“By adding this new instant ticket checker feature on our app, we’ve taken another big step in creating convenience for players,” said Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “Since we first introduced the smartphone app in 2014, our players have been asking for the ability to quickly scan their instant tickets to learn if they have won a prize.”
The instant ticket checker is easy to use. Players should reveal the “Scratch to Cash” barcode on an instant ticket. Then, open the Instant Ticket Checker on the mobile app and point the camera at the barcode. The app will indicate whether the ticket has won a prize.
Players must physically present a ticket for prize validation by having it scanned at a Lottery retailer’s sales terminal or by submitting the signed ticket with a completed claim form to a Lottery office. Only a properly validated winning ticket may be used to claim a prize.
Available for free through Google Play and the Apple App Store, the Pennsylvania Lottery’s official smartphone app’s other features include:
• The ability to scan eligible tickets for entry in second-chance drawings;
• Access to the VIP Players Club;
• Daily and past winning numbers;
• Current jackpots;
• The latest instant games and “Scratch For Fun;”
• Prizes remaining for instant games;
• “Play for Fun” games;
• A retailer locator; and
• Information on how to claim a prize.
The mobile app has been downloaded more than 270,000 times since its launch, proving to be a big hit with Pennsylvania Lottery players.
Players logged into the free VIP Players Club may also use the app’s scanning capability to enter eligible tickets into second-chance drawings found in the Second Chance Prize Zone™. In a recent second-chance drawing, nearly half of all entries were made via the mobile app – reflecting just how popular it is with players.
“The Pennsylvania Lottery is working hard to stay connected with today’s on-the-go, tech-savvy players and add excitement to the play experience,” Svitko added.
The mobile app’s ticket checker feature currently works only for instant games. Tickets for draw games must be checked using a self-service scanner found at Lottery retailers.
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the winning numbers, prize payouts, winning ticket status and other information offered via the Pennsylvania Lottery's mobile app. The official winning numbers are those selected in the respective drawings and recorded under the observation of an independent accounting firm. In the event of a discrepancy, the official drawing results and prize validation systems shall prevail.
About the Pennsylvania Lottery: The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery that designates all its proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Since its inception in 1971, the Pennsylvania Lottery has contributed more than $25.8 billion to programs that include property tax and rent rebates; free transit and reduced-fare shared rides; the low-cost prescription drug programs PACE and PACENET; long-term living services; and the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, including full- and part-time senior centers throughout the state.
The Pennsylvania Lottery reminds players to check every ticket, every time. Players must be 18 or older. Please play responsibly. For help with a gambling problem, call 1-800-848-1880.
For drawings results, winning numbers, winners’ stories and to subscribe to the Lottery’s RSS news feed, visit www.palottery.com. Like us on Facebook or follow us at www.twitter.com/palottery.