Players of Washington's Lottery games must be 18 years or older to buy tickets, which can be purchased at approximately 4,000 retailers throughout the state. Minors cannot buy tickets, but they can win prizes, which will be paid to the minor's guardian.

In its first 25 years of running, Washington's Lottery has contributed $2.7 billion to state programs, and paid $5.3 billion in prizes.

Cash prizes of up to $600 can be claimed at any Washington's Lottery retailer, or by mail, posting your ticket, with all the details filled out on the back, to the lottery headquarters in Olympia. 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/registered mail.

Prizes of $601 and more can be claimed at any of the lottery's regional offices, located at Everett, Federal Way, Spokane Valley, Vancouver and Yakima. Your ticket will need to be accompanied by a claim form. If your prize is more than $1 million, contact one of the regional office, or the headquarters, to arrange a meeting to process your claim.

It is advisable as soon as possible after purchasing your ticket you should sign the back of the ticket, otherwise anyone in possession of a winning ticket may file a claim.

Winners have 180 days after the date of the draw in which to make their prize claim.

If you're lucky enough to win a jackpot prize, you have 60 days to decide whether to take the prize as a lump sum or annuity. Typically, the lump sum prize would be approximately half the amount of the announced jackpot, less taxes. If jackpot winners don't let Washington's Lottery know of their decision within the 60 days, the prize will be paid as an annuity.

Non-US residents can win prizes, including jackpots, all they need do is to contact Washington's Lottery and provide the address to which the check is to be sent. Note that 30% of the prize is deducted to pay US Federal Tax.