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Jackpot777

Washington
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August 13, 2026
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Sep 5, 2026, 5:01 pm

Playing the lottery in different states? One state might do things better. What are your observations? I live in Washington, so I'm used to how things are done there.
Oregon:
1. ANY claim by mail requires a downloadable claim form and a copy of your ID. It's probably better to hang onto the small win if you're going back. Tickets are good for a year from the draw date.
2. Pari-mutuel payouts on non-jackpot wins. I played their Pick 6 Megabucks game and got cents included in the payout.
3. Wins CAN'T be redeemed for more tickets at the self-service machines. Most likely due to the pari-mutuel payouts, but you would think they would come up with a way to do it. Pay the majority of the win in play credits and then then print out a voucher for the cents or donate it to future players at that machine by creating a cent "bank" or any number of ideas could work... Having to wait in line to redeem when I'm just going to feed that money back into the machine doesn't make sense. I also don't like to carry change. It seems like that would be really time consuming for the retailer as well...
4. You can see your quick pick numbers before they are printed. You can pick your numbers from the machine by touch. It may seem like good options, but this could increase the wait time for others wanting to use the self-service machine.
5. There was a law that passed last year to combat "discounters" buying winning tickets and they included an anonymity portion, but the city and zip code of a winner can still be released. Can't claim using a trust, etc.
6. State income taxes are highest at 9.9% for big wins... No sales tax...
7. The app requires you to create an account to scan tickets. An unnecessary requirement in my opinion.
8. Cash only for the self-service machines. I'm not sure about in-person purchases.
Washington (my state):
1. A $600 or less win doesn't require a separate claim form or a copy of ID to claim by mail. (Just use the back of the ticket.) A good option if you happen to win a small amount in a draw game and left the state. Tickets are valid for 180 days.
2. Set prizes. There are games where the jackpot is split if more than one ticket hits, but it's not pari-mutuel on the lower prizes.
3. Wins can be redeemed (up to $600?) for credits to buy more tickets at the self-service machine. Free ticket wins can be printed there as well. Hit 5 is the only game I'm aware of that has a free ticket as a win.
4. Quick picks are just printed without seeing the numbers beforehand. Numbers can't be picked individually at the self-service machine. A play slip is required if you want to pick your own numbers. That's more restrictive, but it should cut back on time at the machine.
5. CAN claim wins as a trust or LLC. Can't stay anonymous due to public records request. I'd contact a lawyer to see if they can help with that...
6. No state income tax at the moment (high taxes on every other aspect). The state government passed a millionaire tax, even though an income tax is against the state constitution. If somehow that sticks, it would be a 10% tax on income or win over 1 million (2028).
8. Talking about play slips, sometimes that part of the machine doesn't work and it won't accept the slip. You may have to try multiple times if it grabs it, but sometimes it may be jammed and won't work at all. If paying with cash, insert the play slip first in case that machine won't read it and then you can move to the next machine. This may be an issue with all states, but I don't know...
7. Please don't use the self-service machine to see if your tickets are winners, especially if there is only one machine or they are all in use. Get the WA lottery app to scan them, or there are scanners at the stores specifically for only checking your tickets, not selling them. The app does NOT require an account to scan the tickets. At launch, they required an account, but with all of the complaints they changed it. I personally have an account because you can collect points and eventually get a digital gift card.
9. Where to buy tickets? A search can be made on their website, but in my experience... Major grocery store chains is where I buy them: Fred Meyer, Safeway, QFC. Grocery Outlet and Whole Foods don't sell them. Walmart has them, but they are the smaller machines, so you can't use play slips. Most gas stations and convenience stores sell them, but they are less likely to have self-service machines, so I avoid them for that reason and I once got ripped off by one. I read that bars and restaurants legally can sell them, but I don't see it. Uncommon, but I've seen the machines at a few drug stores.
10. Debit cards can be used at the self-service machines. You can use either cash or a debit card, not both in the same transaction
It's up to the retailers if they will sell you a ticket with a credit card. I've had a gas station say they don't accept them. I would try the customer service desk if you really want to use a credit card at the 3 grocery stores I have listed.
Stat$talker

Stat$talker

700 light yrs West of Milky Way Galaxy's Center
United States
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September 1, 2019
5,724 Posts
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Sep 5, 2026, 11:56 pm

Quote: Originally posted by Jackpot777 on Sep 5, 2026
Playing the lottery in different states? One state might do things better. What are your observations? I live in Washington, so I'm used to how things are done there.
Oregon:
1. ANY claim by mail requires a downloadable claim form and a copy of your ID. It's probably better to hang onto the small win if you're going back. Tickets are good for a year from the draw date.
2. Pari-mutuel payouts on non-jackpot wins. I played their Pick 6 Megabucks game and got cents included in the payout.
3. Wins CAN'T be redeemed for more tickets at the self-service machines. Most likely due to the pari-mutuel payouts, but you would think they would come up with a way to do it. Pay the majority of the win in play credits and then then print out a voucher for the cents or donate it to future players at that machine by creating a cent "bank" or any number of ideas could work... Having to wait in line to redeem when I'm just going to feed that money back into the machine doesn't make sense. I also don't like to carry change. It seems like that would be really time consuming for the retailer as well...
4. You can see your quick pick numbers before they are printed. You can pick your numbers from the machine by touch. It may seem like good options, but this could increase the wait time for others wanting to use the self-service machine.
5. There was a law that passed last year to combat "discounters" buying winning tickets and they included an anonymity portion, but the city and zip code of a winner can still be released. Can't claim using a trust, etc.
6. State income taxes are highest at 9.9% for big wins... No sales tax...
7. The app requires you to create an account to scan tickets. An unnecessary requirement in my opinion.
8. Cash only for the self-service machines. I'm not sure about in-person purchases.
Washington (my state):
1. A $600 or less win doesn't require a separate claim form or a copy of ID to claim by mail. (Just use the back of the ticket.) A good option if you happen to win a small amount in a draw game and left the state. Tickets are valid for 180 days.
2. Set prizes. There are games where the jackpot is split if more than one ticket hits, but it's not pari-mutuel on the lower prizes.
3. Wins can be redeemed (up to $600?) for credits to buy more tickets at the self-service machine. Free ticket wins can be printed there as well. Hit 5 is the only game I'm aware of that has a free ticket as a win.
4. Quick picks are just printed without seeing the numbers beforehand. Numbers can't be picked individually at the self-service machine. A play slip is required if you want to pick your own numbers. That's more restrictive, but it should cut back on time at the machine.
5. CAN claim wins as a trust or LLC. Can't stay anonymous due to public records request. I'd contact a lawyer to see if they can help with that...
6. No state income tax at the moment (high taxes on every other aspect). The state government passed a millionaire tax, even though an income tax is against the state constitution. If somehow that sticks, it would be a 10% tax on income or win over 1 million (2028).
8. Talking about play slips, sometimes that part of the machine doesn't work and it won't accept the slip. You may have to try multiple times if it grabs it, but sometimes it may be jammed and won't work at all. If paying with cash, insert the play slip first in case that machine won't read it and then you can move to the next machine. This may be an issue with all states, but I don't know...
7. Please don't use the self-service machine to see if your tickets are winners, especially if there is only one machine or they are all in use. Get the WA lottery app to scan them, or there are scanners at the stores specifically for only checking your tickets, not selling them. The app does NOT require an account to scan the tickets. At launch, they required an account, but with all of the complaints they changed it. I personally have an account because you can collect points and eventually get a digital gift card.
9. Where to buy tickets? A search can be made on their website, but in my experience... Major grocery store chains is where I buy them: Fred Meyer, Safeway, QFC. Grocery Outlet and Whole Foods don't sell them. Walmart has them, but they are the smaller machines, so you can't use play slips. Most gas stations and convenience stores sell them, but they are less likely to have self-service machines, so I avoid them for that reason and I once got ripped off by one. I read that bars and restaurants legally can sell them, but I don't see it. Uncommon, but I've seen the machines at a few drug stores.
10. Debit cards can be used at the self-service machines. You can use either cash or a debit card, not both in the same transaction
It's up to the retailers if they will sell you a ticket with a credit card. I've had a gas station say they don't accept them. I would try the customer service desk if you really want to use a credit card at the 3 grocery stores I have listed.

"It's up to the retailers if they will sell you a ticket with a credit card. I've had a gas station say they don't accept them. I would try the customer service desk if you really want to use a credit card at the 3 grocery stores I have listed."
That'z bcauze, if you were to win, saye a sizeable jackpot.?.. Technically,the winning ticket could be viewed as the property of the Bank that issued you the credit card, az at that point, you really haven't paid the Bank back..⚖️
Or, if you'd purchased a whole lotta ticketz, but lost,.. you could possibly dizspute the ticket chargez ... tyin up Bank fundz..

-Stat$talker
Jackpot777

Washington
United States
Member #262,959
August 13, 2026
67 Posts
Offline

Sep 6, 2026, 7:17 am

Quote: Originally posted by Stat$talker on Sep 5, 2026
"It's up to the retailers if they will sell you a ticket with a credit card. I've had a gas station say they don't accept them. I would try the customer service desk if you really want to use a credit card at the 3 grocery stores I have listed."
That'z bcauze, if you were to win, saye a sizeable jackpot.?.. Technically,the winning ticket could be viewed as the property of the Bank that issued you the credit card, az at that point, you really haven't paid the Bank back..⚖️
Or, if you'd purchased a whole lotta ticketz, but lost,.. you could possibly dizspute the ticket chargez ... tyin up Bank fundz..

-Stat$talker

An issue I've heard is if they ring it up as lottery some credit cards will consider that a cash advance with high fees. It's probably best not to try it.
Tucker Black

Colorado
United States
Member #173,294
February 25, 2016
1,196 Posts
Offline

Sep 6, 2026, 7:32 am

Quote: Originally posted by Stat$talker on Sep 5, 2026
"It's up to the retailers if they will sell you a ticket with a credit card. I've had a gas station say they don't accept them. I would try the customer service desk if you really want to use a credit card at the 3 grocery stores I have listed."
That'z bcauze, if you were to win, saye a sizeable jackpot.?.. Technically,the winning ticket could be viewed as the property of the Bank that issued you the credit card, az at that point, you really haven't paid the Bank back..⚖️
Or, if you'd purchased a whole lotta ticketz, but lost,.. you could possibly dizspute the ticket chargez ... tyin up Bank fundz..

-Stat$talker

That's not how cash advances work. The money is yours and you cannot dispute the charge if you got your money.
Stat$talker

Stat$talker

700 light yrs West of Milky Way Galaxy's Center
United States
Member #200,634
September 1, 2019
5,724 Posts
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Sep 6, 2026, 1:47 pm

Quote: Originally posted by Tucker Black on Sep 6, 2026
That's not how cash advances work. The money is yours and you cannot dispute the charge if you got your money.

"That's not how cash advances work."
Whoo sed anythang about a cash advance?,..I didn't...Using a credit card at the counter would show up as a PURCHASE .. still in the DARK , huh Tucker Black? aka Capt Scratchoff
Cash advancez are only given out at ATMs.. Stopp drankin outta dat Collarrattle Rivaah or ya might consume some of dem headed-South Dakota Brown Dumplinz

-Stat$talker
HoLeeKau

Idaho
United States
Member #94,277
July 17, 2010
2,557 Posts
Offline

Sep 6, 2026, 4:24 pm

According to Nerdwallet, purchases of lottery are likely to be processed as a cash advance. One of my credit cards sent me an account update several years ago that spelled that out. I could never remember which card so I stopped using credit cards for lottery. Glad I did because it looks like some of my others changed the rules on that and didn't tell me.
https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/can-you-buy-lottery-tickets-with-a-credit-card
Stat$talker

Stat$talker

700 light yrs West of Milky Way Galaxy's Center
United States
Member #200,634
September 1, 2019
5,724 Posts
Offline

Sep 6, 2026, 5:18 pm

Quote: Originally posted by HoLeeKau on Sep 6, 2026
According to Nerdwallet, purchases of lottery are likely to be processed as a cash advance. One of my credit cards sent me an account update several years ago that spelled that out. I could never remember which card so I stopped using credit cards for lottery. Glad I did because it looks like some of my others changed the rules on that and didn't tell me.
https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/can-you-buy-lottery-tickets-with-a-credit-card

"lottery are likely to be processed as a cash advance. One of my credit cards sent me an account update several years ago that spelled that out."
Well, Bankz will rob Peter to pay Paul.. they're hoping you don't uze ya brain when reading their update.. You're buyin a TICKET, no different from Anythangelse you buy with a credit card.
They're slyly positioning themselvez btween you and any potential jackpot, so if you forgit to pay yo bill, they can legally take the money...

-Stat$talker
Tucker Black

Colorado
United States
Member #173,294
February 25, 2016
1,196 Posts
Offline

Sep 6, 2026, 5:24 pm

Quote: Originally posted by Stat$talker on Sep 6, 2026
"lottery are likely to be processed as a cash advance. One of my credit cards sent me an account update several years ago that spelled that out."
Well, Bankz will rob Peter to pay Paul.. they're hoping you don't uze ya brain when reading their update.. You're buyin a TICKET, no different from Anythangelse you buy with a credit card.
They're slyly positioning themselvez btween you and any potential jackpot, so if you forgit to pay yo bill, they can legally take the money...

-Stat$talker

You're delusional.
The bank cannot take your jackpot if you don't pay your cc bill with a cash advance on it (lottery tickets and gaming chips at a casino are processed as a cash advance, that's just a fact).
They can sue you and they'll have no problem collecting since you have money, but they can only collect the balance owed with interest and late fees and legal expenses. They can't take the whole thing.
Do you have a source for your alternative facts or do you just make them up?
Coin Toss

Zeta Reticuli Star System
United States
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January 17, 2006
12,638 Posts
Offline

Sep 6, 2026, 7:31 pm

Tucker Black, It would be nice if you could reply to people or address them without the insults or name calling.
Coin Toss

Zeta Reticuli Star System
United States
Member #30,469
January 17, 2006
12,638 Posts
Offline

Sep 6, 2026, 9:23 pm

Tucker Black, Not too long ago when you posted "You'd know if you worked in a casino like I do" you told us all we really need to know about you.
Brock Lee

us
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May 4, 2023
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Sep 6, 2026, 11:40 pm

Quote: Originally posted by Jackpot777 on Sep 5, 2026
Playing the lottery in different states? One state might do things better. What are your observations? I live in Washington, so I'm used to how things are done there.
Oregon:
1. ANY claim by mail requires a downloadable claim form and a copy of your ID. It's probably better to hang onto the small win if you're going back. Tickets are good for a year from the draw date.
2. Pari-mutuel payouts on non-jackpot wins. I played their Pick 6 Megabucks game and got cents included in the payout.
3. Wins CAN'T be redeemed for more tickets at the self-service machines. Most likely due to the pari-mutuel payouts, but you would think they would come up with a way to do it. Pay the majority of the win in play credits and then then print out a voucher for the cents or donate it to future players at that machine by creating a cent "bank" or any number of ideas could work... Having to wait in line to redeem when I'm just going to feed that money back into the machine doesn't make sense. I also don't like to carry change. It seems like that would be really time consuming for the retailer as well...
4. You can see your quick pick numbers before they are printed. You can pick your numbers from the machine by touch. It may seem like good options, but this could increase the wait time for others wanting to use the self-service machine.
5. There was a law that passed last year to combat "discounters" buying winning tickets and they included an anonymity portion, but the city and zip code of a winner can still be released. Can't claim using a trust, etc.
6. State income taxes are highest at 9.9% for big wins... No sales tax...
7. The app requires you to create an account to scan tickets. An unnecessary requirement in my opinion.
8. Cash only for the self-service machines. I'm not sure about in-person purchases.
Washington (my state):
1. A $600 or less win doesn't require a separate claim form or a copy of ID to claim by mail. (Just use the back of the ticket.) A good option if you happen to win a small amount in a draw game and left the state. Tickets are valid for 180 days.
2. Set prizes. There are games where the jackpot is split if more than one ticket hits, but it's not pari-mutuel on the lower prizes.
3. Wins can be redeemed (up to $600?) for credits to buy more tickets at the self-service machine. Free ticket wins can be printed there as well. Hit 5 is the only game I'm aware of that has a free ticket as a win.
4. Quick picks are just printed without seeing the numbers beforehand. Numbers can't be picked individually at the self-service machine. A play slip is required if you want to pick your own numbers. That's more restrictive, but it should cut back on time at the machine.
5. CAN claim wins as a trust or LLC. Can't stay anonymous due to public records request. I'd contact a lawyer to see if they can help with that...
6. No state income tax at the moment (high taxes on every other aspect). The state government passed a millionaire tax, even though an income tax is against the state constitution. If somehow that sticks, it would be a 10% tax on income or win over 1 million (2028).
8. Talking about play slips, sometimes that part of the machine doesn't work and it won't accept the slip. You may have to try multiple times if it grabs it, but sometimes it may be jammed and won't work at all. If paying with cash, insert the play slip first in case that machine won't read it and then you can move to the next machine. This may be an issue with all states, but I don't know...
7. Please don't use the self-service machine to see if your tickets are winners, especially if there is only one machine or they are all in use. Get the WA lottery app to scan them, or there are scanners at the stores specifically for only checking your tickets, not selling them. The app does NOT require an account to scan the tickets. At launch, they required an account, but with all of the complaints they changed it. I personally have an account because you can collect points and eventually get a digital gift card.
9. Where to buy tickets? A search can be made on their website, but in my experience... Major grocery store chains is where I buy them: Fred Meyer, Safeway, QFC. Grocery Outlet and Whole Foods don't sell them. Walmart has them, but they are the smaller machines, so you can't use play slips. Most gas stations and convenience stores sell them, but they are less likely to have self-service machines, so I avoid them for that reason and I once got ripped off by one. I read that bars and restaurants legally can sell them, but I don't see it. Uncommon, but I've seen the machines at a few drug stores.
10. Debit cards can be used at the self-service machines. You can use either cash or a debit card, not both in the same transaction
It's up to the retailers if they will sell you a ticket with a credit card. I've had a gas station say they don't accept them. I would try the customer service desk if you really want to use a credit card at the 3 grocery stores I have listed.

if i lived close enough to a state line that it was feasible to buy my tickets on the other side, the only difference in policy i would care about is anonymity of winners of jackpot games. i would prefer to buy my tickets wherever winners could stay anonymous permanently. other than that, i don't really care about differences in vending machines or mail in claims processes or whether i can buy them with a credit card.

"don't believe everything you read on the internet." -- abraham lincoln

"abraham lincoln is a liar." -- william shakespeare
Stat$talker

Stat$talker

700 light yrs West of Milky Way Galaxy's Center
United States
Member #200,634
September 1, 2019
5,724 Posts
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Sep 7, 2026, 7:33 am

"They can't take the whole thing."
Ooh, they cain't huh?...
Ask that question to the Nativez of America..they've looong noticed "speaking wit a forked tongue"
Modern day Institutionz & Corporationz have morphed into "Greed Gone Wild " .. wit the endorsement of the corrupt Government..!!
Well, whut do you think THEIR termz update izz? It turnz yo lottery purchase into a financial instrument, abled to be called due at will.. like a Mortgage,..Car loan... Utha than THAT , whyy would an update of termz be needed?
Do the Bankz sue you for the house or car loan, or do they repoe it?...do they repoe yo gas grill, sofa, etc when purchased with a credit card? Whyy izzn't it considered a " cash advance"?
Ya betta take dem dark glassez auwphf, read the fine print ..

-Stat$talker
Artist77

United States
Member #121,737
January 16, 2012
11,203 Posts
Offline

Sep 7, 2026, 12:39 pm

Quote: Originally posted by Tucker Black on Sep 6, 2026
You're delusional.
The bank cannot take your jackpot if you don't pay your cc bill with a cash advance on it (lottery tickets and gaming chips at a casino are processed as a cash advance, that's just a fact).
They can sue you and they'll have no problem collecting since you have money, but they can only collect the balance owed with interest and late fees and legal expenses. They can't take the whole thing.
Do you have a source for your alternative facts or do you just make them up?

The guy is a deadbeat and is obsessed with financial institutions going after him. I have never ever seen anyone think or compare lottery winnings to a mortgage. So many of the things he says are not based in every day reality. A lottery ticket is a bearer instrument on behalf of the purchaser and the purchaser calls it due.
And yes, creditors would only take the amounts owed and fees.

Never Forget.
Jackpot777

Washington
United States
Member #262,959
August 13, 2026
67 Posts
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Sep 7, 2026, 4:37 pm

Quote: Originally posted by Brock Lee on Sep 6, 2026
if i lived close enough to a state line that it was feasible to buy my tickets on the other side, the only difference in policy i would care about is anonymity of winners of jackpot games. i would prefer to buy my tickets wherever winners could stay anonymous permanently. other than that, i don't really care about differences in vending machines or mail in claims processes or whether i can buy them with a credit card.

I started this post as more of a WARNING, but I didn't even make that part clear on my part.

Mail in ticket: The back of the ticket for OREGON LOTTERY doesn't make it clear that a claim form is REQUIRED for ALL wins. It also doesn't say anything about a copy of an ID is required. If you mail the ticket without a CLAIM FORM and ID, they will KEEP the tickets until that is sent and won't give you the ticket back if you request it. They mailed me the claim form and it asks for my SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. I understand this for prizes over $600, but not $10-$20 or whatever the amount was. They REFUSED to give me the ticket back. Instead they sent ANOTHER claim form... Nothing on the claim form says a social security number is only required for a win over $XXX... Had I known this, I would have kept the ticket. Instead, they keep the money because I'm not sending them that personal info for such a small prize. My point is if you travel to a different state, make sure you read the claim process on their website, because at least in Oregon, the back of the ticket doesn't have all of the information.

I was also opening this up for anyone else to post their experiences, good or bad, between different states. I just started making a list... Some things I care less about, but I was in a list-making mode. ;)
I was mostly curious about the ticket redeeming process in other states for small wins. It's a no-brainer in my mind to use the self-service machines to redeem for play credits... If anyone wants to share if their state does that or requires them to be cashed at a register.

It's really not convenient for me to drive to Oregon just for tickets. If I happen pass through, should I buy tickets there because of the anonymity part built in? The downside is taxes, but I wouldn't be concerned about that on a billion dollar jackpot. Could a well structured trust/LLC save me if I have a ticket from Washington, even though their website says a trust won't protect my name from being released? Maybe I need to contact a lawyer in my state to see what they say about that...
This is what Washington Lottery site says:
Can I remain anonymous if I claim by establishing a trust?
As a public agency, all documents held by Washington's Lottery are subject to the Public Records Act. Lottery prizes may be claimed in the name of a legally formed entity, such as a trust. However, in the event of a public records request, the documents forming the artificial entity may be released, thereby revealing the individual names of winners.
HoLeeKau

Idaho
United States
Member #94,277
July 17, 2010
2,557 Posts
Offline

Sep 7, 2026, 6:13 pm

I used to drive over to Oregon for tickets when Idaho first started charging $3 for Powerball. The only thing I like about the Oregon lottery is that you can buy your tickets for 8 weeks of advance draws - 24 draws. Idaho is only 5 weeks.
Oregon won't even let you cash a $2 win at the vending machine. Like you said, every ticket has to be cashed at the counter.
The worst thing for me is that you cannot replay a ticket. That's a problem because they only offer (for Powerball) 20 draws on the playslips, but 24 draws on the vending machine. So I had to either put in my numbers by hand every single time or make the 2 hour round trip drive every 7 weeks.
Idaho machines are so much better. There is a limit to how big a prize you can scan into the vending machine. I don't know what that is, but I've cashed a $100 ticket. Plus you can replay your tickets.

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