Chapter 3770:1-9 | Additional Lottery Games

Rule 3770:1-9-250 | Game number two hundred fifty.

• Effective: April 21, 2025
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Title and term. Game number two hundred fifty, the Ohio-adopted version of "Mega Millions," will be conducted at such times and for such periods as the Ohio lottery commission 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 their 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 number two hundred fifty" 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" and any licensees authorized to sell Mega Millions.

(a) Game number two hundred fifty 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.

(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 prize" will mean the cash value of the grand prize jackpot paid in a lump sum as determined by the directors or their designees. The cash grand prize will be an amount less than the annuity grand prize.

(6) As used in this rule, "annuity grand prize" will mean the annuity value of a grand prize jackpot based on the investment by the Ohio lottery commission of the cash grand prize amount to fund an annual installment payment stream over twenty-six 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, "Ohio director" will mean the executive director of the Ohio lottery commission.

(9) As used in this rule, game number two hundred fifty "panel or play area" 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 on-line gaming system computer, and a second field of one number consisting of one or two digits selected by the player or the on-line gaming system computer. Up to ten such panels or play areas may appear on any one ticket in game number two hundred fifty. The director may change the number of panels or play areas appearing on any one ticket in game number two hundred fifty. Each panel will constitute a separate wager.

(10) Each ticket in game number two hundred fifty will be imprinted with one set of five unique numbers from a set of numbers, one through fifty-six inclusively ("field one"), and one unique number from a second set of numbers, one through forty-six, inclusively ("field two"), as determined by the choice of the ticket purchaser or the auto pick feature of the on-line computer system, and recorded on the ticket at the time of purchase. 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 needs to either manually 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)(9) of this rule.

(11) As used in this rule, game number two hundred fifty 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 fifty-six, inclusively, and one number selected from a second field of numbers one through forty-six, 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. The prize awarded to holders of winning tickets may be dependent upon whether a player has purchased the Megaplier feature.

(12) Tickets purchased in game number two hundred fifty are automatically deemed by the on-line gaming system to reflect payment of the grand prize jackpot in twenty-six annual installments. As set forth at paragraph (J)(3) of this rule, at the time of claim, any grand prize jackpot prize winner(s) who purchased their game number two hundred fifty 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 commission, to opt for a cash grand prize known as the "cash option." All other prizes, other than the grand prize in game number two hundred fifty, 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 commission in game number two hundred fifty will be one dollar. The player may purchase up to the 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 in accordance with the number of game panels and inclusive drawings. The cost of every one dollar wager will be increased by one dollar if the player purchases the Megaplier feature.

(D) Structure, nature and value of prize awards. Based upon the numbers drawn in each regular drawing for game number two hundred fifty, prizes will be awarded to holders of valid tickets for that drawing as follows:

(1) 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, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of two dollars;

(2) 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, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of three dollars;

(3) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of seven dollars;

(4) 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, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of ten dollars;

(5) 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, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars.

(6) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars.

(7) 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, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of ten thousand dollars.

(8) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches all five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of two hundred fifty thousand 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 prize jackpot 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 prize jackpot amount rather than an annuity grand prize jackpot amount. The directors or their designees may advertise estimated cash grand prize or annuity grand prize jackpot amounts for each drawing. Except as otherwise determined by the directors or their designees, advertised cash or annuity grand prize jackpot amounts are in no way guaranteed amounts. Except as otherwise determined by the directors or their designees, the cash grand prize jackpot 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 prize jackpot 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 in no way 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 prize jackpot amount in any grand prize 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 on-line computer 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 prize jackpot 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 prize jackpot winner will be paid in a single cash payment in an amount equal to the cash option grand prize divided equally by the number of grand prize jackpot prize winners.

The directors may set the grand prize jackpot 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)(8) 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 prize jackpot 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 prize jackpot prize amount will roll pari-mutuelly based on sales as set by the directors, however, the directors may establish a grand prize jackpot prize amount higher than that amount.

(14) If the total prize liability for the prize levels described in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) 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)(5) to (D)(8) of this rule. In the event the liability cap is exceeded, then the prizes set forth in paragraphs (D)(5) to (D)(8) of this rule may be paid on a pari-mutuel basis, or in another manner as determined by the director, 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 director, the amounts used for allocation of such pari-mutuel prizes, or other prizes awarded, for each prize level will be determined by the director. If the liability cap is exceeded for a particular drawing, the Ohio director will make the amount of the liability cap publicly available by means that the Ohio director deems appropriate. For purposes of prize calculation with respect to any game number two hundred fifty 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 number two hundred fifty 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. Such change will be announced by public notice.

(E) In addition to the game described in paragraphs (B) to (D) of this rule, a player will have an option to play "The Megaplier." If a player selects the Megaplier feature, the words "Megaplier Yes" will be printed on the player's ticket. If a player fails to choose the Megaplier feature, the words "Megaplier No" will be printed on the player's ticket.

(1) The cost of every one dollar Mega Millions wager will be increased by one dollar if the player purchases "The Megaplier" feature.

(2) In connection with the Megaplier feature, if said feature is an available feature, for purposes of the prize levels set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(7) of this rule, a drawing will occur prior to each Mega Millions drawing to select, unless otherwise approved by the director, a multiplier number from one of the following twenty-one numbers: two, two, three, three, three, three, three, three, three, four, four, four, four, four, four, four, four, four, four, four, and four. As determined by the director, multiplier numbers other than two, three or four including but in no way limited to numbers higher than four 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)(7) of this rule. The multiplier number selected in no way applies to or impacts the prize award set forth in paragraph (D)(8) of this rule. In the event of a winning ticket, as set forth in paragraph (E)(2)(h) of this rule, purchase of the Megaplier feature will increase the regular prize award set forth in paragraph (D)(8) of this rule. Purchase of the Megaplier feature in no way multiplies, increases or impacts the grand prize jackpot award set forth in paragraph (D)(9) of this rule. A player who chooses the Megaplier feature, will win the prize awards set forth below which will be in lieu of the prize awards set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule, not in addition to the prize awards set forth therein.

(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 in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, the regular prize award of two dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of four dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, the regular prize award of two dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of six dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of two dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of eight 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 in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, the regular prize award of three dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of six dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, the regular prize award of three dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of nine dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of three dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twelve dollars.

(c) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, 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 purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, 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 purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, 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.

(d) 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 in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, 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 purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, 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 purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, 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.

(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 in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, the regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of three hundred dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, the regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of four hundred fifty dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of six hundred dollars.

(f) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, the regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of three hundred dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, the regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of four hundred fifty dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of one hundred fifty dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of six hundred 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 in the event that the player has purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, 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 purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, 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 purchased the Megaplier feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, 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; and

(h) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches all five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, and in the event the player has purchased the Megaplier feature, the regular prize award of two hundred fifty thousand dollars will be increased and the player will be entitled to a prize award of one million dollars.

(3) 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. Changes will be publicly announced.

(4) 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.

(5) 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 director, 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 director, the amounts used for allocation of such pari-mutuel prizes, or other prizes awarded, for each prize level will be determined by the director. If the liability cap is exceeded for a particular drawing, the Ohio director will make the amount of the liability cap publicly available by means that the Ohio director deems appropriate. For purposes of prize calculation with respect to any game number two hundred fifty pari-mutuel prize, the calculation will be rounded down so that prizes will be paid in multiples of one dollar.

(6) In a single game number two hundred fifty 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, and if the Megaplier feature is selected, the prizes awarded under paragraphs (E)(2)(a) to (E)(2)(h) will be in lieu of the prize awards set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule, but never in addition to the prize awards set forth therein.

(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 jurisdictions 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 number two hundred fifty 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) therefor that the purchaser desired to make. The Ohio lottery commission will be free of any liability in connection with this paragraph.

(2) Each ticket issued in game number two hundred fifty will have imprinted thereon at the time of purchase a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission. No prize will be paid by the Ohio lottery commission for any tickets without such control number or bar code data. A valid winning ticket bearing matching player or on-line gaming system computer number selections and also containing a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission, will serve as the only valid proof of the wager placed and the only valid receipt for claiming or redeeming any prize. Each party lottery follows the same Mandatesments set forth in this paragraph.

(3) As applicable to this rule, any and all game tickets, including "The Megaplier" feature, may not be canceled.

(4) Valid winning game number two hundred fifty tickets will need to meet the following conditions:

(a) Validation data will be present in its entirety and needs to 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 needs to be intact;

(c) The ticket will not be mutilated, altered, reconstituted, or tampered with in any manner;

(d) The ticket must not be counterfeit or an exact duplicate of another winning ticket;

(e) The ticket needs to have been issued by an authorized Ohio lottery commission sales agent on official paper stock of the Ohio lottery commission;

(f) The ticket must not have been stolen;

(g) The ticket has been submitted for payment in accordance with the Ohio lottery commission's validation and claiming procedures;

(h) The ticket data has been recorded on the central computer system prior to the drawing and the ticket data must 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 commission on-line 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 needs to appear on the official file of winning tickets, and a ticket with that exact data will need to be validated as never being previously paid;

(j) The ticket needs to be properly registered, and any ticket defectively printed or printed or produced in error to an extent that it is incapable of being processed by the Ohio lottery commission;

(k) The ticket needs to pass all other confidential security checks of the Ohio lottery commission;

(l) In submitting an official game number two hundred fifty ticket for validation, the claimant agrees to abide by applicable laws, all rules and regulations of the Ohio lottery commission, and any instructions, conditions and final decisions of the Ohio director;

(m) There must not be any other breach of the rules described herein in relation to the ticket which, in the opinion of the Ohio director, justifies disqualification; and

(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.

(5) All winning tickets in game number two hundred fifty are subject to validation by the on-line computer system under procedures established by the Ohio director before the payment of any prize.

(6) An official game number two hundred fifty 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 Ohio director will be final and binding. However, the Ohio director, at his/her option, may replace an invalid ticket with an official game number two hundred fifty ticket of equivalent sales price or a refund of the purchase price;

(b) In the event a defective ticket is purchased or in the event that the Ohio 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 number two hundred fifty ticket of equivalent sales price or a refund of the purchase price; and

(c) In the event an official game number two hundred fifty ticket is not paid by the Ohio lottery commission, and a dispute occurs as to whether the ticket is a valid winning ticket, the Ohio lottery commission may, at its option, replace the ticket or provide a refund of the purchase price.

(7) The Ohio lottery commission has no responsibility for lost or stolen game number two hundred fifty tickets.

(8) The Ohio lottery commission not be responsible to any claimant and sales agent for game number two hundred fifty tickets redeemed in error by an Ohio lottery commission sales agent.

(9) Valid prize winners are determined by the numbers drawn and not the numbers reported. The Ohio lottery commission will not be responsible for game number two hundred fifty winning numbers reported in error.

(10) In purchasing a ticket issued for game number two hundred fifty, the player agrees to comply with and be bound by all applicable statutes, administrative rules and regulations, and procedures of the Ohio lottery commission, and understands that the directives and determinations of the other party lotteries do not apply to game number two hundred fifty 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 commission in the appropriate forum for game number two hundred fifty 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 prize jackpot is contingent on the on-line computer system's determination of winning wagers sold, and not by the number of winning tickets presented for payment.

(I) Procedures for claiming and payment of prize awards.

(1) 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" must comply with the claiming periods or deadlines of the jurisdiction where the winning "Mega Millions" ticket was purchased. Claimants of game number two hundred fifty prizes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio must comply with the following terms and conditions:

(a) Prizes for game number two hundred fifty tickets purchased in Ohio may be redeemed or claimed only through Ohio lottery sales agents authorized to sell game number two hundred fifty tickets, or other authorized claim centers designated by the Ohio lottery commission;

(b) Claimants of winning game number two hundred fifty prizes for tickets purchased in Ohio must comply with the prize claim mandates of the Ohio lottery commission 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;

(c) In the event a single game number two hundred fifty 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 commission;

(d) State and federal withholding taxes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio will be withheld from game number two hundred fifty prizes awarded by the Ohio lottery commission in such amounts as may be mandated by law, along with any other deductions mandated by law; and

(e) Game number two hundred fifty prizes will not be paid to any persons prohibited from playing by the governing law or rules of the Ohio lottery commission. 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.

(f) For winning official game number two hundred fifty tickets purchased in Ohio for which no claim or redemption is made within one hundred eighty days after the date of the drawing as mandated by the procedures set forth in Ohio lottery commission 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 prize jackpot award.

(1) In accordance with the "Mega Millions" agreement, if the Ohio lottery commission sells a winning grand prize jackpot ticket, the party lotteries will, through the "Mega Millions" clearinghouse, transfer to the Ohio lottery commission 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 prize jackpot..

(2) If there is only one winning grand prize jackpot ticket, except as otherwise authorized, annual payments will be paid in twenty-six annual installments by the party lottery which sold the winning ticket. If the Ohio lottery commission sells a winning grand prize jackpot ticket, and such winning ticket is presented for payment, the initial installment will be paid upon completion of internal validation and claiming procedures as established by the Ohio lottery commission. The first installment payment will not be less than the twenty-five subsequent annual installment payments. The subsequent twenty-five equal installments will be paid annually to coincide with the federal bond auction dates as designated by the directors or their designees. If there is more than one winning grand prize jackpot ticket, then the annual payments will be paid in accordance with the "Mega Millions" agreement.

(3) Upon completion of internal validation and claiming procedures established by the Ohio lottery commission, at the time a valid claim is presented for payment of the grand prize jackpot, the cash grand 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 prize jackpot ticket to the Ohio lottery commission, 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 prize option amount disclosed to claimant by the Ohio lottery commission in accordance with applicable rules, less the appropriately withheld state and federal income taxes and any other deductions mandated by law.

Notice of the cash option selection must be received by the Ohio lottery commission 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 prize in twenty-six 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 number two hundred fifty grand prize jackpot ticket may be paid in either twenty-six 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 number two hundred fifty 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 these rules are deducted from the gross proceeds of game number two hundred fifty, will be transferred to the lottery profits education fund as mandatedd under division (B) of section 3770.06 of the Revised Code.

(L) Director's conduct of game number two hundred fifty.

(1) The Ohio director will conduct game number two hundred fifty in a manner consistent with the Ohio Lottery Act, the rules of the Ohio lottery commission, including without limitation this rule, and the regulations of the Ohio director. As deemed necessary or advisable, the Ohio director will adopt management regulations, orders or directives to implement and operate this Ohio lottery game.

(2) Names and definitions of elements of game number two hundred fifty used in this rule are considered generic terms used solely for the purpose of this rule.

(3) Should the Ohio director determine that drawings conducted pursuant to game number two hundred fifty are to be discontinued, such discontinuation must 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 prize jackpot 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 Ohio director may authorize sale of game number two hundred fifty 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 general "Mega Millions" rules and the statutes, rules or regulations of the Ohio lottery commission, the Ohio lottery commission statutes, rules and regulations will control.

(6) All decisions made by the Ohio director with respect to the play of game number two hundred fifty in Ohio, including the declaration of prizes and the payment thereof and the interpretation of Ohio lottery commission rules, will be final and binding on all purchasers and on every person making a claim in respect thereof.

Last updated April 22, 2025 at 7:57 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.01, 3770.02, 3770.03, 3770.04, 3770.05, 3770.06, 3770.07, 3770.08
Five Year Review Date: 4/1/2030
Prior Effective Dates: 1/15/2011

Rule 3770:1-9-947 | Game rule number nine hundred forty-seven.

• Effective: April 21, 2025
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Title and term. Ohio lottery commission game rule number nine hundred forty-seven, "General EZPLAY tap game rule," and the individual EZPLAY tap games offered and operated pursuant to the authority of this general EZPLAY tap game rule will be conducted at such times and for such periods as the commission may determine.

(B) General design.

(1) Game rule number nine hundred forty-seven is an EZPLAY tap game known as an "online game," offered and operated pursuant to the authority of this general EZPLAY tap game rule and will only be played on a multi-purpose terminal manufactured in accordance with lottery approved specifications, owned and tested by the lottery and connected to a lottery gaming system.

(2) Each EZPLAY tap game will have an individual game name, a summary of how the game will be played, specified wager amounts and a prize structure detailing winning prizes at each wager amount selected by the player.

(3) Each EZPLAY tap game will provide for announcement of immediate EZPLAY tap game prize winnings as determined by a random number generator within the lottery central system which prize winnings will be communicated from the central system to each terminal.

(4) The amount of the prize pool for each EZPLAY tap game will be replenished after each winning prize and in no way will diminish as prizes are won.

(5) Each EZPLAY tap game will be displayed on a single screen. A game may allow for the screen to be tapped to reveal game results, or allow for game results to be revealed automatically, or both.

(C) Price of EZPLAY tap game tickets. The wager amount for an EZPLAY tap game ticket will be in the minimum amount of twenty-five cents. Other wager amounts and the maximum wager amount will be established for each EZPLAY tap game by the director and will be subject to approval through a resolution of five commissioners present at a meeting of the commission.

(D) Number nature and value of prize awards. Game design features as set forth in paragraph (B)(2) of this rule, including the value of EZPLAY tap game prize winnings and the number and nature of different EZPLAY tap game prize winning combinations available for each EZPLAY tap game, and any bonus features or progressive jackpot features in the game will be established by the director and will be subject to approval through a resolution of five commissioners present at a meeting of the commission prior to the EZPLAY tap game being available to a lottery sales agent for sale to players.

(1) The value of the EZPLAY tap game prize winnings, and any cash balance, will be displayed on the terminal.

(2) The EZPLAY tap game result, whether winning or non-winning, for a valid wager, will be displayed on the terminal.

(E) Payment of EZPLAY tap game prize winnings. Notwithstanding the information displayed on a terminal screen, EZPLAY tap game prize winnings will not be due and payable to a player until a pay voucher has been generated by the terminal, the pay voucher is presented by the player for payment and the pay voucher is determined by the lottery or an authorized lottery agent to be valid, all in accordance with applicable provisions of law. EZPLAY tap game prize winnings are subject to all applicable tax and other mandated withholdings.

(F) Frequency and period of EZPLAY tap games. EZPLAY tap games may only be played during the established hours of operation of lottery sales agents locations authorized by the lottery to use the terminal.

(G) Validity of EZPLAY tap game play.

(1) It will be the sole responsibility of the player to verify the accuracy of the EZPLAY tap game play. Once a player has initiated game play on a terminal, the wager is final and in no way may be canceled.

(2) All EZPLAY tap game play is subject to validation requirements, test and/or procedures established by the lottery, including but not limited to validation by the lottery gaming system.

(3) In addition to, but not in limitation of, all other power or authority conferred on the director or the commission by commission rules, the director may declare the play of an EZPLAY tap game, a pay voucher, or any other aspect of EZPLAY tap gaming void if stolen, not played or issued in accordance with commission rules; if it is illegible, altered, mutilated, or counterfeit; or if the terminal on which a game was played or a pay voucher fails any validation tests or procedures established by the director. The lottery will have no liability for EZPLAY tap game play, pay voucher or any other aspect of EZPLAY tap gaming declared by the director to be void.

(H) Director's conduct of EZPLAY tap games under game rule nine hundred forty-seven.

(1) The director will offer and operate EZPLAY tap games and promotions associated therewith under the authority of this general EZPLAY tap game rule in a manner consistent with the Lottery Act, the rules of the commission, including without limitation this rule and any resolution of the commissioners adopted under this rule. As deemed necessary or advisable, the director will adopt management regulations, orders or directives to implement and operate these lottery games and any promotions associated therewith. The director will inform the public of the provisions of this rule and the procedures established pursuant hereto which affect the play of EZPLAY tap games. The director reserves the right to declare any game as unavailable for sale at any time to maintain game integrity and accountability.

(2) More than one EZPLAY tap game may be offered by the commission, if authorized by the director or commission, under the authority of this rule. In actual operation, EZPLAY tap games offered under the authority of this rule may be given names or titles chosen by the director or commission.

Last updated April 22, 2025 at 7:57 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.01, 3770.02, 3770.03, 3770.04, 3770.05, 3770.06, 3770.07, 3770.08
Five Year Review Date: 4/1/2030
Prior Effective Dates: 8/29/2014

Rule 3770:1-9-954 | Game rule nine hundred fifty-four.

• Effective: July 4, 2025
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Title and term. Ohio lottery commission game rule number nine hundred fifty-four, "Lucky for Life," is a statewide joint lottery game and shall be conducted at such times as the Ohio lottery commission determines.

(B) General design.

(1) "Lucky for Life" is a statewide joint lottery game that is based on an agreement for the sale of "Lucky for Life" by participating "Party Lotteries."

(2) As used in this rule, "Lucky for Life" shall hereinafter be referred to as "game number nine hundred fifty-four" as it applies to statewide ticket sales in Ohio conducted by the Ohio lottery commission for draws beginning on or after November 16, 2015.

(3) State lottery management of the game, collectively as the "Lottery Management," are offering the game for sale.

(4) In addition to the "Lottery Management", other lotteries may, from time to time, offer "Lucky for Life" in their respective jurisdictions (collectively the "Licensee Lotteries").

(5) As used in this rule, "Party Lotteries" shall mean "Lottery Management" and the "Licensee Lotteries."

(6) Game rule number nine hundred fifty-four shall be conducted in accordance with this rule and the "Official Game Rules" approved by the "Party Lotteries" on December 11, 2020 (hereinafter "Group Rules"). The "Group Rules" are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein and shall be posted on the Ohio lottery commission website. The "Group Rules" may be accessed by going to the link https://www.ohiolottery.com/Claiming/RulesAndRegulations and clicking on the "Lucky for Life" tab.

(7) Unless otherwise set forth in this rule, "Set Prize" means all other prizes except the "Top Prize" and "Second Prize" that are advertised to be paid by a single cash payment.

(8) As used in this rule,"Top Prize" shall mean the top prize tier in game number nine hundred fifty-four.

(9) As used in this rule, "Second Prize" shall mean the second prize tier in game number nine hundred fifty-four.

(10) As used in this rule, "Published Notice" shall mean notice of the amount of and changes to the "Cash Option" which shall be posted on the "Lucky for Life" website or the Ohio lottery commission's website at least thirty days prior to the first drawing to which it is applicable.

(11) As used in this rule, "Annuitized Payment Option" shall mean the manner in which the "Top Prize" or "Second Prize" may be paid in equal payments or installments. The "Annuitized Payment Option" shall be calculated on an annual basis. The schedule of payments shall be determined at the discretion of the director of the Ohio lottery commission.

(12) "Cash Option" shall mean the manner in which the "Top Prize" or "Second Prize" may be paid upon the winner's request in one single cash payment as an alternative to the "Annuitized Payment Option." "Lump Sum Cash Payment" shall mean the manner in which the "Top Prize" or "Second Prize" is required to be paid in one single cash payment when the liability limit is exceeded and no "Annuitized Payment Option" is available, as set forth in this rule.

(13) Each ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-four shall be imprinted with one set of five unique numbers from a set of numbers, one through forty-eight inclusively "field one," and one unique number from a second set of numbers, one through eighteen, inclusively "field two," as determined by choice of the ticket purchaser or the auto pick feature on the gaming system, and recorded on the ticket at the time of the purchase. Players may use a bet card to have the auto pick feature select their numbers in either field one, field two or both fields. Bet cards are available at no cost to the player and shall have no pecuniary or prize value, nor shall a bet card constitute evidence of purchase or number selection. When a player verbally places a "Lucky for Life" wager, the player must either manually select the numbers from field one and the "Lucky Ball" or request usage of the auto pick feature to select numbers from "field one" and the "Lucky Ball" which is defined in the "Group Rules." A player may also place a wager through other means that are approved by the director.

(14) As used in this rule, game number nine hundred fifty-four winning numbers shall be randomly selected during each official "Lucky for Life" drawing, and shall consist of five numbers selected from a field of numbers one through forty-eight inclusively, and one number, the "Lucky Ball," selected from a second field of numbers one through eighteen inclusively. Holders of valid winning tickets for a given drawing bearing the numbers drawn in that drawing, in whole or in part, shall be entitled to the prize award in accordance with the applicable section(s) of this rule.

(C) Price of tickets. The price of a "Lucky for Life" wager in game number nine hundred fifty-four shall be two dollars. The player may purchase up to the 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 in accordance with the number of panels and inclusive drawings.

(D) Structure, nature and value of prize awards. Based upon the numbers drawn in each regular drawing for game nine hundred fifty-four, prizes shall be awarded to holders of valid winning tickets for that drawing as follows:

(1) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches none of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of four dollars.

(2) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches one of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of six dollars.

(3) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches two of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of three dollars.

(4) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches two of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of twenty-five dollars.

(5) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of twenty dollars.

(6) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of one hundred fifty dollars.

(7) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of two hundred dollars.

(8) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, for each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two the player shall be entitled to a set prize award of five thousand dollars.

Payment of five thousand dollar prize. The prize under this paragraph will be paid as a five thousand dollar "Set Prize," except that if there are more than one thousand winners of this prize level in a single drawing, the total prize liability of five million dollars will be split equally among the winners. Under no circumstances will the value of the prize under this paragraph fall below a minimum prize value of two hundred dollars per winner, regardless of the number of winners. Prizes under this paragraph will be rounded to the nearest whole dollar and paid in a single cash payment.

(9) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, for each ticket bearing a selection which matches five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a "Second Prize" award of twenty-five thousand dollars per year for the player's natural life before taxes, or the "Cash Option."

(a) Payment of a "Second Prize."

(i) One to twenty "Second Prize" winners. If there are between one and twenty "Second Prize" winner(s), the annuitized prize value will be twenty-five thousand dollars per year for life. Any of these one to twenty "Second Prize" winner(s) may choose the "Second Prize" "Cash Option" as an alternative to the "Annuitized Payment Option." The amount of the "Cash Option" for this category will be set forth in the "Published Notice."

(ii) Twenty-one or more "Second Prize" winners. If there are twenty-one or more "Second Prize" winners, the second prize liability shall be capped at nine million four hundred thousand dollars, shall be split equally among all "Second Prize" winners, and shall be paid in a single "Lump Sum Cash" payment, without an "Annuitized Payment Option." The minimum prize value for this category shall not be less than any lower tier prize paid in that respective drawing.

(iii) The winner(s) of the "Second Prize" who do not request the "Cash Option" shall be paid their appropriate "Second Prize" share on an annual basis for a minimum period of twenty years. The initial "Second Prize" payment will be made when the prize is claimed at the selling lottery's headquarters; subsequent "Second Prize" payments will be made annually thereafter.

(iv) Measuring life. For a single wager, the measuring life of a "Second Prize" winner used to determine the duration over which the "Second Prize" is paid, shall be the natural life of the individual determined by the selling lottery to be the "Second Prize" winner. If the "Second Prize" under a single wager is being claimed by more than one natural person or by a legal entity, the measuring life for that "Second Prize" winner shall be twenty years.

(v) If paid in a "Lump Sum Cash Payment," "Second Prize" amounts will be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.

(10) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, for each ticket bearing a selection which matches five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player shall be entitled to a "Top Prize" award of seven thousand dollars per week for the player's natural life before taxes, or the "Cash Option."

(a) Payment of "Top Prize"

(i) One "Top Prize" winner. If there is one "Top Prize" winner, the annuitized prize value will be seven thousand dollars per week for life. As an alternative to the "Annuitized Payment Option" the "Top Prize" winner may request the "Top Prize" "Cash Option" in the amount set forth in the "Published Notice."

(ii) Two to fourteen "Top Prize" winners. If there are between two and fourteen "Top Prize" winners, the "Annuitized Payment Option," based on an annuitized prize value of seven thousand dollars per week, will be divided by the total number of "Top Prize" winners. The minimum annuitized prize value for this category will be five hundred dollars a week for life. Any of these two to fourteen "Top Prize" winners may choose the "Cash Option" as an alternative to the "Annuitized Payment Option." The amount of the "Cash Option" for this category will be the amount of the "Top Prize" "Cash Option" set forth in the "Published Notice," divided by the total number of "Top Prize" winners. The minimum "Cash Option" for this category will be the amount set forth in the "Published Notice."

(iii) Fifteen or more "Top Prize" winners. If there are fifteen or more "Top Prize" winners, the "Top Prize" liability shall be capped at seven million one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars, shall be split equally among all "Top Prize" winners, and shall be paid in one "Lump Sum Cash Payment," without an "Annuitized Payment Option." The minimum prize value for this category shall not be less than any lower tier prize paid in that respective drawing.

(iv) The winner(s) of the "Top Prize" who do not request the "Cash Option" shall be paid their appropriate "Top Prize" share on a weekly basis, or according to such other schedule of payments authorized under this rule for a minimum period of twenty years. The first "Top Prize" payment will be made when the prize is claimed at the selling lottery's headquarters.

(v) Measuring life. For a single wager, the measuring life of a "Top Prize" winner used to determine the duration over which the "Top Prize" is paid, shall be the natural life of the individual determined by the selling lottery to be the "Top Prize" winner. If the "Top Prize" under a single wager is being claimed by more than one natural person or by a legal entity, the measuring life for that "Top Prize" winner shall be twenty years.

(vi) If paid in a "Lump Sum Cash Payment," "Top Prize" amounts will be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.

(11) In a single game number nine hundred fifty-four drawing, a claimant may win in only one prize category per wager as a result of processing winning numbers selected in either one or both of the fields of play, and shall be entitled to only the highest prize level won.

(12) Payment of prize payments upon the death of a prize winner. In the event of the death of a prize winner, payments will be made in accordance with rule 3770:1-8-01 of the Administrative Code relating to payment and calculation of the cash value of prize payments in a statewide joint lottery game upon the death of a prize winner.

(E) Frequency and location of prize drawings. Drawings shall be held at such times and places determined by the "Lottery Management."

(F) Manner of prize drawings.

(1) Prize drawings shall be open to the public and may be held at such places and times in any "Party Lottery" jurisdiction that the "Lottery Management" determine. The public shall be informed as to the time and place of each prize drawing.

(2) Holders of valid tickets for a given drawing are eligible to win in that drawing.

(3) All drawings conducted in association with "Lucky for Life" will be conducted randomly in accordance with procedures established by the "Lottery Management."

(G) Validity of tickets.

(1) It shall be the sole responsibility of each purchaser of a ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-four to verify the accuracy of the game play or plays and other data printed on the ticket. The Ohio lottery commission shall be free from any liability in connection with this paragraph.

(2) Each ticket issued in game number nine hundred fifty-four shall have imprinted thereon at the time of purchase a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission. No prize shall be paid by the Ohio lottery commission for any tickets without such control number or bar code data. A valid winning ticket bearing matching player number selections or gaming system generated number selections and also containing a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission, shall serve as the only valid proof of the wager placed and the only valid receipt for claiming or redeeming any prize in game number nine hundred fifty-four.

(3) As applicable to this rule, any and all game tickets may not be canceled. This shall not prohibit the director, at the director's discretion, from compensating a retailer for a returned ticket, which is not eligible to win a prize at the time it is returned to the Ohio lottery commission, except that tickets stolen by a retailer's employee or agent cannot be accepted as a returned ticket. Any ticket that is accepted by the director as a returned ticket is for Ohio lottery commission auditing purposes only and shall have no effect on the outcome of the drawing for which they were issued or reduce the Ohio lottery commission's required contribution to the "Top Prize" and "Second Prize" pool.

(4) In addition to all other validation conditions contained in this rule, valid winning game number nine hundred fifty-four tickets must meet the following conditions:

(a) Validation data must be present in its entirety and must 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 must be intact;

(c) The ticket must not be mutilated, altered, reconstituted, or tampered with in any manner;

(d) The ticket must not be counterfeit or an exact duplicate of another winning ticket;

(e) The ticket must have been issued by an authorized Ohio lottery commission sales location authorized to sell tickets for game number nine hundred fifty-four on official paper stock of the Ohio lottery commission;

(f) The ticket must be submitted for payment in accordance with the Ohio lottery commission's validation and claiming procedures;

(g) The ticket data must have been recorded on the gaming system prior to the drawing and the ticket data must match this computer record in every respect (in the event of contradiction between the information as printed on the ticket and as accepted by the gaming system, the wager accepted by the gaming system shall be the valid wager);

(h) The player selected or gaming system selected number selections, validation data and the drawing date(s) of an apparent winning ticket must appear on the official file of winning tickets, and a ticket with the exact data must not have been previously paid;

(i) The ticket must not be misregistered, defectively printed or printed or produced in error to an extent that it cannot be processed by the Ohio lottery commission;

(j) The ticket must pass all other confidential security checks of the Ohio lottery commission;

(k) In submitting an official game number nine hundred fifty-four ticket for validation, the claimant shall abide by all applicable laws and rules of the Ohio lottery commission, and all claim form instructions; and

(l) All winning tickets in game number nine hundred fifty-four are subject to validation by the gaming system and the Ohio lottery commission before the payment of any prize.

(5) An official game number nine hundred fifty-four ticket submitted for validation which fails any of the validation conditions established in this rule shall be considered void subject to the following determinations:

(a) In all cases of doubt, the determination of the director shall be final and binding. However, the director, at the director's option, may replace an invalid ticket with an official game number nine hundred fifty-four ticket of equivalent sales price or 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 shall be the replacement of such defective or erroneous ticket(s) with an official game number nine hundred fifty-four ticket of equivalent sales price or a refund of the purchase price; and

(c) In the event an official game number nine hundred fifty-four ticket is not paid by the Ohio lottery commission, and a dispute occurs as to whether the ticket is a valid winning ticket, the Ohio lottery commission may, at its option, replace the ticket or provide a refund of the purchase price.

(6) The Ohio lottery commission shall not be responsible for lost or stolen game number nine hundred fifty-four tickets.

(7) The Ohio lottery commission shall not be responsible to any claimant and sales agent for game number nine hundred fifty-four tickets redeemed in error by an Ohio lottery commission sales agent.

(8) Valid prize winners are determined by the numbers drawn and not the numbers reported. The Ohio lottery commission shall not be responsible for game number nine hundred fifty-four winning numbers reported in error.

(9) In purchasing a ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-four, the player shall comply with and be bound by all applicable statutes and administrative rules of the Ohio lottery commission. Unless designated or agreed to by the director, directives and determinations of other "Party Lotteries" do not apply to game number nine hundred fifty-four purchases in Ohio. Litigation, if any, arising out of any "Lucky for Life" ticket purchased at an Ohio lottery commission sales location shall only be maintained in the appropriate forum in the state of Ohio.

(10) For purposes of determining the number of winning wagers, division of the "Top Prize" and "Second Prize" jackpots are contingent on the gaming system's determination of winning wagers sold, and not by the number of winning wagers presented for payment.

(H) Procedures for claiming and payment of prize awards.

(1) Effective upon a determination of prize payouts, prizes shall be redeemed or claimed only in the jurisdiction where the official winning "Lucky for Life" ticket was purchased. Claimants of prizes in "Lucky for Life" must comply with the claiming periods of the jurisdiction where the winning "Lucky for Life" ticket was purchased. Claimants of game number nine hundred fifty-four prizes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio must comply with the following terms and conditions:

(a) Prizes for game number nine hundred fifty-four purchased in Ohio may be redeemed or claimed only through Ohio lottery sales agents authorized to sell game number nine hundred fifty-four, or other authorized claim centers or locations designated by the Ohio lottery commission;

(b) Claimants of winning game number nine hundred fifty-four prizes for tickets purchased in Ohio must comply with the prize claim requirements of the Ohio lottery commission 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;

(c) In the event a single game number nine hundred fifty-four ticket purchased in Ohio contains two or more winning wagers, the cumulative prize amount shall be claimed or redeemed in accordance with the specified prize payment limits of the Ohio lottery commission;

(d) State and federal withholding taxes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio shall be withheld from game number nine hundred fifty-four prizes awarded by the Ohio lottery commission in such amounts as may be required by law, along with any other deductions required by law; and

(e) A "Lucky for Life" prize, including but not limited to any promotional prizes associated with "Lucky for Life," awarded by any "Party Lottery" shall not be paid to any persons prohibited from playing or claiming an Ohio lottery prize by the governing law or rules of the Ohio lottery commission. In addition, those persons designated by a "Party Lottery's" law as being ineligible to play its games shall also be ineligible to play "Lucky for Life," and any promotions associated therewith, in that "Party Lottery's" jurisdiction.

(I) Net proceeds to lottery profits education fund. The entire net proceeds from the sale of game number nine hundred fifty-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 or the rules are deducted from the gross proceeds of game number nine hundred fifty-four, shall be transferred to the lottery profits education fund as required under division (B) of section 3770.06 of the Revised Code.

(J) Conduct by director(s) in game number nine hundred fifty-four.

(1) The director shall conduct game number nine hundred fifty-four and any promotions conducted in association with game number nine hundred fifty-four in a manner consistent with the Ohio Lottery Act, the rules of the Ohio lottery commission, including without limitation this rule.

(2) Names and definitions of elements of game number nine hundred fifty-four used in this rule are solely for the purpose of this rule.

(3) All decisions made by the director with respect to the play of game number nine hundred fifty-four in Ohio, including but not limited to the declaration of prizes and the payment thereof and the interpretation of Ohio lottery commission rules, shall be final and binding on all purchasers and on every person making a claim in respect thereof.

Last updated July 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.01, 3770.02, 3770.03, 3770.06, 3770.07
Five Year Review Date: 6/1/2030
Prior Effective Dates: 4/2/2021

Rule 3770:1-9-955 | Game rule nine hundred fifty-five.

• Effective: August 3, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Title and term. Game number nine hundred fifty-five is the Ohio-adopted modified version of the "Powerball" game for "Powerball" draws beginning August 23, 2021. Game number nine hundred nine hundred fifty-five 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) "Powerball" is a statewide joint lottery game that is based on an agreement for the sale of "Powerball" by participating party lotteries.

(2) As used in this rule, "Powerball" will hereinafter be referred to as "game number nine hundred fifty-five" as it applies to statewide ticket sales in Ohio conducted by the Ohio lottery commission for draws beginning August 23, 2021.

(3) As used in this rule, "MUSL" will mean the multi-state lottery association.

(4) Game number nine hundred fifty-five will be conducted in accordance with this rule and the "Powerball" group rules as last amended by MUSL on January 7, 2021 (hereinafter "Group Rules"). The "Group Rules" are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein and will be posted on the Ohio lottery commission website. The "Group Rules" as last amended January 7, 2021 may be accessed by going to the link https://www.ohiolottery.com/Claiming/RulesAndRegulations and clicking on the "Powerball" tab.

(5) As used in this rule, "panel or play area" will mean the area of an official "Powerball" ticket which sets forth a player's selection and is 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 through the gaming system through the auto pick feature, and second field of one number consisting of one or two digits selected by the player or through the gaming system through the auto pick feature. Up to ten such panels or play areas may appear on any one ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-five. The director may change the number of panels or play areas appearing on any one ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-five. Each panel will constitute a separate wager.

(6) As used in this rule, "party lottery" or "party lotteries" will mean the lottery or lotteries established and operated pursuant to the laws of the jurisdictions participating in "Powerball" including but not limited to members and licensees of "MUSL" who are participating in "Powerball."

(7) As used in this rule, "Ohio lottery" will mean the state lottery commission.

(8) As used in this rule, "directors" will mean the chief officers of the party lotteries or any other persons to whom a chief officer's or a group of chief officers' authority is lawfully delegated.

(9) As used in this rule, "director" will mean the executive director of the Ohio lottery commission.

(10) As used in this rule, "set prize" means all other prizes except the grand prize that are advertised to be paid by a single cash payment and, except as otherwise provided or authorized herein, will be equal to the prize amount established by applicable procedures.

(11) As used in this rule "grand prize" will mean the top prize in game number nine hundred fifty-five.

(12) As used in this rule, "subscription play" is only valid when registered with a party lottery in accordance with the rules and procedures of a party lottery who has authorized sales through subscription and the person or, if permitted by the party lottery's rules, the persons registering the play will be the owner of the subscription play. A receipt for a subscription play has no value and is not evidence of a play.

(13) As used in this rule, "applicable procedures" will mean procedures, "Group Rules" and/or agreements relating to or associated with "Powerball," as designated or agreed to by the director for the operation of game number nine hundred fifty-five.

(14) Game number nine hundred fifty-five is not required to be amended when a party lottery is added or removed from participating, unless the addition or removal of a party lottery will substantively change the game matrix, play style or the method of prize payments in game nine hundred fifty-five. Nothing contained herein will be deemed to be a prohibition against amendments to game number nine hundred fifty-five, as determined by the director to be appropriate or necessary.

(15) Each ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-five will be imprinted with one set of five unique numbers from a set of numbers, one through sixty-nine inclusively ("field one"), and one unique number from a second set of numbers, one through twenty-six, inclusively ("field two"), as determined by choice of the ticket purchaser or the auto pick feature on the gaming system, and recorded on the ticket at the time of the purchase. Players may use a bet card to have the auto pick feature 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 a bet card constitute evidence of purchase or number selection. When a player verbally places a "Powerball" wager, the player will either manually select the numbers from both fields or request usage of the auto pick feature to select numbers from both fields. A player may also place a wager through other means that are approved by the director. A ticket may contain one or more panels as described in paragraph (B)(5) of this rule.

(16) As used in this rule, game number nine hundred fifty-five winning numbers will be randomly selected during each official "Powerball" drawing, and will consist of five numbers selected from a field of numbers one through sixty-nine inclusively, and one number selected from a second field of numbers one through twenty-six inclusively. Holders of valid winning tickets for a given drawing bearing the numbers drawn in that drawing, in whole or in part, and excluding the "Power Play" option will be entitled to the set prize award in accordance with the applicable section(s) of this rule. In addition, as set forth in this rule or as approved by the director, with each official "Powerball" drawing, a single "Power Play" number will be randomly selected.

(C) Price of tickets. The price of a "Powerball" wager in game number nine hundred fifty-five will be two dollars. The player may purchase up to the 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 in accordance with the number of panels and inclusive drawings. The cost of every two dollar wager will be increased by one dollar if a player purchases the "Power Play" option.

(D) Structure, nature and value of prize awards. Except as otherwise provided or authorized herein, all prize awards for prizes described in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule will be set as set prizes. The grand prize described in paragraph (D)(9) of this rule will be paid on a pari-mutuel basis. Except as otherwise determined in accordance with applicable procedures, no advertised grand prize is a guaranteed amount. In the event that an advertised grand prize is determined in accordance with applicable procedures to be a guaranteed amount, funding and payment of such guaranteed grand prize amounts will be in accordance with applicable procedures. Except as otherwise provided or authorized herein, based upon the numbers drawn in each regular drawing for game nine hundred fifty-five, prizes will be awarded to holders of valid winning tickets for that drawing as follows:

(1) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches none of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player will be entitled to a set prize award of four dollars.

(2) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches one of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player will be entitled to a set prize award of four dollars.

(3) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches two of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player will be entitled to a set prize award of seven dollars.

(4) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, the player will be entitled to a set prize award of seven dollars.

(5) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player will be entitled to a set prize award of one hundred dollars.

(6) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, the player will be entitled to a set prize award of one hundred dollars.

(7) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player will be entitled to a set prize award of fifty thousand dollars.

(8) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, the player will be entitled to a set prize award of one million dollars.

(9) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, the player will win the grand prize award which will be divided equally among the winning selections if there is more than one winning selection. The grand prize will be determined on a pari-mutuel basis and will be equal to the amount designated in accordance with applicable procedures.

(10) In the event that there are no winning tickets for the grand prize described in paragraph (D)(9) of this rule for a drawing, except as otherwise approved in accordance with applicable procedures, the designated grand prize amount from that drawing will be carried forward into the grand prize for the next consecutive drawing.

(11) If the total prize liability for the prize levels set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule exceeds the liability cap designated in accordance with applicable procedures, then that liability cap may be enforced for the payment of the prize awards set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule. In the event the prize liability is exceeded, then the prizes set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule may be paid on a pari-mutuel basis, or in another manner as determined by the director, rather than a set prize basis, provided, however, that in no event will the pari-mutuel prizes or other prizes awarded be greater than the applicable set prizes. In the event that the liability cap is exceeded and prizes are paid on a pari-mutuel basis, the amounts to be used for allocation of such pari-mutuel prizes, or other prizes awarded, for each prize level will be determined in accordance with applicable procedures. If the liability cap is exceeded for a particular drawing, the director will make the liability cap publicly available by means that the directors deems appropriate.

(12) In a single game number nine hundred fifty-five drawing, a claimant may win in only one prize category per wager as a result of processing winning numbers selected in either one or both of the fields of play, and will be entitled to only the highest prize level won.

(13) Annuitized payments of the grand prize or a share of the grand prize may be rounded to facilitate the purchase of an appropriate funding mechanism. Breakage on an annuitized grand prize win will be added to the first cash payment to the winner or winners. Prizes other than the grand prize which, in accordance with applicable procedures, become single-payment, pari-mutuel prizes, may be rounded down so that prizes can be paid in multiples of whole dollars. Breakage resulting from rounding these prizes will be handled in accordance with applicable procedures.

(14) 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.

(E) "Power Play." Powerball "Power Play" is an addition to the "Powerball" game and, if approved by the director, will be conducted in accordance with the "Powerball" game rules and other applicable procedures. Provided that the director approves "Power Play," as used in this rule, "Power Play" is an available feature of game rule number nine hundred fifty-five, and a ticket purchaser will have the option to play the "Power Play" option as an addition to the "Powerball" ticket purchased, except that "Power Play" will not apply to the "Powerball" grand prize. If the "Power Play" option is chosen by the purchaser, the cost for every two dollar wager will be increased by one dollar, and the words "Power Play YES" will be printed on the player's ticket. If the "Power Play" option is not chosen, the words "Power Play NO" will be printed on a player's ticket. The director may announce prior to a drawing that the "Power Play" number of ten will not be available for drawings in which the advertised grand prize amount is above a specified amount, but the "Power Play" number of ten will at a minimum be available for all drawings in which the advertised annuitized grand prize amount is one hundred fifty million dollars or less. If the "Power Play" option is chosen by the purchaser and the "Power Play" number of ten is available, a single "Power Play" number will be randomly selected from forty-three numbers. Those numbers will consist of: twenty-four twos; thirteen threes; three fours; two fives; and one ten. If the "Power Play" option is chosen by the purchaser and the "Power Play" number of ten is not available, a single "Power Play" option will be randomly selected from forty-two numbers. Those numbers will consist of: twenty-four twos; thirteen threes; three fours; and two fives. The set prizes will be multiplied by the "Power Play" number drawn for that respective drawing, except that the "Power Play" feature will not apply to the "Powerball" grand prize. Except as otherwise provided or authorized herein, instead of prizes set forth under paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule, prizes awarded to holders of valid winning tickets for a given drawing bearing the numbers drawn in that drawing, in whole or in part, and including the purchase of the "Power Play" option will be as follows in paragraphs (E)(1) to (E)(8) of this rule and will be paid as cash prizes. In the event that a higher promotional prize is designated by the director in accordance with applicable procedures, prizes awarded in connection with any such promotion will be paid in accordance with applicable procedures for that promotion. In certain instances, the "Powerball" set prizes may be less than the amounts set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule. In such an event, the "Power Play" prizes set forth in paragraphs (E)(1) to (E)(7) of this rule may be adjusted by the director in accordance with applicable procedures and the "Power Play" prize set forth in paragraph (E)(8) of this rule may be in an amount determined after the draw, rather than the prizes set forth in paragraphs (E)(1) to (E)(8) of this rule.

(1) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches none of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is two, the set prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of eight dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is three, the set prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of twelve dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is four, the set prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of sixteen dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is five, the set prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of twenty dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option, the "Power Play" option of ten is available and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is ten, the set prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of forty dollars.

(2) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches one of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respected drawing is two, the set prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of eight dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is three, the set prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of twelve dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is four, the set prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of sixteen dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is five, the set prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of twenty dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option, the "Power Play" option of ten is available and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is ten, the set prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of forty dollars.

(3) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches two of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, and in the event the player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respected drawing is two, the set prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of fourteen dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is three, the set prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of twenty-one dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is four, the set prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of twenty-eight dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is five, the set prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of thirty-five dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option, the "Power Play" option of ten is available and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is ten, the set prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of seventy dollars.

(4) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, and in the event the player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respected drawing is two, the set prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of fourteen dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is three, the set prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of twenty-one dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is four, the set prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of twenty-eight dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is five, the set prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of thirty-five dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option, the "Power Play" option of ten is available and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is ten, the set prize award of seven dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of seventy dollars.

(5) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, and in the event the player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respected drawing is two, the set prize award of one hundred dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of two hundred dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is three, the set prize award of one hundred dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of three hundred dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is four, the set prize award of one hundred dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of four hundred dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is five, the set prize award of one hundred dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of five hundred dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option, the "Power Play" option of ten is available and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is ten, the set prize award of one hundred dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of one thousand dollars.

(6) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, and in the event the player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respected drawing is two, the set prize award of one hundred dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of two hundred dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is three, the set prize award of one hundred dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of three hundred dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is four, the set prize award of one hundred dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of four hundred dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is five, the set prize award of one hundred dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of five hundred dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option, the "Power Play" option of ten is available and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is ten, the set prize award of one hundred dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of one thousand dollars.

(7) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and matching the one number for field two, and in the event the player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respected drawing is two, the set prize award of fifty thousand dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of one hundred thousand dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is three, the set prize award of fifty thousand dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of one hundred fifty thousand dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is four, the set prize award of fifty thousand dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of two hundred thousand dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is five, the set prize award of fifty thousand dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of two hundred fifty thousand dollars. In the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option, the "Power Play" option of ten is available and the "Power Play" number selected for that respective drawing is ten, the set prize award of fifty thousand dollars will be multiplied by ten and the player will be entitled to a total prize award of five hundred thousand dollars.

(8) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number for field two, and in the event that a player has purchased the "Power Play" option, regardless of the "Power Play" number selected, the player will be entitled to a prize award of two million dollars.

(9) If the total prize liability for the prize levels set forth in paragraphs (E)(1) to (E)(8) of this rule exceeds a liability cap designated in accordance with applicable procedures, then that liability cap may be enforced for the payment of the prize awards set forth in paragraphs (E)(1) to (E)(8) of this rule. In the event the prize liability is exceeded, then the prizes set forth in paragraphs (E)(1) to (E)(8) of this rule may be paid on a pari-mutuel basis, or in another manner as determined by the director, rather than a set prize basis, provided, however, that in no event will the pari-mutuel prizes or other prizes awarded be greater than the applicable set prizes. In the event that the liability cap is exceeded and prizes are paid on a pari-mutuel basis, the amounts to be used for allocation of such pari-mutuel prizes, or other prizes awarded, for each prize level will be determined in accordance with applicable procedures. If the liability cap is exceeded for a particular drawing, the director will make the liability cap publicly available by means that the directors deems appropriate.

(10) In a single game number nine hundred fifty-five drawing, a claimant may win in only one prize category per wager as a result of processing winning numbers selected in either one or both of the fields of play, and will be entitled to only the highest prize level won.

(11) Prizes other than the grand prize, which, in accordance with applicable procedures, become single-payment, pari-mutuel prizes, may be rounded down so that prizes can be paid in multiples of whole dollars. Breakage resulting from rounding these prizes will be handled in accordance with applicable procedures.

(12) 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.

(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) Prize drawings will be open to the public and may be held at such places and times in any party lottery jurisdiction that the directors determine. The public will be informed as to the time and place of each prize drawing.

(2) Holders of valid tickets for a given drawing are eligible to win in that drawing.

(3) All drawings conducted in association with "Powerball" will be conducted randomly in accordance with applicable procedures and with drawing devices for the selection of winning numbers approved in accordance with applicable procedures.

(H) Validity of tickets.

(1) It will be the sole responsibility of each purchaser of a ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-five to verify the accuracy of the game play or plays and other data printed on the ticket. The Ohio lottery commission will be free from any liability in connection with this paragraph.

(2) Each ticket issued in game number nine hundred fifty-five will have imprinted thereon at the time of purchase a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission. No prize will be paid by the Ohio lottery commission for any tickets without such control number or bar code data. A valid winning ticket bearing matching player number selections or gaming system generated number selections and also containing a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission, will serve as the only valid proof of the wager placed and the only valid receipt for claiming or redeeming any prize in game number nine hundred fifty-five.

(3) As applicable to this rule, any and all game tickets may not be canceled. This will not prohibit the director, at the director's discretion, from compensating a retailer for a returned ticket, which is not eligible to win a prize at the time it is returned to the Ohio lottery commission, except that tickets stolen by a retailer's employee or agent cannot be accepted as a returned ticket. Any ticket that is accepted by the director as a returned ticket is for Ohio lottery commission auditing purposes only and will have no effect on the outcome of the drawing for which they were issued or reduce the Ohio lottery commission's required contribution to the grand prize pool.

(4) In addition to all other validation conditions contained in this rule, valid winning game number nine hundred fifty-five tickets will meet the following conditions:

(a) Validation data must be present in its entirety and needs to 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 must be intact;

(c) The ticket must not be mutilated, altered, reconstituted, or tampered with in any manner;

(d) The ticket must not be counterfeit or an exact duplicate of another winning ticket;

(e) The ticket must have been issued by an authorized Ohio lottery commission sales location authorized to sell tickets for game number nine hundred fifty-five on official paper stock of the Ohio lottery commission;

(f) The ticket must be submitted for payment in accordance with the Ohio lottery commission's validation and claiming procedures;

(g) The ticket data must have been recorded on the gaming system prior to the drawing and the ticket data must match this computer record in every respect (in the event of contradiction between the information as printed on the ticket and as accepted by the gaming system, the wager accepted by the gaming system will be the valid wager);

(h) The player selected or gaming system selected number selections, validation data and the drawing date(s) of an apparent winning ticket must appear on the official file of winning tickets, and a ticket with the exact data must not have been previously paid;

(i) The ticket must not be misregistered, defectively printed or printed or produced in error to an extent that it cannot be processed by the Ohio lottery commission;

(j) The ticket must pass all other confidential security checks of the Ohio lottery commission;

(k) In submitting an official game number nine hundred fifty-five ticket for validation, the claimant agrees to abide by all applicable laws, all rules and regulations of the Ohio lottery commission, all applicable procedures and any instructions, conditions and final decisions of the Ohio director;

(l) There must not be any breach of the rules or applicable procedures established for "Powerball" which, in the opinion of the Ohio director, justifies disqualification;

(m) To be eligible for payment for a winning ticket sold in Ohio, all winning tickets must be presented for payment to the Ohio lottery within the claiming period established by the Ohio lottery. To be eligible for payment of a winning ticket sold in a party lottery other than the Ohio lottery, all winning tickets must be presented for payment to the party lottery which issued it within the claiming period as established by that party lottery. If no such claim period has been established, all grand prize claims will be made within one hundred eighty days after the drawing date; and

(n) All winning tickets in game number nine hundred fifty-five are subject to validation by the gaming system under applicable procedures and are subject to all other required validation processes and requirements before the payment of any prize.

(5) An official game number nine hundred fifty-five ticket submitted for validation which fails any of the validation conditions established in 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 the director's option, may replace an invalid ticket with an official game number nine hundred fifty-five ticket of equivalent sales price or 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 number nine hundred fifty-five ticket of equivalent sales price or a refund of the purchase price; and

(c) In the event an official game number nine hundred fifty-five ticket is not paid by the Ohio lottery commission, and a dispute occurs as to whether the ticket is a valid winning ticket, the Ohio lottery commission may, at its option, replace the ticket or provide a refund of the purchase price.

(6) The Ohio lottery commission will not be responsible for lost or stolen game number nine hundred fifty-five tickets.

(7) The Ohio lottery commission will not be responsible to any claimant and sales agent for game number nine hundred fifty-five tickets redeemed in error by an Ohio lottery commission sales agent.

(8) Valid prize winners are determined by the numbers drawn and not the numbers reported. The Ohio lottery commission will not be responsible for game number nine hundred fifty-five winning numbers reported in error.

(9) In purchasing a ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-five, the player agrees to comply with and be bound by all applicable statutes, administrative rules, and procedures of the Ohio lottery commission, and understands that unless designated or agreed to by the director, directives and determinations of the other party lotteries do not apply to game number nine hundred fifty-five purchases in Ohio. The player agrees, as its sole and exclusive remedy, that claims arising out of any "Powerball" ticket purchase can only be pursued against the state or jurisdiction of ticket purchase. Therefore, litigation, if any, may only be maintained against the Ohio lottery commission in the appropriate forum for game number nine hundred fifty-five tickets purchased at an authorized Ohio lottery commission sales location.

(10) For purposes of determining the number of winning wagers, division of the grand prize jackpot is contingent on the gaming system's determination of winning wagers sold, and not by the number of winning wagers presented for payment.

(I) Procedures for claiming and payment of prize awards.

(1) Effective upon a determination of prize payouts, prizes will be redeemed or claimed only in the jurisdiction where the official winning "Powerball" ticket was purchased. Claimants of prizes in "Powerball" must comply with the claiming periods of deadlines of the jurisdiction where the winning "Powerball" ticket was purchased. Claimants of game number nine hundred fifty-five prizes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio must comply with the following terms and conditions:

(a) Prizes for game number nine hundred fifty-five purchased in Ohio may be redeemed or claimed only through Ohio lottery sales agents authorized to sell game number nine hundred fifty-five, or other authorized claim centers or locations designated by the Ohio lottery commission;

(b) Claimants of winning game number nine hundred fifty-five prizes for tickets purchased in Ohio must comply with the prize claim requirements of the Ohio lottery commission 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;

(c) In the event a single game number nine hundred fifty-five 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 commission;

(d) State and federal withholding taxes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio will be withheld from game number nine hundred fifty-five prizes awarded by the Ohio lottery commission in such amounts as may be required by law, along with any other deductions required by law;

(e) A "Powerball" prize, including but not limited to any promotional prizes associated with "Powerball," awarded by any party lottery will not be paid to any persons prohibited from playing or claiming an Ohio lottery prize by the governing law or rules of the Ohio lottery commission. In addition, those persons designated by a party lottery's law as being ineligible to play its games will also be ineligible to play "Powerball," and any promotions associated therewith, in that party lottery's jurisdiction;

(f) A "Powerball" ticket or a share of "Powerball" ticket, or any promotional tickets associated with "Powerball," issued by any party lottery will not be purchased by, and a prize won by any such ticket or share will not be paid to:

(i) A "MUSL" employee, officer, or director;

(ii) A contractor or consultant under agreement with "MUSL" to review the "MUSL" audit and security procedures;

(iii) An employee of an independent accounting firm under contract with "MUSL" to observe drawings or site operations and actually assigned to the "MUSL" account and all partners, shareholders, or owners in the local office of the firm; or

(iv) An immediate family member (parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, spouse or sibling) of an individual described in paragraphs (I)(1)(f)(i) to (I)(1)(f)(iii) of this rule and residing in the same household.

(g) For winning official game number nine hundred fifty-five 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 commission rules, following any required reconciliation of prize liability as may be agreed to from time to time by the directors of the party lotteries, such unclaimed prize(s) will be paid into the state lottery fund and distributed in accordance with section 3770.06 of the Revised Code.

(J) Payment of grand prize jackpot award.

(1) Payment of a grand prize, if due, will be paid in thirty annual payments ("annuity option"). Within sixty days after a holder of a valid winning ticket presents for payment his or her valid claim for a grand prize, he or she may elect to receive payment of a grand prize as a lump sum cash payment ("lump sum cash option"). Calculation of the amount of "lump sum cash option" or the amount of the "annuity option" will be in accordance with applicable procedures. Grand prizes will be paid, at the election of the player made not later than sixty days after the player becomes entitled to the prize, with either an annuity or cash payment. If the payment election is not made by the player within sixty days after the player becomes entitled to the prize, then the prize will be paid as an annuity prize. The election to take the cash payment may be made at the time of the prize claim or within sixty days after the player becomes entitled to the prize. An election made after the winner becomes entitled to the prize is final and cannot be revoked, withdrawn or otherwise changed.

(2) Share of the grand prize will be determined by dividing the cash available in the grand prize pool equally among all winning grand prize wagers from all participating party lotteries. Winner(s) who elect a cash payment will be paid their share(s) in a single cash payment. The annuitized option prize will be determined by multiplying a winner's share of the grand prize by the annuity factor. If individual shares of the cash held to fund an annuity is less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars, the Ohio lottery may elect, in its sole discretion, to pay the winners their share of the cash held in the grand prize pool. In the event that a claim is submitted jointly by one or more persons, all persons submitting that claim must elect to receive his or her share either through a cash payment or annuity payment (different options may not be chosen).

(3) The "MUSL" annuity factor is determined through a process as approved by the "MUSL" finance and audit committee.

(4) Except in those instances where the grand prize has been designated as a guaranteed amount in accordance with applicable procedures, neither "MUSL" nor the party lotteries will be responsible or liable for changes in the advertised or estimated annuity prize amount and the actual amount purchased after the prize payment method is actually known to "MUSL."

(5) Except as otherwise provided by law, all annuitized prizes will be paid annually in thirty payments with the initial payment being made in cash, to be followed by twenty-nine payments funded by the annuity, and all annuitized payments will be paid in thirty graduated payments (increasing each year) by a rate as determined in accordance with applicable procedures. Prize payments may be rounded down to the nearest one thousand dollars. After the first initial payment, annual payments will coincide with the anniversary month of the grand prize.

(6) Payment of prize payments upon the death of a prize winner. In the event of the death of a prize winner, payments will be made in accordance with rule 3770:1-8-01 of the Administrative Code and applicable procedures, relating to payment and calculation of the cash value of prize payments in a statewide joint lottery game upon the death of a prize winner.

(K) Payment of prizes other than grand prize. All prizes, other than the grand prize, will be paid in cash through the party lottery that sold the winning ticket(s). Payment of all prizes, other than the grand prize, may be made after a party lottery receives authorization to pay from "MUSL." In accordance with applicable procedures, in the event that the total amount of any prizes exceeds the percentage of the prize pool allocated to those prizes, then in such an event, the prizes may be paid on a pari-mutuel basis in accordance with applicable procedures.

(L) Net proceeds to lottery profits education fund. The entire net proceeds from the sale of game number nine hundred fifty-five 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 or the rules are deducted from the gross proceeds of game number nine hundred fifty-five, will be transferred to the lottery profits education fund as required under division (B) of section 3770.06 of the Revised Code.

(M) Conduct by director(s) in game number nine hundred fifty-five.

(1) The director will conduct game number nine hundred fifty-five and any promotions conducted in association with game number nine hundred fifty-five in a manner consistent with the Ohio Lottery Act and the rules of the Ohio lottery commission, including this rule.

(2) Names and definitions of elements of game number nine hundred fifty-five used in this rule are considered generic terms used solely for the purpose of this rule.

(3) The director may discontinue drawings conducted pursuant to game number nine hundred fifty-five. In the event that Ohio discontinues drawings conducted pursuant to game number nine hundred fifty-five, the director will designate the applicable procedures to be followed in discontinuing drawings conducted pursuant to game number nine hundred fifty-five. Should the directors determine that "Powerball" will be discontinued and replaced by a modified version of "Powerball" or another statewide joint lottery game with a grand prize agreed to by the party lotteries, then the directors will have the discretion to transfer any existing funds from the "Powerball" grand prize that was not won before such drawings were discontinued, to such new statewide joint lottery game.

(4) The directors will have discretion to authorize any funding mechanism deemed necessary to accomplish payment of any prize pool or any prizes. The directors may collectively authorize sale of "Powerball" tickets at a discount for promotional purposes. In addition, the director may authorize sale of game number nine hundred fifty-five 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) Nothing contained in this rule will prohibit a party lottery from offering Powerball tickets as prizes in any other non-"MUSL" game or promotion operated by the party lottery after advising the party lotteries and "MUSL" of the terms and dates of the offering.

(6) In the event that a party lottery offers "Powerball" tickets as a prize or as part of an authorized discount, promotion or rebate, the party lottery will contribute that party lottery's share of the prizes based on the full value of a ticket sold at a uniform price.

(7) In the event of any conflict between paragraphs (A) to (M) of this rule and the "Group Rules," this rule will control.

(8) All decisions made by the director with respect to the play of game number nine hundred fifty-five in Ohio, including but not limited to the declaration of prizes and the payment thereof and the interpretation of Ohio lottery commission rules, will be final and binding on all purchasers and on every person making a claim in respect thereof.

Last updated August 5, 2024 at 7:28 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.01, 3770.02, 3770.03, 3770.04, 3770.05, 3770.06, 3770.07, 3770.08
Five Year Review Date: 7/23/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 9/3/2015, 11/3/2016, 11/30/2017

Rule 3770:1-9-958 | Game rule number nine hundred fifty-eight.

• Effective: August 3, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Title and term. Game number nine hundred fifty-eight is the Ohio-adopted modified version of the "Mega Millions" game for "Mega Millions" draws beginning October 28, 2017. Game number nine hundred fifty-eight 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 number nine hundred fifty-eight" 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."

Game number nine hundred fifty-eight 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.

(4) Game number nine hundred fifty-eight will be conducted in accordance with this rule and the "Mega Millions Official Game Rules" effective April 19, 2017 (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/Claiming/RulesAndRegulations and clicking on the "New Mega Millions" tab.

(5) 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.

(6) 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".

(7) 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.

(8) As used in this rule, "Ohio lottery" will mean the Ohio lottery commission.

(9) As used in this rule, "Ohio director" will mean the executive director of the Ohio lottery commission.

(10) As used in this rule, game number nine hundred fifty-eight "panel or play area" 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 number nine hundred fifty-eight. The director may change the number of panels or play areas appearing on any one ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-eight. Each panel will constitute a separate wager.

(11) Each ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-eight 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-five, inclusively ("field two"), as determined by the choice of the ticket purchaser or the auto pick feature of the on-line computer system, and recorded on the ticket at the time of purchase. 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 must either manually 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.

(12) As used in this rule, game number nine hundred fifty-eight 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-five, 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. The prize awarded to holders of winning tickets may be dependent upon whether a player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature.

(13) Tickets purchased in game number nine hundred fifty-eight 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 number nine hundred fifty-eight 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 commission, 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 hundred fifty-eight, will be paid out in a lump sum.

(C) Price of tickets.

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (C) (2) of this rule, the price of a wager for the game as described in paragraphs (B) to (D) of this rule issued by the Ohio lottery commission in game number nine hundred fifty-eight will be two dollars. The player may purchase up to the 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 in accordance with the number of game panels and inclusive drawings. The cost of every two dollar wager will be increased by one dollar if the player purchases the "Megaplier" feature. "Megaplier" is not applicable to the "Grand Prize Jackpot".

(2) In addition or alternatively, there is a subset of "Mega Millions Tickets" known as "Just The Jackpot" tickets which may be purchased for three dollars per two plays for only the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" (which excludes all other prizes), or multiples thereof, in accordance with the rules of the Ohio lottery commission. The player receives two plays for each three dollars wagered for the chance to win only the "Grand/Jackpot Prize". If the player matches any non-"Grand/Jackpot" prize numbers, the player who purchased a "Just The Jackpot" ticket is not eligible to win those non-"Grand/Jackpot" prizes. The availability and cost of any "Add-on Game," as defined in this rule, or "Just the Jackpot" will be determined by the Ohio lottery commission, will not be included in the cost of the official "Mega Millions" ticket, and will be subject to the applicable statutes and administrative regulations of the Ohio lottery commission. Megaplier is not applicable to the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" in connection with the "Just the Jackpot" ticket.

(D) Structure, nature and value of prize awards. Based upon the numbers drawn in each regular drawing for game number nine hundred fifty-eight, prizes will be awarded to holders of valid tickets for that drawing as follows:

(1) 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, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of two dollars;

(2) 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, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of four dollars;

(3) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of ten dollars;

(4) 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, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of ten dollars;

(5) 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, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of two hundred dollars.

(6) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of five hundred dollars.

(7) 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, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award of ten thousand dollars.

(8) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches all five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, the player will be entitled to a regular prize award 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 sytem, 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)(8) 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)(8) 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)(5) to (D)(8) of this rule. In the event the liability cap is exceeded, then the prizes set forth in paragraphs (D)(5) 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 Ohio director will make the amount of the liability cap publicly available by means that the Ohio director deems appropriate. For purposes of prize calculation with respect to any game number nine hundred fifty-eight 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 number nine hundred fifty-eight 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 change will be announced by public notice.

(E) In addition to the game described in paragraphs (B) to (D) of this rule, and where applicable in accordance with this rule, a player will have an option to play "The "Megaplier"." If a player selects the "Megaplier" feature, the words "Megaplier Yes" will be printed on the player's ticket. If a player does not select the "Megaplier" feature, the words ""Megaplier" No" will be printed on the player's ticket.

(1) The cost of every two dollar "Mega Millions" wager will be increased by one dollar if the player purchases "The "Megaplier"" feature.

(2) In connection with the "Megaplier" feature, if said feature is an available feature, for purposes of the prize levels set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(7) of this rule, a drawing will occur prior to each "Mega Millions" drawing to select, unless otherwise approved by the director, a multiplier number from one of the following fifteen numbers: two, two, two, two, two, three, three, three, three, three, three, four, four, four, and five. 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. In the event of a winning ticket, as set forth in paragraph (E)(2)(h) of this rule, purchase of the "Megaplier" feature will increase the regular prize award set forth in paragraph (D)(8) of this rule. Purchase of the "Megaplier" feature will not multiply, increase or impact the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" award set forth in paragraph (D)(9) of this rule. A player who chooses the "Megaplier" feature, will win the prize awards set forth in this paragraph which will be in lieu of the prize awards set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule, not in addition to the prize awards set forth therein. "Megaplier" does not apply to "Just The Jackpot tickets."

(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 in the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, the regular prize award of two dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of four dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, the regular prize award of two dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of six dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of two dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of eight dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier of five is selected, the regular prize award of two dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a prize award of ten 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 in the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, the regular prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by two and the player will be entitled to a prize award of eight dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, the regular prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by three and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twelve dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by four and the player will be entitled to a prize award of sixteen dollars. In the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier of five is selected, the regular prize award of four dollars will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a prize award of twenty dollars;

(c) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches three of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier of five is selected, 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;

(d) 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 in the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier of five is selected, 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;

(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 in the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier of five is selected, 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;

(f) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches four of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, the regular prize award of one 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier of five is selected, 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;

(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 in the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of two is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of three is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier number of four is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier of five is selected, 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; and

(h) For each ticket bearing a selection which matches five of the five numbers drawn for field one, and no matching number drawn for field two, and in the event that the player has purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier of two is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier of three is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier of four is selected, 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 purchased the "Megaplier" feature and a multiplier of five is selected, 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.

(3) 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.

(4) 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.

(5) 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 Ohio director will make the amount of the liability cap publicly available by means that the Ohio director deems appropriate. For purposes of prize calculation with respect to any game number nine hundred fifty-eight pari-mutuel prize, the calculation will be rounded down so that prizes will be paid in multiples of one dollar.

(6) In a single game number nine hundred fifty-eight 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, and if the "Megaplier" feature is selected, the prizes awarded under paragraphs (E)(2)(a) to (E)(2)(h) will be in lieu of the prize awards set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(8) of this rule, not in addition to the prize awards set forth therein.

(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 jurisdictions 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 number nine hundred fifty-eight 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) therefor that the purchaser desired to make. The Ohio lottery commission will be free of any liability in connection with this paragraph.

(2) Each ticket issued in game number nine hundred fifty-eight will have imprinted thereon at the time of purchase, a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission. No prize will be paid by the Ohio lottery commission 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 also containing a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission, will serve as the only valid proof of the wager placed and the only valid receipt for claiming or redeeming any prize. 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 "Megaplier" feature, may not be canceled.

(4) Valid winning game number nine hundred fifty-eight tickets must meet the following conditions:

(a) Validation data must be present in its entirety and must 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 must be intact;

(c) The ticket must not be mutilated, altered, reconstituted, or tampered with in any manner;

(d) The ticket must not be counterfeit or an exact duplicate of another winning ticket;

(e) The ticket must have been issued by an authorized Ohio lottery commission sales agent on official paper stock of the Ohio lottery commission;

(f) The ticket must not have been stolen, to the knowledge of the Ohio lottery;

(g) The ticket must be submitted for payment in accordance with the Ohio lottery commission's validation and claiming procedures;

(h) The ticket data must have been recorded on the central computer system prior to the drawing and the ticket data must 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 commission 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 must appear on the official file of winning tickets, and a ticket with that exact data must not have been previously paid;

(j) The ticket must not be misregistered, defectively printed or printed or produced in error to an extent that it cannot be processed by the Ohio lottery commission;

(k) The ticket must pass all other confidential security checks of the Ohio lottery commission;

(l) In submitting an official game number nine hundred fifty-eight ticket for validation, the claimant agrees to abide by applicable laws, all rules and regulations of the Ohio lottery commission, and any instructions, conditions and final decisions of the Ohio director;

(m) There must not be any other breach of the rules described herein in relation to the ticket which, in the opinion of the Ohio director, justifies disqualification; and

(n) To be eligible for payment, all winning tickets must be presented for payment to the party lottery which issued it within the claiming period as established by that party lottery.

(5) All winning tickets in game number nine hundred fifty-eight are subject to validation by the on-line computer system under procedures established by the Ohio director before the payment of any prize.

(6) An official game number nine hundred fifty-eight 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 Ohio director will be final and binding. However, the Ohio director, at his/her option, may replace an invalid ticket with an official game number nine hundred fifty-eight ticket of equivalent sales price or a refund of the purchase price;

(b) In the event a defective ticket is purchased or in the event that the Ohio 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 number nine hundred fifty-eight ticket of equivalent sales price or a refund of the purchase price; and

(c) In the event an official game number nine hundred fifty-eight ticket is not paid by the Ohio lottery commission, and a dispute occurs as to whether the ticket is a valid winning ticket, the Ohio lottery commission may, at its option, replace the ticket or provide a refund of the purchase price.

(7) The Ohio lottery commission will not be responsible for lost or stolen game number nine hundred fifty-eight tickets.

(8) The Ohio lottery commission will not be responsible to any claimant and sales agent for game number nine hundred fifty-eight tickets redeemed in error by an Ohio lottery commission sales agent.

(9) Valid prize winners are determined by the numbers drawn and not the numbers reported. The Ohio lottery commission will not be responsible for game number nine hundred fifty-eight winning numbers reported in error.

(10) In purchasing a ticket issued for game number nine hundred fifty-eight, the player agrees to comply with and be bound by all applicable statutes, administrative regulations, and procedures of the Ohio lottery commission, and understands that the directives and determinations of the other party lotteries do not apply to game number nine hundred fifty-eight 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 commission in the appropriate forum for game number nine hundred fifty-eight 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 on-line computer system's determination of winning wagers sold, and not by the number of winning tickets presented for payment.

(I) Procedures for claiming and payment of prize awards.

(1) 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" must comply with the claiming periods or deadlines of the jurisdiction where the winning "Mega Millions" ticket was purchased. Claimants of game number nine hundred fifty-eight prizes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio must comply with the following terms and conditions:

(a) Prizes for game number nine hundred fifty-eight tickets purchased in Ohio may be redeemed or claimed only through Ohio lottery sales agents authorized to sell game number nine hundred fifty-eight tickets, or other authorized claim centers designated by the Ohio lottery commission;

(b) Claimants of winning game number nine hundred fifty-eight prizes for tickets purchased in Ohio must comply with the prize claim requirements of the Ohio lottery commission 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;

(c) In the event a single game number nine hundred fifty-eight 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 commission;

(d) State and federal withholding taxes for winning tickets purchased in Ohio will be withheld from game number nine hundred fifty-eight prizes awarded by the Ohio lottery commission in such amounts as may be required by law, along with any other deductions required by law; and

(e) Game number nine hundred fifty-eight prizes will not be paid to any persons prohibited from playing by the governing law or rules of the Ohio lottery commission. 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.

(f) For winning official game number nine hundred fifty-eight 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 commission 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 commission sells a winning "Grand/Jackpot Prize" ticket, the party lotteries will, through the "Mega Millions" clearinghouse, transfer to the Ohio lottery commission 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, to be followed by twenty-nine payments funded by the annuity, and all annuitized payments will be paid in thirty 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 commission, 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 commission, 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 commission 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 must be received by the Ohio lottery commission 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 number nine hundred fifty-eight "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 number nine hundred fifty-eight 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 these 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 number nine hundred fifty-eight.

(1) The Ohio director will conduct game number nine hundred fifty-eight in a manner consistent with the Ohio Lottery Act and the rules of the Ohio lottery commission, including without limitation this rule.

(2) Names and definitions of elements of game number nine hundred fifty-eight used in this rule are considered generic terms used solely for the purpose of this rule.

(3) Should the Ohio director determine that drawings conducted pursuant to game number nine hundred fifty-eight are to be discontinued, such discontinuation must 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 Ohio director may authorize sale of game number nine hundred fifty-eight 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 commission, the Ohio lottery commission statutes, rules and regulations will control.

(6) All decisions made by the Ohio director with respect to the play of game number nine hundred fifty-eight in Ohio, including the declaration of prizes and the payment thereof and the interpretation of Ohio lottery commission rules, will be final and binding on all purchasers and on every person making a claim in respect thereof.

Last updated August 5, 2024 at 7:29 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.01, 3770.02, 3770.03, 3770.04, 3770.05, 3770.06, 3770.07, 3770.08
Five Year Review Date: 7/23/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 8/31/2017

Rule 3770:1-9-984 | Game rule number nine hundred eighty-four.

• Effective: February 14, 2025
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(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

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.01, 3770.02, 3770.03, 3770.04, 3770.05, 3770.06, 3770.07, 3770.08
Five Year Review Date: 2/1/2030

Rule 3770:1-9-986 | Ohio lottery commission game rule number nine hundred and eighty- six.

• Effective: October 31, 2025
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Title and term. Ohio lottery commission game rule number nine hundred eighty- six, "Jackpot USA," will be conducted at such times and for such periods as the commission 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 director as the final sale date.

(B) General design.

(1) Jackpot USA is a multi-state game in which tickets will be drawn from a pool of one million tickets. A ticket is randomly drawn from the pool on the central system based on the prize structure definition for the game. When a player buys a ticket, a prize category is selected using a random number generator also known as an RNG. Winning ticket pools RNGs are specific to each state. Each time a ticket is sold, the odds of being a winner or non-winner equals the percentages specified in the prize structure table of each game; this is achieved by replacing the selected ticket from the pool with the one same/similar in payout, as such, the game utilizes a non-depleting pool. Tickets are sorted in the pool, in a way that follows the percentage of winners and non-winners described in the game specification. Each time a ticket is drawn from the pool the odds of being a winner in a specific winner category or a non-winner equals the percentages specified in the prize structure table of each game.

(2) Each ticket in game rule number nine hundred eighty-six will include one Jackpot USA game and one Jackpot USA bonus game. Jackpot USA is a multi-state game in which winners are determined by matching the sum of the spin numbers with a corresponding value on the liberty spin wheel. The player wins the amount shown on the wheel that matches the sum. Each ticket features three spin numbers, ten liberty spin numbers, and nine USA bonus symbols. The liberty spin wheel is a static image with fixed prize positions. Liberty spin numbers range from six to thirty-three and will not be duplicated on a ticket. Spin numbers range from one to twelve, and their possible sums must always fall within the liberty spin number range. None of the liberty spin numbers may match any of the spin numbers on the same ticket. For example, if the liberty spin numbers are seven, nine, and eleven, then none of the spin numbers can be seven, nine, or eleven. The USA bonus game is a secondary feature on the ticket and is presented as a three-by-three grid with a simple "Key Symbol Match" mechanic. To win in this bonus game, the player must match two of the same symbols within the grid. The "How To Win" section for the bonus game reads: "Match two of the same symbols and win the corresponding amount on the prize legend." If the matched symbol appears in the prize table located beneath the grid, the player wins the amount associated with that symbol. Prizes in the USA bonus game can be won independently or in combination with prizes from the main liberty spin game. The prize legend should display values in ascending order, though the symbols corresponding to each prize amount will vary in position. For both winning and near-win outcomes in the bonus game, the two matching symbols must not appear in the same row or column. This "symbol proximity" avoidance is critical to ensure the win recognition takes at least four secondsan experience standard agreed upon by the MUSL product group for this game type. The range of possible USA bonus prize values is ten dollars, twenty dollars, thirty dollars, forty dollars, or fifty dollars. A ticket is considered non-winning if the sum of the spin numbers does not match any of the liberty spin numbers and fewer than two USA bonus symbols match. Although not every ticket will feature a completely unique combination of numbers and symbols, sufficient variation will be implemented to make duplicates highly unlikely. Additionally, to enhance the near-win experience, approximately forty percent of losing plays will generate spin numbers sums that are within one number of a winning liberty spin number. For instance, if the sum of the spin numbers is sixteen on a non-winning ticket, there should be a prize associated with either fifteen or seventeen on the liberty spin wheel.

(C) Price of tickets. The price of a ticket issued by the commission in game rule number nine hundred eighty-six per wager will be twenty dollars per ticket.

(D) Structure, nature and value of prize awards.

(1) There will be two types of prizes in game rule nine hundred and eighty-six, a "prize award" and a "Progressive Jackpot" award.

(2) As used in this rule, "prize award" will mean one of the following monetary figures, which is the total of all winning prize values appearing on the ticket: one hundred thousand (tier two), twenty-five thousand dollars (tier three), ten thousand dollars (tier four), one thousand dollars (tier five), five hundred dollars (tier six), two hundred dollars (tier seven), one hundred dollars (tier nine plus bonus five), one hundred dollars (tier eight), eighty dollars (tier nine plus bonus three), fifty dollars (bonus five), fifty dollars (tier nine), fifty dollars (tier ten plus bonus three), forty dollars (bonus four), forty dollars (tier ten plus bonus two), thirty dollars (bonus three), thirty dollars (tier ten plus bonus one), twenty dollars (bonus two), twenty dollars (tier ten), and the "Progressive Jackpot (Jackpot Tier)."

(3) The number of prize awards in any sales cycle of game rule number nine hundred eighty-six will depend upon the number of tickets sold during that cycle. However, distribution and availability for public purchase may be affected by, but not limited to, circumstances such as stolen, defective, missing, damaged, promotional, returned or partial reordered tickets. Tickets will be printed in accordance with this rule using random techniques.

(4) Combinations winning each prize award are randomly distributed throughout all tickets printed in any given ticket issuance.

(E) Frequency of prize drawings.

(1) Random imprinting of prize awards on all tickets issued in game rule number nine hundred eighty-six will be accomplished in a manner which complies with the commission's rules and procedures.

(2) When a ticket issued in game rule number nine hundred eighty-six is sold or deemed sold in accordance with this rule, the holder will be deemed to have drawn the prize values and play symbol on that ticket, which determine whether the holder is entitled to a prize award. A prize award will be deemed announced on the date a ticket is purchased.

(F) Validity of tickets.

(1) Each ticket issued in game rule number nine hundred eighty-six will have imprinted thereon at the time of purchase a control number, bar code data, or both supplied by the commission. No prize will be paid by the commission for any tickets without such control number or bar code data.

(2) All winning tickets in game rule number nine hundred and eighty-six are subject to validation by the lottery gaming system under procedures established by the director before payment of any prize.

(3) The only basis for a valid claim will be in compliance with Ohio laws and commission rules and regulations. No valid claim may be premised on human, electronic, or other error in the communication, display or transmission of data, however recorded, displayed or transmitted. No valid claim can be premised upon any intentional human, electronic or other form of communication or transmission of data, which has not been authorized by the lottery commission.

(4) 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-six void if it is stolen, deactivated, not sold or deemed not sold in accordance with commission rules; if it is illegible, mutilated, altered, counterfeit, misregistered, 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.

(G) Director's conduct of game rule number nine hundred eighty-six.

(1) The director will conduct game rule number nine eighty-six, and any promotions associated therewith, in a manner consistent with the Lottery Act and the rules of the commission including, without limitation, this rule. The director will inform the public of the provisions of this rule, and the procedures established pursuant hereto, which affect the play of game rule number nine hundred eighty-six. The director reserves the right to declare any instant game as unavailable for sale at any time to maintain game integrity and accountability.

(2) Names and definitions of elements of game rule number nine hundred eighty-six used in this rule are considered generic terms used solely for the purpose of this rule. In actual operation, game rule number nine hundred eighty-six and these elements may be given names and titles chosen by the director.

(3) The director will have discretion to combine existing or future games for promotional purposes in order to increase revenues and to create a different payment structure for prizes to be paid if games are combined, and to authorize any funding mechanism the director deems necessary to accomplish payment of any prize pool.

Last updated October 31, 2025 at 7:41 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3770.03
Amplifies: 3770.01, 3770.02, 3770.03, 3770.06, 3770.07
Five Year Review Date: 10/31/2030