Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
(1)
Definitions.
(a)
"Play Symbol(s)" means the numbers or symbols printed under each of the rub-off
play spots. Each Play Symbol must have a matching caption printed below the
symbol. Each caption must correspond with and verify the symbol.
(b) "Validation Number" means the unique
multi-digit number found underneath the "Void If Removed" spot.
(c) "Bar Code" means the set of vertical
lines on the front or back of each ticket representing that ticket's unique
Game Number, Validation Number and Book Number.
(d) "UPC Code" means the Universal Product
Code and it's corresponding bar code symbol. It's limited purpose is to
identify a product of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.
(2) The prize winner must submit a
winning Lottery ticket to be eligible to claim a prize. To be a valid instant
winning ticket entitled to a prize, the following conditions must be met:
(a) The on-line system must indicate that the
ticket is a winner.
(b) One and
only one number or symbol must appear in each Play Symbol designated
area.
(c) Each Play Symbol must be
legible; if the number appears both as a numeral and spelled or abbreviated as
a word, both must agree.
(d) The
Validation Number must correspond, using the Commission's validation records,
to the Play Symbols.
(e) The number
on the back of the ticket must be present and legible and it must correspond,
using the Commission's validation records to any check code or validation
number on the ticket.
(f) The
ticket must pass all other security checks provided by the
Commission.
(3) The
ticket shall be void and not entitled to a prize under any one or more of the
following conditions:
(a) The on-line system
indicates that the ticket is not a winner.
(b) The Validation Number is partially or
fully removed or exposed before the ticket is validated by the Commission or
Sales Agent.
(c) More than one Play
Symbol appears under any Play Symbol designated area.
(d) No Play Symbol appears in any Play Symbol
designated area, unless the ticket specifically provides for this
occurrence.
(e) The Validation
Number or Bar Code are not present or are only partially present.
(f) The ticket is defective or mutilated or
altered or tampered with in any manner.
(g) Any number or symbol is partially or
wholly illegible.
(h) The ticket is
counterfeit.
(i) The book or
individual ticket is stolen or not issued.
(j) The numbers or letters are other than
right side up.
(k) A letter or
symbol has become obscured in printing or altered in storage or usage and does
not correspond with the Commission's validation records.
(l) The ticket is part of a printing or
production error or its Validation Number and/or Bar Code does not correspond
with the apparent image or lack of image.
(m) An apparent winner is not on the
Commission's validation records in the correct pool.
(n) The Play Symbol and its alphabetic
characterization are inconsistent.
(o) It fails to meet any requirement
contained in the Administrative Bulletin issued by the Director for any
particular Instant Game.
The Director shall make the final decision as to whether any
ticket is valid or void and such decision shall be final.
(4) In the event that a ticket is
declared to be void, the Lottery may at its option replace the ticket or refund
the purchase price thereof. This shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the
holder of the ticket.
(5) A person
shall be eligible to win only one instant prize per ticket, unless the ticket
specifically states otherwise.
(6)
No prizes shall be paid based on a lost, stolen or mislaid instant game ticket,
unless the Director in his or her discretion decides otherwise.
(7) Specific game rules for each instant game
shall be detailed in an Administrative Bulletin issued by the
Director.
(8) All instant game
tickets entitled to a prize expire one year from the end of that particular
game. However, certain winning tickets which are eligible for a run-off type
drawing must be claimed prior to the run-off drawing in accordance with the
rules set forth in the Administrative Bulletin for that particular
game.
