery or post office stamped by the end of the sixty calendar day deadline. Such option, once chosen, may not be revoked. If no selection is made during the allowed time period, the prize winner will automatically be paid the prize as an annuity "Grand/Jackpot Prize" in thirty annual installments as provided for herein. No payment will be issued during the period prior to selection.
(4) As set forth in paragraphs (J)(1) to (J)(3) of this rule, a single winning game rule number nine hundred eighty-four "Grand/Jackpot Prize" ticket may be paid in either thirty annual installments or in one lump sum, cash option payment. However, prize winners who claim a joint prize from a single winning ticket will all receive prize payments in either annual installments or in a lump sum payment. Prize winners who claim a joint prize from a single winning ticket may not opt to receive different forms of payment.
(K) Net proceeds to lottery profits education fund. The entire net proceeds from the sale of game rule number nine hundred eighty-four in Ohio that remain after associated operating expenses, prize disbursements, lottery sales agent bonuses, commissions, and reimbursements, and any other expenses necessary to comply with the agreements among the party lotteries or Ohio lottery rules are deducted from the gross proceeds of game number nine hundred fifty-eight, will be transferred to the lottery profits education fund as required under division (B) of section 3770.06 of the Revised Code.
(L) Director's conduct of game rule number nine hundred eighty-four.
(1) The director will conduct game rule number nine hundred eighty-four in a manner consistent with the Ohio Lottery Act and the rules of the Ohio lottery, including without limitation this rule.
(2) Names and definitions of elements of game rule number nine hundred eighty-four used in this rule are considered generic terms used solely for the purpose of this rule.
(3) Should the director determine that drawings conducted pursuant to game rule number nine hundred eighty-four are to be discontinued, such discontinuation will occur at the end of a jackpot sequence. Should the directors determine that "Mega Millions" will be discontinued and replaced by a modified version of "Mega Millions" or another joint lotto game with a grand prize jackpot agreed to by the party lotteries, then the directors will have the discretion to transfer any existing funds from the "Mega Millions Grand/Jackpot Prize" that was not won before such drawings were discontinued, to such new joint lotto game.
(4) The directors will have discretion to authorize any funding mechanism deemed necessary to accomplish payment of any prize pool. The directors may collectively authorize sale of "Mega Millions" tickets at a discount for promotional purposes. In addition, the director may authorize sale of game rule number nine hundred eighty-four tickets at a discount for promotional purposes within the state of Ohio, provided that such discounted sales are reported to the other party lotteries at full gross sales value.
(5) In the event of any conflict between the "Official Game Rules" and the statutes, rules or regulations of the Ohio lottery, the Ohio lottery statutes, rules and regulations will control.
(6) All decisions made by the director with respect to the play of game rule number nine hundred eighty-four in Ohio, including the declaration of prizes and the payment thereof and the interpretation of Ohio lottery rules, will be final and binding on all purchasers and on every person making a claim in respect thereof.
Last updated February 18, 2025 at 7:53 AM
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