Section 3770:1-9-958 - Game rule number nine hundred fifty-eight(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 will be conducted at such times and for such periods as the director may determine. For the purpose of this rule, "sales cycle" will 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®" will 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" will mean the member lotteries established and operated pursuant to the laws of the jurisdictions participating in "Mega Millions®." Game number nine hundred fifty-eight will not be amended when one or more lottery is added or removed from participating, unless the addition or removal of such party lottery will substantively change the game matrix, the play style or the method of prize payments in this game.
(4) Game number nine hundred fifty-eight will 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" will be posted on the Ohio lottery commission website and may be accessed by going to the link: https://www.ohiolottery.com/Claiming/RulesAndRegulations and clicking on the "New Mega Millions®" tab.(5) As used in this rule, "directors" will 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" will 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" will be an amount less than the annuity "Grand/Jackpot Prize".(7) As used in this rule, "annuity Grand/Jackpot Prize" will 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" will mean the Ohio lottery commission.(9) As used in this rule, "Ohio director" will 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" will 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 lottery gaming system , and a second field of one number consisting of one or two digits selected by the player or the lottery gaming system. 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 will constitute a separate wager.(11) Each ticket in game number nine hundred fifty-eight will 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 will have no pecuniary or prize value, nor will 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 will be randomly selected during each official "Mega Millions®" drawing, and will 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, will 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 lottery 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 will 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, will 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 will 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 JackpotT" 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 JackpotT" 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 JackpotT" will be determined by the Ohio lottery commission, will not be included in the cost of the official "Mega Millions®" ticket, and will 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 JackpotT" 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will win the "Grand/Jackpot Prize" award which will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 lottery gaming system, will be an amount designated by the directors or their designees, and will 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 will 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, will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will be determined by the directors. If the liability cap is exceeded for a particular drawing, the Ohio director will 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 will be rounded down so that prizes will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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, will win the prize awards set forth in this paragraph which will 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 JackpotT 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 will be multiplied by two and the player will 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 will be multiplied by three and the player will 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 will be multiplied by four and the player will 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 will be multiplied by five and the player will 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 will be multiplied by two and the player will 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 will be multiplied by three and the player will 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 will be multiplied by four and the player will 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 will be multiplied by five and the player will 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 will be multiplied by two and the player will 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 will be multiplied by three and the player will 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 will be multiplied by four and the player will 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 will be multiplied by five and the player will 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 will be multiplied by two and the player will 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 will be multiplied by three and the player will 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 will be multiplied by four and the player will 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 will be multiplied by five and the player will 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 will be multiplied by two and the player will 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 will be multiplied by three and the player will 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 will be multiplied by four and the player will 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 will be multiplied by five and the player will 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 will be multiplied by two and the player will 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 will be multiplied by three and the player will 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 will be multiplied by four and the player will 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 will be multiplied by five and the player will 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 will be multiplied by two and the player will 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 will be multiplied by three and the player will 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 will be multiplied by four and the player will 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 will be multiplied by five and the player will 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 will be multiplied by two and the player will 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 will be multiplied by three and the player will 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 will be multiplied by four and the player will 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 will be multiplied by five and the player will be entitled to a prize award of five million dollars.(3) The directors or their designees will 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 will 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, will 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 will 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 will be determined by the directors. If the liability cap is exceeded for a particular drawing, the Ohio director will 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 will be rounded down so that prizes will 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 will 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) will 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 will 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 will be open to the public and may be held at such places and times in any party lottery jurisdictions that the directors will determine. The directors will 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 will 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 will be free of any liability in connection with this paragraph.(2) Each ticket issued in game number nine hundred fifty-eight will have imprinted thereon at the time of purchase, a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission. No prize will 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 lottery gaming system number selections and also containing a control number, bar code data, or both, supplied by the Ohio lottery commission, will 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 lottery gaming system, the wager accepted wills 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 will be considered void, subject to the following determination:(a) In all cases of doubt, the determination of the Ohio director will 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 will 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 will not be responsible for lost or stolen game number nine hundred fifty-eight tickets.(8) The Ohio lottery commission will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will, 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 will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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, will 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 will 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®" will 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 will 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 will 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 will 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, will be final and binding on all purchasers and on every person making a claim in respect thereof. Click to view Appendix
Ohio Admin. Code 3770:1-9-958
Effective: 8/3/2024
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 5/16/2024 and 07/23/2029
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
Prior Effective Dates: 08/31/2017