ARE OLD LOTTERY TICKETS WORTH ANYTHING?

Are Old Lottery Tickets Worth Anything?

Are Old Lottery Tickets Worth Anything?

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Every year, countless lottery scratchers go unclaimed simply because players forget to check them or don’t realize they’ve won. If you’ve ever found an old Arizona State Lottery scratcher tucked away in a drawer, you might wonder: Are old lottery tickets worth anything?

In this blog, we’ll explore:


  • The expiration policies for Arizona Lottery scratchers

  • How to check if an old ticket is still valid

  • Steps to claim a prize on an expired or soon-to-expire ticket

  • What happens to unclaimed lottery prizes

  • Tips to avoid missing out on potential winnings


Do Arizona Lottery Scratchers Expire?


Yes, Arizona State Lottery scratchers have an expiration date. Like most U.S. lotteries, the Arizona Lottery sets a deadline for claiming prizes on scratch-off tickets. Typically, scratchers expire one year after the game’s official end date (when all top prizes have been claimed or the game is discontinued).
How to Find the Expiration Date

The expiration date isn’t always printed directly on the ticket. Instead, you can:

  • Check the Arizona Lottery website – They publish end dates for each game.

  • Look for game closure announcements – Once a game is retired, the countdown begins.

  • Contact customer service – If unsure, call or visit a lottery office to verify.


Can You Still Claim an Expired Lottery Ticket?


Unfortunately, once a scratcher ticket expires, it becomes worthless. Arizona Lottery rules strictly enforce expiration dates, meaning even a winning ticket cannot be redeemed after the deadline.
Exceptions to the Rule

In rare cases, players may get a short grace period if they can prove they were unable to claim the prize due to extraordinary circumstances (such as hospitalization). However, this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

How to Check if an Old Lottery Ticket is a Winner


Before worrying about expiration, confirm whether your old scratcher is a winner. Here’s How to Check If Your Arizona Scratcher Ticket Is Expired
1. Use the Arizona Lottery App


  • Download the official app and scan the ticket barcode.

  • The app will instantly tell you if it’s a winner.


2. Check at a Retailer


  • Take the ticket to any Arizona Lottery retailer.

  • They can scan it and confirm if it has a prize.


3. Manually Compare Numbers

If the ticket is too old to scan, match the numbers against the game’s prize structure (available on the lottery website).

What Happens to Unclaimed Lottery Prizes?


Millions in lottery prizes go unclaimed each year. In Arizona, unclaimed winnings are redirected to:

  • Public programs (education, infrastructure, healthcare)

  • Future lottery prizes (boosted jackpots or second-chance draws)

  • Special promotions (bonus games for players)


Tips to Avoid Missing Out on Prizes



  • Check Tickets Immediately – Don’t let them sit around.

  • Sign the Back of Winning Tickets – Protects against theft or loss.

  • Set Reminders for Expiration Dates – Mark your calendar.

  • Store Tickets Safely – Keep them in a secure place until claimed.


Conclusion


Old Arizona Lottery scratchers can still be worth money—but only if they’re winners and claimed before the expiration date. Always check tickets promptly and stay informed about game deadlines to avoid missing out on potential cash prizes.

If you discover an old ticket, verify its status ASAP—you might be sitting on an unclaimed fortune!

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