Players of Pennsylvania Lottery games must be 18 years or older to buy or redeem tickets, which can be purchased at over 7,000 retailers throughout the state.

By law at least 40 cents of every dollar earnt by the lottery must be returned to players in the form of prizes, and at least 27 cents must be contributed to the state's particular funding benificiaries. Pennsylvania Lottery profits help to fund the state's programs for senior citizens - property tax and rent rebates, Mass Transit Programs for older residents, prescription programs, long-term care services, and more. The Pennsylvania Legislature set the lottery up for this purpose in 1972, and it remains so to this day, and is the only lottery in the USA with this specific funding target. In the 2009 fiscal year the lottery had ticket sales of more than $3.08 billion, of which $910 million was contributed to programs and services for older residents.

Pennsylvania Lottery advise that as soon as possible after purchasing your ticket you should sign the back of the ticket, plus write your name, address and phone number. Without this anyone in possession of a winning ticket may file a claim.

Prizes of up to $2,500 redeemed at any authorized Oregon Lottery retailer, or one of the regional offices, located in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Lehigh Valley, Wilkes-Barre, Clearfield, Erie - though for prizes over $600 you'll need to fill out a claim form. If you've won a prize with an annual payment, these must be claimed at lottery headquarters in Middletown, as must any jackpot prizes. If mailing your winning ticket be sure to keep a copy of the front and back of all documents you send, and if it's a larger cash prize, it's advisable to send your claim by certified or registered mail.

Winners have 1 year after the date of the draw in which to make their prize claim. However, for claims made at an authorized retailer after 180 days post-draw you will need to fill out a claim form.

Prizes are not exempt from Federal tax, and by law, for prizes more than $5,000 won by US citizens Pennsylvania Lottery must withhold money for Federal Income taxes. All prizes over $600 must be reported to Inland Revenue.