Can I be anonymous if I win the Powerball jackpot in Mississippi? And more questions answered
The lottery has been making headlines as the Powerball jackpot inches ever closer to the $2 billion mark. Let's take a look at how the lottery system works in Mississippi.
Here's everything you need to know about the Mississippi Lottery:
Is it possible to win the lottery and remain anonymous?
In accordance with the Alyce G. Clarke Mississippi Lottery Law, the Mississippi Lottery will not disclose the identity of the person holding a winning lottery ticket without that person's written permission.
Who can play the Mississippi Lottery?
Anyone 21 years of age or older can play any of the Mississippi Lottery games.
Where can I buy Mississippi Lottery tickets?
Mississippi Lottery tickets will be available at retailers, including convenience stores, grocery stores and other venues.
Can I buy lottery tickets with a debit or credit card?
Mississippi Lottery rules allow retailers to accept cash, credit cards or debit cards. However, the method of payment is up to the individual retailer.
Where do I claim my prize?
Winning tickets less than $600 may be redeemed at Lottery retailers throughout the state. During normal business hours, each retailer is required to immediately validate (through the MLC Lottery Terminal) and pay prizes under $600 for any winning ticket from all lottery games the retailer is authorized by MLC to sell. Retailers are encouraged to pay in cash, but they may pay mid-tier prizes ($20.01 - $599.99) with a business check or money order, if this is disclosed in advance of validation to the holder of the winning ticket. Retailers are prohibited from charging claimants for any method of prize payment, including money orders.
For high-tier Prizes ($600 or more), retailers shall provide the ticket holder with a MLC Winner Claim Form and, when requested, assist them in completing the form or direct the ticket holder to the MLC Headquarters.
How much in taxes are taken from prizes?
Applicable state and federal taxes are withheld from prizes from individual winning tickets of $600 or more. Taxes on individual prizes less than $600 are the sole responsibility of the person redeeming the ticket.
Where does the net revenue from the Mississippi Lottery go?
For 10 years, lottery proceed collections up to $80 million will go toward infrastructure needs around the state. After that 10-year period, lottery proceed collections up to $80 million will go into the State’s General Fund.
Any net proceeds over $80 million annually will be sent to the Education Enhancement Fund in perpetuity, which helps fund the Early Childhood Learning Collaborative and Classroom Supply Fund.
How long do I have to claim a prize?
The deadline for claiming a prize is 90 days from the day the game ends for scratch-off tickets, and 180 days from the date of the drawing for multi-state draw games.
Can I buy Mississippi Lottery tickets online?
No.
How to play Powerball
Want to play Powerball, but not quite sure how it works? Here are some things to know.
To play Powerball, you first select five white ball numbers. These five numbers will be between one and 69. Then, pick one "Powerball," or red ball, number. This number will be between one and 26.
For an extra dollar, you may choose to "power play," which multiplies all non-grand prize winnings by a factor of 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10.
If you match at least one number in the Powerball drawing, you win a prize.
Is there a number I can call to check winning numbers?
You can now call 601-487-1396 to check winning numbers after the drawings occur.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS Lottery: Everything you need to know if you win Powerball drawing
