A quick one for anyone holding older scratchers.

When a lottery ends a scratch game, two separate dates usually matter:

1. The end date. After this, the game is closed and retailers stop selling it.
2. The last day to claim. Most states give a set window after the end date, and the length varies by state.

So a game disappearing from the store counter, or from the remaining-prizes page, does not by itself mean an unclaimed winner is dead. Check the claim window before tossing it.

What I do with an old ticket:

• Read the game number printed on the ticket, not just the name. Names get reused.
• Look that game number up on the official lottery site's ended or closed games list. That list usually shows the end date and the last day to claim.
• If it is still inside the window, claim it the normal way for that prize amount.
• If the game number is not listed anywhere, contact the lottery's claims line instead of going by a forum post (including this one).

One more thing: remaining-prizes pages often drop a game around its end date, so an empty lookup can mean "ended," not "all prizes gone."