Players of New York Lottery games must be 18 years or older to buy or redeem tickets, which can be purchased at retailers throughout the state.

Once expenses are paid, the proceeds of the New York Lottery help to fund education. In the 2008/9 fiscal year, New York Lottery contributed $2.54 billion in the state's education system.

Prizes of $600 and less can be redeemed at any New York Lottery retailer, or by mailing the ticket, signed on the back, plus a claim form, to the lottery's Schenectady headquarters. Prizes over $601 must be claimed at a New York Lottery Regional Customer Service Center, located at Buffalo, Fishkill, Long Island, New York City, Rochester, Schenectady, Syracuse, Saratoga Springs, Monticello, Nichols, Yonkers, Hamburg, Farmington and Vernon. If mailing your winning ticket be sure to keep a copy of the front and back of all documents you send.

New York Lottery advise that as soon as possible after purchasing your ticket you should sign the back of the ticket, as without this anyone in possession of a winning ticket may file a claim.

Winners have 1 year after the date of the draw in which to make their prize claim. Unclaimed cash prizes are kept by the New York Lottery, and are used to fund prizes. The exception to this are bonus prizes from Take Five Free Play quick picks - these must be claimed within 45 days of the draw date.

Prizes are not exempt from Federal tax, and by law, for prizes more than $5,000, or $600 if no social security number is supplied, won by US citizens New York Lottery must withhold a minimum of 25% for Federal Income taxes. Additionally, for prizes over $600, a state tax is withheld.