If you found a winning lottery ticket what would you do?

Reply #81

CASH Only — Sat, 22 May 2004 14:21:36 GMT

Three times I've found a lost $50.

Reply #80

Jake649 — Sat, 22 May 2004 11:42:06 GMT

Quote: Originally posted by rdarmand on May 21, 2004Where n is equal to the number of tickets bought, the odds of winning in the MegaMillions lottery is given by 1 - [(1 - 0.023399196957)^n]The above formula is incorrect. The number of tickets affects the probability in a linear fashion and not exponential. The correct formula is:0.000000007407 * nGood luck,Jake

Reply #79

rdarmand — Sat, 22 May 2004 03:48:24 GMT

Finding an unsigned lottery ticket is like finding a dollar bill. No way to tell whose it really is. If some way could be devised to determine whether a claimant is telling the truth or lying -- i.e., if I could be really certain that the individual claiming to have lost that ticket was telling the truth -- I would return it, of course. It's the right thing to do. But I don't know how that could be done.Of course, if it's already signed, then it's easy.I believe that what goes around comes arou... [ More ]

Reply #78

interceptor — Fri, 21 May 2004 23:32:10 GMT

go to mcdonalds

Reply #77

ryanm — Thu, 13 May 2004 16:12:24 GMT

If the back of the ticket is not signed, then I'd claim it as my own. If a person loses a ticket and does not sign it, it's his own fault. If it was signed with just the person's name though, then I'd try to get it to the owner.

Reply #76

xinlee — Mon, 10 May 2004 20:03:41 GMT

sorry, if I found a lottery ticket that was the winning numbers, then I'm going to cash it right away or take it to the damn lottery officials to claim it. There is no way I would give up even $1.00 ticket let alone $100+ million dollar ticket.

Reply #75

dragon — Sun, 02 May 2004 03:00:03 GMT

Quote: O

Reply #74

CASH Only — Fri, 30 Apr 2004 20:11:42 GMT

60 votes for a specific answer

Reply #73

JohnC — Thu, 08 Apr 2004 18:32:29 GMT

Over here in Australia, this is not really an issue. In Victoria, Tattersalls (the company that runs the lotteries) has a system where you can register as a member and when you do, you get a card that looks a bit like a credit card on which your details are stored.When you go in to buy tickets, they swipe the card first and your entry details are stored on their system and linked to your card so, the next time you visit a retail outlet, if you've won a prize, the system lets the seller (and you... [ More ]

Reply #72

felinelover — Thu, 08 Apr 2004 17:28:32 GMT

Cash it in, of course. Who would give me back my winning ticket if I lost it? I also have found winning scratch tickets all over the place that people didn't read correctly or didn't scratch off completely.

Reply #71

Jake649 — Thu, 08 Apr 2004 16:46:43 GMT

Quote: Originally posted by repat on April 08, 2004Why take all the money ? It's a windfall . Split 50/50 with the real winner is the RIGHT ANSWER .That is a contradiction of terms. If you could find the real winner, then the real winner would deserve the entire amount. The finder would be given a reward based on the discretion of the real winner.Good luck,Jake

Reply #70

repat — Thu, 08 Apr 2004 13:28:38 GMT

Why take all the money ? It's a windfall . Split 50/50 with the real winner is the RIGHT ANSWER .

Reply #69

hot lotto — Thu, 08 Apr 2004 00:42:00 GMT

Just cash in it

Reply #68

Wet Dog — Thu, 08 Apr 2004 00:29:11 GMT

If it were signed, I would probably hold it for ransome. So while the ticket is not legally mine and I didn't invest any of my own money, the ticket would be in my hands. It's not my responsibility to keep up with what they purchased. Finders keepers I think I would be intitled to a least 25% finders fee. Maybe more. Of course, I'd hold it for a long time. Long enough for an offer to be made to the one who finds the ticket. So that I dont apear to be the money grubber that I am. By the 160th... [ More ]

Reply #67

DoctorEw220 — Wed, 31 Mar 2004 20:55:42 GMT

i would cash it in. in PA, as well as some other states, you need not have a press conference. Some states even allow the winner to remain anonymous. you would never need to tell where you got it, and even if they ask you, you can still say that you found it, and they won't care because it's whoever turns in the ticket gets the prize. only if the ticket is signed would i go to the police.

Reply #66

numbersman — Wed, 31 Mar 2004 20:41:46 GMT

I would cash it in. If signed find owner and make a deal.

Reply #65

CASH Only — Wed, 31 Mar 2004 19:58:37 GMT

I'm not even sure if I'd tell Todd.

Reply #64

Tang — Tue, 02 Mar 2004 09:33:04 GMT

If there's no signature on the playslip, I would sign the playslip and cash it in! I would do some serious bill paying and shopping. I've always said that if I won a large amount of money, I would donate to a charity of my choice so I have a few that I would give money to after I took care of my family.

Reply #63

jim695 — Tue, 02 Mar 2004 03:30:49 GMT

What exactly is there to think about???A lottery ticket is a bearer instrument, as is a twenty-dollar bill, and so by definition belongs to whomever is bearing it. Are you saying that if you found a twenty on the ground, you would dilligently seek the person who lost it? Granted, there are probably more people here who have found twenty dollars than found winning lottery tickets, but isn't the principle the same?This just reinforces my belief that the majority of lottery players buy their ticket... [ More ]

Reply #62

goose — Mon, 01 Mar 2004 08:59:57 GMT

If you found a winning lottery ticket what would you do?Give it to the lottery[ 1 ] [1.43%]Give it to the police[ 5 ] [7.14%]Give it to charity[ 1 ] [1.43%]Redeem it as your own ticket[ 49 ] [70.00%]Never turn it in to anyone[ 1 ] [1.43%]Other[ 13 ] [18.57%]Total Valid Votes[ 70 ] Discarded Votes[ 10 ] 70% of people would like to redeem it as their own tickets,but I think it should be like 99

Reply #61

Paid 2 Lotto — Fri, 30 Jan 2004 18:07:15 GMT

I would cash it in like it was mine. I believe in destiny and if I found that it would mean that it was meant for me and not meant for someone who lost it.Have a nice day

Reply #60

Mana — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 21:21:08 GMT

Quite honest I am as well. I'd keep and redeem it unless I'm told in private with no media hooplah about the ticket and show definate proof that it was theirs. (Mana here, needs a smoking gun!) That of course, is if it's unsigned. I wouldn't even say I lost it. No need for anyone to know I found it.If it's signed ... turning it to the lottery office to get it identified would be my course of action. For some reason, I dun trust the police with said tickets.

Reply #59

acronym007 — Thu, 15 Jan 2004 21:49:16 GMT

No such thing as a lost mortgage four4me, I was being facetious. I was refering to the fact that documnets themselves are not worth anything, therefore someone would have to make a claim to a document which itself is worthless. Therefore the only I feel any claim would have any legeitimacy is if someone reported it lost the day they purchased it not the day of the drawing. For clairification assumable mortgages are notes transfered from one owner to another to assume the debt of the note, it is

Reply #58

konane — Thu, 15 Jan 2004 19:59:48 GMT

Quote: O

Reply #57

Calscorp — Thu, 15 Jan 2004 15:04:43 GMT

There is always the chance that the person who lost it didn't even know they had a winner. Maybe it was a quick-pick. But if the person always played the same numbers they would definitely know they won. If no one claimed it by the deadline I would assume it would be yours. And if you advertise for the person who lost it; then people will come out of the woodwork to claim it. I would definitely watch and wait.

Reply #56

WILLSELL — Thu, 15 Jan 2004 12:49:43 GMT

Bottom line is :If the ticket was not signed then it is a bearer instrument that belongs to the holder. So jump with joy and cash it.73% poll says cashing is ok..I agree

Reply #55

fja — Thu, 15 Jan 2004 12:15:42 GMT

I dont think the burden should be on the finder of the ticket....If you lost one, the burden would be on you to make it known that you lost it, by whatever means possible...

Reply #54

johnph77 — Thu, 15 Jan 2004 03:24:49 GMT

Imagine the circus that would erupt if you put an ad in the newspaper - FOUND - $100,000 lottery ticket - found at (place) at (when). The clowns'd be coming out of the woodwork.....

Reply #53

four4me — Thu, 15 Jan 2004 01:36:47 GMT

In my opinion, no one can ever claim a lost ticket. Can someone claim a lost mortgage. Yes in some case if one lost their mortgage it could become assumable

Reply #52

emilyg — Thu, 15 Jan 2004 00:17:25 GMT

Quote: Originally posted by JAZZY JASPER on January 14, 2004<FONT color=black size=4>In all likely-hood, I too, would 'cash', the ticket if it was 'unclaimed' as lost. I find it very imporable that some, knowing they they had such a 'substantial' winning would then 'misplace it' ! <FONT color=black size=4> The question ? I have is what would you do with it?jazzy - government, daughter, church and moi.

Reply #51

acronym007 — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 22:44:56 GMT

In my opinion, no one can ever claim a lost ticket. Can someone claim a lost mortgage? Possesion is 9/10ths of the law, this is a reason for this. I will cringe if someone ever wins a lost lotto suit.

Reply #50

fja — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 15:40:58 GMT

Cash option of course

Reply #49

fja — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 15:40:06 GMT

I can't say what I would do. I found five $50 travelers checks signed on both lines once when I worked in a Hotel...I could have easly cashed them in...but I turned them in,,,I have also found a couple of folded $20 bills on the floor in a crowded bar,,,and I kept them.....no, i really couldnt tell you what i would do with the ticket....maybe just wait 170 days and claim it on the last day,,,,

Reply #48

JAZZY JASPER — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 15:13:23 GMT

In all likely-hood, I too, would 'cash', the ticket if it was 'unclaimed' as lost. I find it very imporable that some, knowing they they had such a 'substantial' winning would then 'misplace it' ! The question ? I have is what would you do with it

Reply #47

bugg — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 14:52:08 GMT

If i found a winning lottery ticket i would be at the claims office before the employees get there i would be so excited! after i cashed the ticket i would give to my favorite charity and give my church money if they will except it and im sure the will.

Reply #46

four4me — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 03:47:15 GMT

What is the difference between finding a 2.00 winner and a 200,000 winner?About 199,998 more dollars worth of fun you could have spending it.

Reply #45

emilyg — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 02:55:20 GMT

no idea what i would do - but would like the opportunity to find out.

Reply #44

WILLSELL — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 02:51:56 GMT

I don't think finding a windfall has anything to do with test of character.What is the difference between finding a 2.00 winner and a 200,000 winner?Oh sure I could be a good samaritan and ask the newpaper to help me find the real owner right? I don't think so. Well maybe ...I could say I found a ticket not that it was a winner...then who would lay claim? probably 0 . But if I announce a winning ticket ...watch them come out of the woodwork.Fortunately my bank account has no concience.What's ch... [ More ]

Reply #43

Bryan — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 01:40:47 GMT

If Devine Intervention wanted you to have the money then you would simply win on a ticket you purchased yourself. More than likely no controversy there. But if you found a ticket did you ever stop to think it could be a test of your character to find out how far you would go to do the right thing, no matter the outcome...Just a thought,Bryan

Reply #42

WILLSELL — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 00:39:00 GMT

At least 73% of the voters are honest. If I found a ticket I would head for the hills(cash it asap). I would feel some remorse for the poor sap that lost it . But devine intervention says it was my destiny to find and therefore cash the ticket.For the fools that said they would turn it in to the police . I have some prime realestate for sale near the golden gate bridge. Why make some cop a happy camper

Reply #41

four4me — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 09:29:12 GMT

yes, hopefully returned back into the prize purse for the lottery players. bigger jackpots will result in more ticket sales.No, it goes into the general fund supposedly. The players may see some of it in the form of special promotions. But I think it is absorbed into whatever programs the states lottery supports.

Reply #40

golotto — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 03:17:56 GMT

yes, hopefully returned back into the prize purse for the lottery players. bigger jackpots will result in more ticket sales.

Reply #39

four4me — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 02:43:49 GMT

What about the jackpots that do not get claimed? Tickets lost? But never found?It goes back into the lottery fund

Reply #38

Calscorp — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 02:36:27 GMT

Actually, there is a gentleman that wins all the time on the scratchers that are thrown away at a store I frequent. He probably doesn't even buy them. He started the new year out with a $100 scratcher. I keep telling him to buy a lotto ticket. I don't know if he plays. But I would say if anyone I know would find a huge jackpot winner on the lottery this would be the man. And he would claim it. What about the jackpots that do not get claimed? Tickets lost? But never found

Reply #37

CASH Only — Mon, 12 Jan 2004 16:14:15 GMT

Everybody's favorite CHARITY is themself.

Reply #36

four4me — Mon, 12 Jan 2004 04:09:09 GMT

What do you think the odds are that anyone of us would actually find a winning lottery ticket? lolJust go to your local lottery retailer and ask for the bucket or trash can that people throw there scratch off's in I'm willing to bet that somebody threw away a winning ticket. I asked a retailer for them because I needed them for tax purposes he used to give them to me. After work I would go thru them and find a couple dollars once in about every three pickups. One time I scratched the bonus area... [ More ]

Reply #35

JADELottery — Mon, 12 Jan 2004 03:23:19 GMT

Unless the back of the ticket is signed by someone, that ticket is up for grabs by anyone even if you didn't lose it. Retailers are not required to memorize every ticket sold, every combinatorial set on each ticket, and every person they sell it to. The ticket is the only proof of a win and if you don't sign the back of the ticket, it can be claimed by anyone.

Reply #34

Calscorp — Mon, 12 Jan 2004 03:02:31 GMT

What do you think the odds are that anyone of us would actually find a winning lottery ticket? lol

Reply #33

Thomas Covenant — Mon, 12 Jan 2004 01:29:57 GMT

>>>If I find a ticket with numbers picked buy an individual and more than one set of numbers on the ticket, I'd ask the lottery officials to see if the person who comes forward stating he/she lost it has the card used by the machine to print the ticket that way they can check the card against the ticket to verify if this is truly the winner.<<<It really wouldn't be up to you to decided what another person needs to claim the ticket you found. It would be decided in court. If anyone found out that... [ More ]

Reply #32

megamillionaire — Mon, 12 Jan 2004 01:01:15 GMT

If the ticket is a QP odds are the person who bought it and lost it has no clue what the numbers are. I buy QP's and never look at the numbers till the drawing. I also buy my own picks and usually use a card to put in the machine. That way I have proof of all the numbers on the winning ticket.So if I find a QP and it's a winner, it's mine. If I find a ticket with numbers picked buy an individual and more than one set of numbers on the ticket, I'd ask the lottery officials to see if the person wh... [ More ]

Reply #31

hypersoniq — Sun, 11 Jan 2004 17:47:11 GMT

I don't think Thou Shalt Not Find and prosper is in there anywhere...Winning or finding a winner... 2 things I'll probably never do...back to the numbers...

Reply #30

LaurainMass — Sun, 11 Jan 2004 17:44:26 GMT

I say it is not good to rob anyone of anything.I would call WBZ camera crew and anchor so they can film me turning the ticket over to the Police,I would place the whereabouts ( location ) of where I found the Ticket in a sealed envelope along with the ticket.Whoever claims the ticket will know where they purchased it and probably where that ticket was lost.Then when it's time to claim it,not even the lottery would know where the ticket was lost until then.All they would know is where the ticket... [ More ]

Reply #29

Littleoldlady — Sun, 11 Jan 2004 15:24:52 GMT

It says on the backs of our tickets-Sign Immediately!-...if I found a ticket unsigned, I would cash it. Plain and Simple..However, if the ticket was signed, I would return it to the owner..and ask for a reward.

Reply #28

JetSet9 — Sun, 11 Jan 2004 14:43:07 GMT

Redeem it.

Reply #27

RJOh — Sat, 10 Jan 2004 22:32:17 GMT

There are lots of claims out there for prizes that were collected. There is a man in Chicago that doesn't say he bought the ticket but want the lottery commission to give him the video tapes of the store that sold the ticket , time that the ticket was sold so he can find the owner of the ticket and guess who he's going to find once he has all the information that only the true winner would have.What is a fair reward? A few years ago, a Chicago bartender and his wife would make trips to Wiscons... [ More ]

Reply #26

Bryan — Sat, 10 Jan 2004 18:00:29 GMT

That would very much depend on the situation. We were talking about this at work the other day.If that scenario would have been true about the woman losing it in a parking lot I would have returned it to her. Others at work were saying she couldn't prove it was hers. I was saying then why would there be a ticket floating around in the parking lot if it wasn't hers. How would she have known about it being there. Now, I would hope that she would be grateful enough to make sure my life would be mor... [ More ]

Reply #25

Timmer692002 — Sat, 10 Jan 2004 11:18:04 GMT

I think (now this is just my opinion) that while a GREAT many people would say they'd do the right thing and 'turn it in', still we do live in a money driven society. If someone found an unsigned worth say $10,000 or more, they'd find some way to raltionalize keeping it.So, I say finders keepers

Reply #24

Calscorp — Sat, 10 Jan 2004 01:59:39 GMT

That really is a pretty good question. And it definitely gives you a lot to think about. But I figure I would have to live with my conscience. If God wants me to have money I will. Maybe the person who lost it needs it a whole lot more than I do. I am not sure how I would go about handling it. Maybe hold on to it and see who claims they lost it or turn it over to the police. But I could not claim it. How would you feel if you were the one who lost it? I guess we should make sure we sign that

Reply #23

visiondude — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 22:39:06 GMT

unsigned ; same thing as hypersoniq. i would cash it into a trust and tell no one that it was a found ticket. but not so much that i do not want the rightful owner to make a claim toward the ticket as much as i don't want the 10,000 people on my front porch. i would work out something that i knew that would be fair conscience-wise in how much i would spend and how long i would wait .if a person came forward to claim the ticket and in the end could prove that it was thiers, i would give... [ More ]

Reply #22

interceptor — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 22:24:39 GMT

ive found lots of winning petty cash tickets up to ten dollars on the ground at the c-store i worked at and turned thm all in to the manager...............................not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Reply #21

OldHank — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 21:34:20 GMT

I agree with RJOH and JoyJoy. Both made very good points.What's the difference, if you bought it, or received it for a present (birthday, etc), or found it. And, I'm sure there are other ways one can come across a ticket...Either way, YOU have the winner in your hands. Whoever has the winner GETS the money. Afterall, the Lottery Commission didn't give the so-called winner the money because she DID NOT have the ticket. duh

Reply #20

joyjoy8 — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 19:47:21 GMT

If I found a non-signed winning lotto ticket I would cash it. I believe that everything comes to me in it's own time, so it would be my time. If However the purchaser of the ticket came forward to make a claim on the money ,I would be willing to share, or turn over the ticket. If I myself lost a winning lottery ticket(which I have done on the pick 3 for $290 on 734) I would feel that the money wasn't meant for me. I would never Steal a lotto ticket, but if I found one which was not claimed, it... [ More ]

Reply #19

lottoscorp — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 19:13:02 GMT

Hello All,

Reply #18

RJOh — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 19:09:28 GMT

Maybe I would sign and cash in the ticket. If any one asked how I came to own the the ticket, I would remind them that the ticket was a bearer instrument and that was my business and I would only be answering questions from the lottery commissions necessary to get my money.RJOh

Reply #17

four4me — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 18:58:16 GMT

Gosh this is hard it would depend mostly on how much it was worth. If it was for millions and somebody came forward with legitimate proof of purchase we would have to do some negotiating. Since in most cases possession is 9 tents of the law. And the other party had said proof I would offer to split it possibly. I don't need more than 5 million to live off of. I would definitely contact a lawyer if the person who had proof of purchase came forward.Since the person who lost it is at fault. (didn't... [ More ]

Reply #16

RJOh — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 18:57:11 GMT

Quote

Reply #15

hypersoniq — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 18:53:03 GMT

Signed Ticket: Negotiate a finders fee $250,000 per $10,000,000 seems appropriate.UNsigned Ticket: Claim in a trust. Transfer into a separate trust and dissolve the first as soon as the taxes were paid. Hold onto the money (after eliminating debt and setting the kids up for college) for 1 year without buying any Toys or moving into a mansion or telling ANYBODY... if no legit player came forward in the media, then it's party time, with 50% of what's left (the bulk) to go to help people out in... [ More ]

Reply #14

Thomas Covenant — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 18:49:39 GMT

RJOh, all they would have to say was that they were in the store, and bought a ticket. How could you prove they were lying? They would have more of a claim than you, because you claimed you found it.

Reply #13

Pick-4_Master — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 18:48:13 GMT

Sorry I'd still keep it the POLICE are crooked here in MIAMI they would probably KEEP it for themselves beside's it's just a MOVIE right

Reply #12

RJOh — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 18:45:22 GMT

Thomas,I doubt if any store even the local Wal-Mart, have that many customers in a three day periods, so it would be hard for that many people to come up with a believable story.RJOh

Reply #11

rundown99 — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 18:42:39 GMT

After renting that movie Finder's Fee from Blockbuster Video a month ago, if the ticket was NOT mine, I would say Give it to the police . See the movie and you'll know why.

Reply #10

Thomas Covenant — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 18:38:21 GMT

I would cash it in, and then g

Reply #9

Thomas Covenant — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 18:36:15 GMT

If you told the media that you found it, you would get 10,000 people filing lawsuits. The name of the store is usually made public before the winner comes forward.

Reply #8

RJOh — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 18:31:52 GMT

I would like to think I would make every effort to see that the rightful owner got it back, but I know I would really feel foolish if after turning it in, someone made up a story that I could have made up and was rewarded the prize with no real proof of ownership, so I would probably sign it ,cash it, and be upfront about finding it and deal with the consequences. RJOh

Reply #7

Lotto Czar — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 18:29:29 GMT

Unless the back of the ticket is filled out, how would anyone know? I'vwe found a few winning tickets, (actually scratches that were never rubbed off completley), good for a dollar or two. Those who play scratch games, know the secret codes that tell the winners from the losers. In Pa, it's the number or numbers inside the parentheses. (sometimes there's letters that spell out , like E-N-T for entry or C-L-M for claim (a fellow who's wife won big, showed me that one). In Del. and md., they... [ More ]

Reply #6

Pick-4_Master — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 18:28:38 GMT

If there was no signature on the back I WOULD KEEP IT if I tried to find out who it belonged to everyone one would try and claim it and if I really did happen to find the TRUE owner I wouldn't get anything for my help.

Reply #5

Thomas Covenant — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 18:15:58 GMT

If no one else claimed it, of course I would redeem it. But if someone else made a claim, then it might be a problem. Knowing that it wasn't really your ticket, would you fight it in court

Reply #4

gary — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 16:52:35 GMT

I will redeem it.

Reply #3

Grendel — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 16:51:18 GMT

Charity starts at home and I believe in the old adage 'finders keepers - losers weepers...

Reply #2

ALX — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 16:27:26 GMT

After all the money I've lost playing these frustrating games, I would take the money and run and give some to charity, (my family and friends).ALX

Reply #1

BIRD — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 15:42:00 GMT

cash it in

If you found a winning lottery ticket what would you do?

Todd — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 15:38:04 GMT

This week was a roller coaster ride for an Ohio woman. First she said she won the $162 million Mega Millions jackpot, then she said she lost the ticket. Of course, that sent groups of people looking for it.Finally, the woman said she made the whole thing upIn this Lottery Post poll we want to know what you would do if you found a winning lottery ticket.Vote in the poll and leave your comments