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Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund

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FAQ

Common questions about the Lottery are answered below. We hope that your question will be answered by one of the responses listed below.

If it isn't, please feel free to contact us at the Maine State Lottery office 1(800) 452-8777.

Q: What happens if a Megabucks or Powerball winner dies before collecting all the annual payments due ?
A:

The remaining annual payments will be made to the estate of the deceased.

Q: Will there be any taxes withheld from my winnings ?
A:

Taxes are withheld for any winnings over $5000. There is a federal tax of 25% and a state tax of 5% for a total withholding of 30%. Additional federal income taxes may be owed depending on the individual winner's tax bracket.

Q: How many Megabucks jackpot winners have there been in Maine ?
A:

Maine has had the most jackpot winners in the Tri-State area. Listed below are the number of jackpot winners per state as of November 2007. Use our jackpot winners' search at://www.mainelottery.com/playersinfo/jackpotwinners.html to find details of past jackpot winners.

Maine - 196; New Hampshire - 155; Vermont - 79

Q: What happens if I lose a winning ticket ?
A:

The Lottery is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets. You need to protect yourself by signing the back of your ticket. Lottery tickets are bearer instruments and without a name and address on the back of the ticket, anyone in possession of the ticket can file a claim.

Q: Where does the money go ?
A:

Lottery proceeds go to the state's General Fund which supports over 250 state agencies and programs that provide a wide range of services for the citizens of Maine.

Q: Can I buy tickets in advance ?
A:

Tri-State Megabucks & Maine Powerball tickets can be purchased in advance for up to 20 consecutive drawings, Paycheck tickets can be purchased for 20 consecutive drawings, and Pick 3/Pick4 tickets can be purchased for 7 days in advance.

Q: How can I buy tickets for more than 20 draws ?
A:

You can purchase a Tri-State Megabucks or Maine Powerball Subscription for 26 draws, 52 draws or 104 draws if you have a Maine mailing address.

Q: How long do I have to cash my ticket in?
A:

Megabucks, Powerball, Paycheck, Pick 3 and Pick 4 tickets are good for 1 year from the draw date.

Q: If I win Megabucks, do I have to wait before I receive my winnings?
A:

Once you come to the Lottery Office and claim your jackpot prize, there is a waiting period of 5 business days before you will receive your check.