“What official websites would people here consider good and what they look for in a website.”
I have looked at all the government lottery websites in the US, Australia, most of Latin America, and most of Europe. I look for any information on what a player should and should not do before and after a buying a ticket and/or winning the jackpot so I can avoid all the big mistakes. I also gathered all the information on tax rates and claim periods. When I travel, I try to avoid buying a lottery ticket in states or countries that tax out of state residents (non-residents). For example, when I am in New York City, it is better to take the train (PATH) into New Jersey and buy Mega Millions in New Jersey or take any other train outside of NYC into New York and buy new York lottery ticket. New Jersey does not have a state tax. However, New York has a 7.7% state tax and NYC has an 4.5% city tax on lottery winnings in addition to the 7.7% state tax.
California’s web site is attractive and uncluttered. However, the web site is completely unhelpful about providing information on what a player should and should not do before and after a buying a ticket and/or winning the jackpot. According to California Lottery officials, individuals, (anti-lottery?), used to send hate mail and spam that would overwhelm the computer system. As a result California Lottery officials disabled the e-mail address on its web site and it is extremely difficult to obtain information. All inquiries must be made by phone or fax. Like Washington, California is also extremely slow to update the estimated jackpot after a drawing.
A few of the international websites are good, in particular those from English speaking countries, but most are awful.
In particular, I look for:
- Suggestion, forms, and agreements for group plays and pools;
- the tax rate for in-state and out of state residents;
- claim forms and tax forms;
- the names of attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, and/or law firms that were hired by previous winners; and
- Frequently Asked Questions.
I consider the following websites to be good to excellent:
Mega Millions states Michigan - IRS tax forms and links
Ohio - cash value calculator and the first to update the estimated jackpot for mega millions after a drawing.
Powerball States Connecticut – used to have good tax information on partnerships, LLCs, and trusts
Iowa – excellent information (taxes -several cases; taxes in 2 states and other gov. debts.)
Missouri - (When You Win a Jackpot page); claim forms (lottery & IRS)
New Hampshire - (claim procedures); claim forms (lottery & IRS)
Pennsylvania - the biggest collection of FAQ
Other International sites in Europe
Lottoreport – mega-millions sales by state; mega-millions sales vs. powerball sales