Become a Retailer FAQs
How much does it cost to become a Lottery retailer?
The upfront fees are minimal. You will have a $50 licensing fee which will be collected through your first Lottery account sweep. You will also be required to obtain a surety bond or if you provide on premise consumption of alcohol you will have the option of creating a liability deposit account with us that starts at $500. A surety bond typically costs $10 -$15 per thousand dollars of coverage. Most retailers are required to carry a $15,000 bond, but may be required to carry a higher bond based on Lottery sales. You may also be responsible for any internal wiring needs in regards to electrical outlets, if required. Once you are selling Lottery products there will be a $12 weekly communication charge.
What are my commissions and any additional bonuses?
Most new Lottery retailers will see an increase in store merchandise sales once they begin selling Lottery tickets. Lottery retailers will also earn 5.5% on each ticket sale and up to 1.5% on cashing winning tickets, for an average of 6.2%. The average Lottery retailer sells $250,000 in Lottery products earning approximately $15,000 a year in commissions. There are also bonus’s available for selling various winning online jackpot and Scratch Offs.
How long does the application process take?
The application process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Does my business have to be up and running before I apply?
No, you may apply for a Lottery license prior to your business being open. The Lottery will make every effort to have your business selling Lottery tickets when you open the doors.
How do I start my Application?
The eApplication can be accessed by clicking here.
What information do I need to have available to start my application?
1) Legal name of your business
2) All owners names and email addresses with 10% or more ownership
3) FID or EIN number (federal tax identification number)
4) Business checking account information
What happens after I submit my eApplication?
The application will be forwarded to your local Regional Lottery salesperson who will then contact you to schedule an appointment to discuss equipment selections, bonding or the Liability Deposit program, Lottery policies, training and a criminal background check. If your application is approved, you will receive an email notification with further instructions.
Why do I need a bond?
The Lottery issues tickets on consignment, meaning you pay for the tickets after you sell them. The bond protects the Lottery against any monies due from the retail location.
Where do I get a bond?
A bond can be purchased from most insurance agents. If you have any questions regarding this please contact the Ohio Lottery Licensing Department at 216-774-0350 for additional information.
Are there any other options beside a Surety Bond?
Yes if you are a KENO retailer and provide on premise consumption of alcohol you may qualify for the Liability Deposit program. This program is a voluntary program that allows KENO retailers to submit a refundable deposit in lieu of a surety bond. The minimum deposit required is $500 and can increase by $250 increments. The amount deposited will determine how much liability the retail location will be allowed to incur weekly. The Ohio Lottery will monitor your weekly liability to ensure you have enough deposited into your account. Weekly liability is defined as weekly online sales less weekly online cashes and online cancels. If you qualify, your Regional Sales Office will instruct you on how to pay your full deposit amount via the Ohio Lottery's online payment system.
Why do I need to have a checking account?
A checking account is required for Financial Settlement of your weekly invoice. The Lottery will be authorized to make ACH withdrawals or deposits each week. The amount of the weekly withdrawals or deposits will be equal to the amount shown on your weekly invoice. Adjusting entries to correct errors are also authorized.
How do I fill out the W-9?
The legal name of the business goes in the box labeled “Name”. The business name (DBA) goes in the Box labeled “Business name”. Check the appropriate entity and write in your address. Place the appropriate Taxpayer Identification Number in the appropriate box. Sign and date the form.
Can I use the Liquor Control criminal background check I just did?
No, Ohio law requires that different offense criteria be used to determine if an applicant is eligible for obtaining an Ohio Lottery license than the criteria used by the Ohio Liquor Control Commission.
Do all the partners in the business need to be on the Lottery License?
All business principles that own 10% or more of the business must be listed on the application and have background checks completed.
Do I need to carry Insurance on Lottery equipment?
It is not a requirement, but it is highly recommended.
Can I sell 24 hours a day?
The Online Gaming System shuts down between 4:00am and 6:00am for system maintenance and updates. You may continue to sell Scratch Offs for those hours; however, the validating and cashing features will be unavailable.
Can I have KENO monitors installed at my convenience store?
Yes, KENO can be sold by any Ohio Lottery retailer and while KENO monitors are primarily installed in locations such as bars, restaurants, clubs and smoke shops; retailers can request to receive monitor(s).
Do I have to sell a minimum number of Scratch Offs?
While not a requirement for retailers providing on-premises consumption, your sales rep can help you determine the benefits of offering the full product line of scratch offs and draw games. We recommend retailers display 16 scratch-off games. In most Ohio Lottery locations, a retailer will carry between 20-40 games.
Can I sell Charitable Bingo games and still sell Lottery?
Yes, however charitable game sales require a separate license issued by the Ohio Attorney General.
Does it cost me anything for marketing materials or ticket dispensers?
No, the Lottery provides POS and Scratch Offs dispensers. The Lottery will work with you in an effort to maximize sales in your establishment.
How long is the training class?
Sessions are generally 2-3hrs depending on size of the class and any previous familiarity with Lottery policies, procedures and equipment. Lottery trainers will contact you to arrange time and date when all licensing steps are complete. Trainings are performed at your local Regional office or at your location when feasible.
eapplication FAQs
What is the Ohio Lottery eApplication system?
The Ohio Lottery eApplication System is the online Lottery retailer application system. With this system a prospective retailer may apply to be a licensed Lottery retailer.
Do I need to download anything to my computer or device to use the eApplication system?
No, the eApplication is available on the Lottery’s website under the For Retailers section. There is nothing that you need to download.
What information do I need to have available to start my application?
1) Legal name of your business
2) All owners names and email addresses with 10% or more ownership
3) FID or EIN number (federal tax identification number)
4) Business checking account information
I do not have all of my documentation to complete my application, will the system save my entry?
The eApplication will save any information that you enter, you may access the application as many times as necessary prior to submitting your application.
I am purchasing a business that already sells Lottery, what do I do?
You will need to apply to become a Lottery retailer using the eApplication system. When creating your application, there will be a question, “Are you purchasing an existing Lottery retailer’s business?” You need to answer yes to this question. A Lottery staff member will contact you once your application has been submitted and will complete the Sale of Business section.
Do I need an e-mail address to apply for a Lottery retailer license or to make changes to my existing Lottery retailer information?
Yes
Can I use my Ohio Lottery/MyLotto Rewards login information to access the eApplication?
Yes. Your login information will work across the entire Ohio Lottery site. If you have registered for the MyLotto Rewards™ program your username and password will be the same for the Retailer Application.
What do I do if I can’t remember my password?
Click the "forgot password" link on the login page. Follow the steps and a temporary password will be emailed to your inbox. Use the temporary password to log in. You can then change your password under your My Profile page
How do I change my password?
You can update your password through your My Profile page, located under My Account.
Where can I find my current application status?
When logged into your account, you will see all of the applications that are attached to your username. Each application will have a “created on date” and the status of the application.
My business has multiple owners what do I do?
One person will need to create the Lottery retailer application. On the application every principal who owns more than 10% of the business will need to be identified by name and email address. This will trigger an email to each of the principals, asking them to log-in and authorize a criminal background check. An application cannot be submitted until all of the principals have authorized their background check.
How will I be notified that my application was received?
You will be notified via email that your application was received. The email notification will include contact information for your Ohio Lottery regional office.
I have not received any emails from the eApplication system, why? These days e-mail providers have lots of tools to get rid of spam and sometimes they interfere with the delivery of legitimate e-mail. Click here for helpful information on how to make sure you receive e-mails from us. (Information is on last page for your review)
How do I update my personal information that I submitted when I registered?
Click on the MY ACCOUNT and select the MY PROFILE option in the left hand menu bar and make your changes.
I have changed my e-mail address. Can I change it in my registration information?
Yes. Log in using your old e-mail address and password, then click on MY ACCOUNT and select the MY PROFILE option in the left hand menu bar.
I own a chain of stores; do I need to use the eApplication?
No, please contact the Ohio Lottery Sales Department at 216-774-5680. They will assist you in completing your chain account application.
How can I get some help?
If you are experiencing problems or have questions regarding the eApplication system please send us an e-mail at olcwebmail.ohio.gov with as much detail as possible and someone will get back to you as soon as possible or call us at 216-774-0350.
What is the Ohio Lottery’s privacy policy?
For the Ohio Lottery privacy policy, click here.
Email Help
How can I get some help?
If you are experiencing problems or have questions regarding the eApplication system please send us an e-mail at [email protected] with as much detail as possible and someone will get back to you as soon as possible or call us at 216-774-0350.
What is the Ohio Lottery's privacy policy?
For the Ohio Lottery privacy policy, click here.