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Keeping Everyone Safe: Customers, Employees and Businesses

We must all make sacrifices to keep Ohioans safe. That means each and every one of us.

Retailers have an obligation to adhere to all guidelines set by the Stay at Home order issued by Governor Mike DeWine. This order went into effect at midnight on Monday, March 23.

Must Read: For all Retailers 
Set up and follow a heightened health security process

•     Determine the maximum number of customers allowed in your store at one time. Post that information in a prominent place so everyone is aware of your policy.

•     Keep social distancing practices in place to protect you, your employees and customers. That’s six feet between people. Retailers must ensure people waiting to enter the store maintain safe, social distancing.

•    Have employees take their temperature each day before they report to work. A normal temperature is considered to be 98.6 F.

•    Check your employees’ temperature. Send any employee with an elevated temperature home.

•    Ensure employees wear cloth face coverings on the job and encourage customers to wear face coverings as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that Americans wear cloth face coverings (masks) in public to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

•   Please wipe down common surfaces (i.e. counters, handles, railings, Lottery terminals and other commonly touched surfaces) periodically throughout the day.

•   Provide hand sanitizers for employees.

•   Wash hands frequently throughout the workday.

•   Go straight home at the end of the workday.

•   Have an enforcer.  Have an employee enforce your coronavirus protection measures.

Important information about COVID-19 at https://coronavirus.ohio.gov   
Helpful information is also available at the CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html  
 
Small decisions each one of us makes will determine how well we do.
 
Posted: 4/29/2020 2:42:59 PM


Be Aware of Scams

Social media is a great way for us to stay in touch with our players and share information. Unfortunately, it’s also a place where scammers spread false information and try to get personal information. We want our players to know how to spot a scam so they can stay safe online.

If you have ever received a message from a fake account claiming you’ve won a prize, you are not alone. Some players were recently targeted on Instagram as “ONE OF THE LUCKY SELECTED FANS.”

So how do if you’re the target of a scam? Check out this list of helpful tips to keep you safe on the internet.
  • The Ohio Lottery will never ask you to send money in order to claim a prize.
  • Misspellings, bad grammar and the word “sweepstakes” are indicators of a scam.
  • The official Ohio Lottery Instagram is verified, so look for the check mark in the blue circle.
  • The official Ohio Lottery Twitter is verified, so look for the check mark in the blue circle.
  • The official Ohio Lottery Facebook is verified, so look for the check mark in the blue circle. 
  • Never give personal information, such as bank account or social security numbers.
  • If you did not enter a drawing or buy a ticket, you likely did not win. If you are unsure, call the Ohio Lottery at 1-800-686-4208.
Check out some examples of what a fake account and fake message look like.

When it comes to social media, the internet, and email, you have to be protective of your information. Your safety on the internet is important to us! We hope you follow these tips to stay safe and protect your money and your personal information. 
 
 
Posted: 3/31/2020 10:00:00 AM


Powerball® Game Changes

Changes are coming to the Powerball® game. Once the current jackpot is hit, guaranteed starting jackpot amounts and minimum jackpot increases will be eliminated. Future jackpot increases will be determined based on interest rates and sales and announced by the Product Group prior to each drawing.

Previously, Powerball® jackpots started at $40 million and increased by a minimum of $10 million between drawings. 

The Powerball Product Group announced the changes to ensure the game continues to support good causes in all 48 U.S. lottery jurisdictions. The changes come as the current Coronavirus crisis has changed consumer behavior resulting in slower sales.

Powerball tickets are $2 per play. Drawings are held on Wednesday and Saturday nights at 10:59 p.m.

Click here for more details about Powerball and the upcoming changes.
 


 
Posted: 3/30/2020 2:39:22 PM


Help Needed: We are all #InThisTogetherOhio

Ohio Lottery friends: There is an extreme shortage of personal protection equipment (PPE) and our healthcare workers and first responders need our help.

Of most urgent need are items such as masks, gloves, gowns and face shields.

If you can donate PPE or can provide any other essential service or resource, please email [email protected]

If you think you or your business can help in any way, we need you.

Learn more and see how Ohioans are stepping up.
https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/resources/together-ohio

We are counting on you. We are counting on everyone do the right thing to protect one another and flatten the curve of infections. #StayHomeOhio

We can do this. #InThisTogetherOhio

Posted: 3/30/2020 8:40:00 AM


Cash Explosion Facing Hunger Donation Drop

On Friday, the Ohio Lottery’s Cash Explosion® Show donated 2.5 tons of non-perishable food to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank thanks to Cash Explosion's generous fans.

The food was donated through the Facing Hunger Campaign, an annual campaign which runs from October to March. Fans who join the studio audience donate non-perishable food during that time.

Along with the food, the crew dropped off 400 personal-sized hand sanitizers. 

 

As people across the state deal with the effects of the Coronavirus, the donation will go a long way because the need has become so great. 
 
The campaign has donated more than 30 tons of food to food banks across Ohio since 2011.

A big thank you to our Cash Explosion fans!

Posted: 3/27/2020 2:23:36 PM


Lottery Remains Operational

The Ohio Lottery remains operational during the COVID-19 outbreak.

During the Governor’s State of Emergency Order, we encourage winners to submit claims by mail.   Click Here For More Information About Claiming By Mail. Winning claims up to $599 can also be cashed at any Ohio Lottery retailer.  Winning tickets with prizes of $600 or more should be signed and safely secured until prizes are able to be claimed. 
 
Normally, players have 180 days from the drawing date for draw games, and 180 days from the game closing date for scratch-offs, to claim their winnings.  In light of Governor DeWine’s Executive Order 2020-01D, declaring a state of emergency in Ohio to protect the well-being of Ohioans from the dangerous effects of COVID-19, and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Acton’s “Stay at Home” Order, we have adjusted our game validations schedule to keep our players and retailers safe. 
 
If you have a winning ticket that expires during the Governor’s State of Emergency Order, the Ohio Lottery will validate and pay the prize as long as you submit your claim by mail, or in-person at any Ohio Lottery Regional Office, no later than 30 days after Ohio’s State of Emergency Order has been lifted.  Claims can be mailed to:
 
Ohio Lottery Commission
The Lausche Building – Room 452
615 West Superior Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113


All of our Ohio Lottery Regional Offices are closed until further notice.  When they re-open, claims may also be submitted in person at any of those locations.   
 
Many Ohio Lottery Retailers remain open, but they are private businesses and may limit hours of operation at any time.
 
All Racinos are closed temporarily to comply with the Governor’s State of Emergency Order, which bans gatherings of 50 or more people.   All of Ohio’s bars and restaurants have been limited to offering only take-out and delivery options, which has caused many of them to temporarily close as well.
 
Previously scheduled Ohio Lottery activities may be postponed or canceled.  Please check our website and follow our social channels for updates in this regard.

For more information about COVID-19 in Ohio, and regular updates from the Ohio Department of Health, Click Here.  
Posted: 3/26/2020 9:11:28 AM


A Lucky Winner Wednesday

In the midst of constant changes, it’s important to remember to stay positive. One thing that keeps up positive is celebrating our winners. Check out who’s winning in Ohio this week.

Davinder Singh of Taylor, MI celebrated a big KENO win. He won $16,480 playing the draw game. Davinder won big on March 2, 2020. He purchased his winning ticket at Eagle Deli Mart, located at 1428 State Route 53 in Tiffin.

Yanuario Sosa, Jr. of Sandusky celebrated a big EZPLAY® win this week. He won $25,000 playing Buckeye Bling. Yanuario won big on March 11, 2020. He purchased his winning ticket at J L Manny’s Restaurant, located at 6201 Milan Rd. in Sandusky.

Katherine Vetter of Portsmouth hit the jackpot last week. She won $110,012 playing Rolling Cash 5. Katherine won big on the March 3, 2020 drawing. The winning numbers were 2-8-13-26-27. She purchased her winning ticket at Super Quick #7, located at 2926 Scioto Trail in Portsmouth.

Joyce Dempsey of Grafton has 10,000 reasons to celebrate this Winner Wednesday. She won $10,000 playing Cash Celebration.

Angela Diaz welcomed this week with a jackpot win. She won $29,067 playing EZPLAY® Quick Spot. Angela won big on March 14, 2020. She purchased her winning ticket at American Croatian Club, located at 4846-50 Oberlin Ave. in Lorain.

David Laudermilt of Columbus passed go and is collecting a big prize. He won $10,000 playing Monopoly 50X. David purchased his winning ticket at Riverside Food Mart, located at 431 West Main St. in Pomeroy.

Congratulations to all of this week’s winners!
 
Posted: 3/18/2020 12:00:00 PM


Claim Winnings by Mail

Did you know that any Ohio Lottery prize may be claimed by mail?

For prizes under $600 you just fill out the back of the ticket and mail it in.

For prizes over $600, follow the steps in the infographic below or click here for more information.

Claim-by-Mail-Infographic-long-version.jpg
Posted: 3/17/2020 12:13:57 PM


Help during the Coronavirus Crisis: Financial assistance for small businesses

We’re all making sacrifices to keep each other safe.

Ohio Lottery retailers are among others those affected. Governor Mike DeWine’s administration wants to do all it can to lessen the impact on Ohio businesses and all Ohioans.

For employees of all licensed Ohio Lottery retailers – if you’re not offered paid leave, your employer has temporarily closed, if you’re quarantined by a medical professional or your employer, you will be given special relief when filing for unemployment benefits. Under these special circumstances you will be exempt from the requirement to be actively seeking work.
https://ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/site/jobs/resources/file-for-unemployment

For all licensed Ohio Lottery retailers with on-site consumption of alcohol
The Ohio Department of Commerce is now offering a one-time liquor buyback to support bars and restaurants. Many businesses have previously stocked up for St. Patrick’s Day and the March basketball tournament season.

Bars and restaurants wishing to take advantage of this opportunity should return their unopened, high-proof liquor products (obtained within the past 30 days) to the agency where they purchased the product. This opportunity is also extended to those with temporary (F2) permits for events scheduled between March 12 and April 6, 2020. If a business has questions about this program, they should reach out directly to the Liquor Enterprise Service Center (LESC) at (877) 812-0013 or by emailing [email protected]. https://www.ohlq.com/

For all small businesses and non-profit organizations – The Ohio Development Services Agency is applying for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.  This program provides low-interest loans up to $2 million to help small businesses weather the financial burden during the state of emergency.

In order to complete the state's application, businesses impacted by the current public health crisis should immediately send their contact information to [email protected].

Learn more about the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program at SBA.gov/Disaster.

During this unprecedented emergency. it’s time to rally together to help save lives and keep Ohio strong.
Posted: 3/17/2020 11:50:42 AM


More winners with Spring approaching

Spring is just around the corner, and today we’re celebrating the upcoming warm weather and winners! Keep reading to see who’s winning in Ohio this week. 

James Bell, Jr. of Oberlin hit the jackpot playing Rolling Cash 5. He won $120,000 playing the daily draw game. James won big on the February 25, 2020 drawing. The winning numbers were 14-20-35-36-39. He purchased his winning ticket at Johnny’s Carryout and Wine Shop, located at 12290 Leavitt Rd. in Oberlin. 

Douglas Holt of Lucasville passed go and collected a big win. He won $20,000 playing Monopoly 50X. 

Sherron Linear of Toledo picked up a big win in February. He won $5,000 playing Pick 4. Sherron played the numbers 6-2-4-0 straight to win the February 27, 2020 midday drawing. He said his wife often teases him because he’s always one number off, but not this time! Sherron purchased his winning ticket at The Snackshack, located at 405 Madison Ave. in Toledo. 

Matthew Coy of Frankfort is celebrating a million dollar win this Winner Wednesday. He won the top prize of $40,000 a year for 25 years playing Diamonds and Gold. Matthew purchased his winning ticket at Main & High Shortstop, located at 81 North Main St. in Frankfort. 

Laura Warrington of Avon Lake scratched her way to a top prize win. She won $150,000 playing Monopoly 25X. 

Jeff Dimacchia of Lorain raced into Winner Wednesday with a big win. He won $10,000 playing Fastest Road to $1 Million. 

James Dunkle of Zanesville was feeling lucky after a top prize win. He won $150,000 playing Lucky Loot HD. James purchased his winning ticket at State Street Market, located at 11 State St. in Zanesville. 

Marcus Elliott of Fostoria is a big Cashword winner this week. He won $50,000 playing $1,000,000 Cashword. Marcus purchased his winning ticket at Buddy’s Place, located at 100 Main St. in Risingsun. 

Milton Evans of Toledo has 10,000 reasons to celebrate this Winner Wednesday. He won $10,000 playing Cash Celebration. Milton purchased his winning ticket at Berdan Mini Mart, located at 1001 Berdan Ave. in Toledo. 

Susan Pollock of Sylvania is celebrating a blowout win this week. She won $10,000 playing Cash Celebration. 

Larry Fronk of Akron is having a rocking week after a big win. He won a $16,484 jackpot playing EZPLAY® Rock’n 777s. Larry won big on March 6, 2020. He purchased his winning ticket at Acme Fresh Market #14, located at 3235 Manchester Rd. in Akron. 

Nola Woolley of Dunkirk has a lot to celebrate this week. She won $10,000 playing Cash Celebration. Nola purchased her winning ticket at Southside Six, located at 441 South Main St. in Dunkirk. 

David Young of Albany is celebrating an explosive win this week. He won $10,000 playing $100 Million Money Explosion. David purchased his winning ticket at Riverside Food Mart, located at 431 West Main St. in Pomeroy. 

Andrew Rouse of Jackson welcomed the week with a big win. He won $10,000 playing Max the Money. Andrew purchased his winning ticket at Quick Stop, located at 430 East Broadway St. in Jackson. 

Ronald Curry of Tiffin is celebrating a top prize winner this week. He won $500,000 playing $500,000 Cashword. Ronald purchased his winning ticket at Kroger #594, located at 790 West Market St. in Tiffin. At first, Ronald thought he won $50,000 when he scanned the ticket. He went to the other side of the store and rescanned the ticket. He noticed a few more zeros the second time! 

Kelly White of Hampton, TN is shining like a diamond after a big win. She won $10,000 playing Diamonds and Gold. Kelly celebrated her big win at our Toledo Regional Office. She purchased her winning ticket at Shail of Perrysburg, located at 28878 Starbright Blvd. in Perrysburg. 

Thomas Bodette of Toledo scratched his way to a big win this week. He won $20,000 playing Monopoly 50X. Thomas purchased his winning ticket at S & G #51, located at 5830 Douglas Rd. in Toledo. 

Frank Stout of Toledo welcomed this week with a big KENO win. He won $10,000 playing the draw game. Frank won big on March 7, 2020. He purchased his winning ticket at Double D’s Roadhouse, located at 1062 South Reynolds Rd. in Toledo. 

Patricia McCellan of Willard scratched her way to a big win. She won $20,000 playing Monopoly 50X. 
Congratulations to all of this week’s winners! Check back next week to see who else is winning in Ohio. 
 
Posted: 3/11/2020 12:00:00 AM


March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

We want our players to have fun while sticking to limits when it comes to gambling. That’s why responsible gambling initiatives are so important to us. This month we’re recognizing Problem Gambling Awareness Month to bring awareness to problem gambling and to remind players to play responsibly by setting limits and offering resources to anyone who may be struggling with gambling addiction.

Last month we launched a new awareness campaign called Keep it Fun, Ohio.  Through a statewide media campaign, social media posts and a new website www.keepitfunohio.com, Ohioans learn ways to keep gambling within the limits and how to spot a gambling problem. Wondering how much you spend on gambling in a week, a month or a year? Use the Keep it Fun Costulator so you can see the reality of the total amount you’re spending. The site also offers a direct line to help for those struggling with a gambling addiction. Click here to learn more.

Some tips to help you gamble responsibly include:

*Set limits on how much time and money you will spend gambling

*Never borrow or use credit to gamble

*Pay your bills first and spend only what you can afford to lose

*Gamble for fun, not to solve financial problems or avoid depression

Anyone who gambles can develop a problem. If you have a gambling problem or suspect a loved one has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or visit www.gamblinghelpohio.org.

To text a Crisis Specialist, text “4hope” to 741741.

Click here for more information about responsible play.
Posted: 3/1/2020 9:41:20 AM


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