Current through all regulations passed and filed through March 18, 2024
(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 shall be conducted at such times
and for such periods as the director may determine. For the purpose of this
rule, "sales cycle" shall 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®" shall
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" shall mean the
member lotteries established and operated pursuant to the laws of the
jurisdictions participating in "Mega Millions®."
Game number nine hundred fifty-eight
shall not be amended when one or more lottery is added or removed from
participating, unless the addition or removal of such party lottery shall
substantively change the game matrix, the play style or the method of prize
payments in this game.
(4)
Game number nine
hundred fifty-eight shall 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" shall be
posted on the Ohio lottery commission website and may be accessed by going to
the link: https://www.ohiolottery.com/Claiming/
Rules And Regulations and clicking on the "New Mega Millions®"
tab.
(5)
As used in this rule, "directors" shall 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" shall 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" shall be an amount less than
the annuity "Grand/Jackpot Prize."
(7)
As used in this
rule, "annuity Grand/Jackpot Prize" shall 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" shall mean the
Ohio lottery commission.
(9)
As used in this rule, "Ohio director" shall 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" shall 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 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 shall constitute a separate
wager.
(11)
Each ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-eight
shall 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 shall have
no pecuniary or prize value, nor shall 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 shall be randomly selected during each official
"Mega Millions®" drawing, and shall 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, shall 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 on-line 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 shall 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, shall 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 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 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" shall be determined by the Ohio
lottery commission, shall not be included in the cost of the official "Mega
Millions®" ticket, and shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall win the
"Grand/Jackpot Prize" award which shall 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 shall
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 shall 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 shall 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 on-line computer system, shall be an amount designated by the directors
or their designees, and shall 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 shall 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, shall 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 shall 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 shall 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
shall 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 shall be determined by the
directors. If the liability cap is exceeded for a particular drawing, the Ohio
director shall 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 shall be rounded down so that prizes shall 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
shall 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 shall 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 shall 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, shall win the prize awards set
forth in this rule which shall 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 shall be multiplied by two and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by three and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by four and the
player shall 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 shall be multiplied by five
and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by two and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by three and the player shall
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 shall be multiplied by four
and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied
by five and the player shall 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
shall be multiplied by two and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by three and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by four and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by five and the player
shall 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 shall be multiplied by two and
the player shall 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 shall be
multiplied by three and the player shall 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
shall be multiplied by four and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by five and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by two and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by three and
the player shall 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
shall be multiplied by four and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by five and the player shall
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 shall be multiplied
by two and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by three and the player shall 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 shall be
multiplied by four and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by five and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied
by two and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by three and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by four and
the player shall 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 shall be
multiplied by five and the player shall 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
shall be multiplied by two and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by three and the player shall 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 shall be multiplied by four and the
player shall 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 shall be multiplied
by five and the player shall be entitled to a prize award of five million
dollars.
(3)
The directors or their designees shall 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 shall 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, shall 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 shall 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 shall be
determined by the directors. If the liability cap is exceeded for a particular
drawing, the Ohio director shall 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 shall be rounded down so that prizes shall
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 shall 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) shall 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 shall 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 shall be
open to the public and may be held at such places and times in any party
lottery jurisdictions that the directors shall determine. The directors shall
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 shall 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 shall be free of any liability in connection with
this paragraph.
(2)
Each ticket issued in game number nine hundred
fifty-eight 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
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, shall 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 on-line gaming system, the wager accepted shall 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 shall be considered void, subject
to the following determination:
(a)
In all cases of doubt, the determination of the Ohio
director shall 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 shall 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 shall not be responsible for lost or stolen game number nine hundred
fifty-eight tickets.
(8)
The Ohio lottery commission shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 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-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 shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall, 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 shall 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 shall
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 shall 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 shall 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, shall 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 shall 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®"
shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall
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, shall be final and binding on all purchasers and on
every person making a claim in respect thereof.
Effective: 8/31/2017
Five Year Review
(FYR) Dates: 08/31/2017
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority:
3770.03
Rule Amplifies: 3770.01, 3770.02, 3770.03, 3770.04, 3770.05,
3770.06, 3770.07, 3770.08