5 Interesting Facts about the Lottery in Maryland
The Maryland Lottery is an agency of the state government. The Maryland Lottery Corporation has been around since 1973 and since then, it has managed to craft one of the biggest selections of games with incredible prizes.
It offers more options than you would find in most states. Maryland has earned over $16bn in revenues from the lottery.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission is the advisory board of the agency. This commission has seven members, all of whom are appointed by the governor to serve four-year terms.
It became responsible for operating video lottery terminals in 2008. Here are a few interesting facts about the Maryland lottery.
1. The Rules
All punters must understand the rules of the lottery in Maryland before playing. Even though buying a lottery ticket may not seem like much, abiding by the existing rules is necessary.
The first and most basic rule is that you must be at least 18 to play. Minors cannot play the lottery and you may have to provide identification before buying a ticket or playing.
The tickets can only be sold within Maryland and their prices cannot be altered. You have to claim your prize within 182 days after the date of drawing and winnings are subject to 8.75 percent tax. Like in all states, the federal tax is 25 percent. Even though Maryland has a high state tax on the lottery, it makes up for it with the gaming options and variety.
The lottery isn’t responsible for any destroyed, lost, or stolen tickets. It is not responsible for repeated winning numbers and tickets that may be redeemed by lottery retailers in error.
All the winning tickets have to be validated in accordance with the existing rules and regulations. The drawn numbers are the only official winning numbers. Irregular, mutilated, or altered tickets are considered void. Lottery prizes are not transferable or assignable except when allowed by the law. Learn more about the rules of the Maryland lottery at lotteryamerica.com.
2. There Are Lots of Lottery Games
The Maryland lottery has become popular thanks to its wide range of games and brilliant gaming conditions. The wide lotto selection means you can personalize your experience. Punters can pick the most relevant games for their needs. The best thing is that whatever option you choose, you will be helping the local fundraisers.
In addition to the three largest regional lotteries, the state has a variety of its own quick-win scratchers and draw games. Even though you cannot buy lottery tickets online, Maryland has an advanced subscription service. With this option, you can choose the same number over 52 weeks. It may increase your chances of winning.
Even though the subscription is created online, you can print it out for use. It may not be the same as the option to buy online, but it is a major improvement for the industry. The Maryland lotto app is a sign that there may be more improvements in the future.
The draw games have huge jackpots. They are the best option of playing lottery games in the state. Draw games are the pillar of lottery gaming in Maryland, and they have been that way since the inception of lottery in the state. The possibility of winning a jackpot prize is attractive to most players.
3. Powerball Is Very Popular in Maryland
Powerball has always been one of the world’s most entertaining and rewarding games. It holds the record for having awarded the most valuable prize. In 2016, it awarded $1.5bn by three tickets.
The huge prize was split between three tickets. The holders were from California, Florida, and Tennessee. Players outside the United States can access the Powerball too. Its tickets are available in the United States Virgin Island, Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Powerball is available all through the state. There are more than 4,800 retailers from which you can pick a ticket. Powerball is easy to play. Pick any five numbers from one to 69 and another one (the Powerball number) from one to 26. Most people use their birthdays or favorite games. With the Quick Pick feature, you get randomly chosen numbers.
Powerball players can only claim their tickets in the state where they bought their tickets. They must abide by the rules and conditions of that state. Failure to conform to the rules renders your ticket void.
4. The Mega Millions Is One of the Most Popular Options
Mega Millions is the second biggest lottery game in the USA. The audience it reaches is just as wide as the Powerball and it has equally impressive financial muscles.
Mega Millions jackpot winners can always expect to win big. The jackpot is exciting and now starts at $20 million. It keeps growing for as long as there is no winner. The longer it goes without being hit, the larger it grows.
With the jackpot, a player can win hundreds of millions. Over the years, many players have managed to match five numbers and go from average to super-rich. The tickets are available for purchase from thousands of vendors.
5. Play Scratch Cards Are Great for Quick Cash
Scratch cards have amazing odds. They are the best option if you want to make some quick cash. They have great value for any punter’s strategy. In Maryland, there are lots of high-value games with the option of winning anything from a few hundred dollars to millions.
Maryland has no shortage of instant-win games. Fast Play tickets are easy to purchase, and they are a sure way to win fast. Even though they play like scratch cards, your numbers are printed right on the ticket so there is no need for scratching. The prize money for Fast Play tickets ranges from $1,000 to $100,000. The longer you wait to claim, the higher your prizes may get.
The lottery offers equal opportunities for everyone-rich and poor. It is simple and with some luck, you can make huge winnings in an instant. The lottery in Maryland because of its wide game variety and simplicity.