How to Claim a Lottery Prize in Australia
From small $1 wins to huge Division 1 prizes, you need to know how to claim your lottery winnings. The claiming process can differ depending on the amount won and the method used to play. You can learn everything you need to know about claiming prizes in this handy guide.
Please note: Prizes can only be claimed in the state in which they were purchased. Claim periods differ between the different states in Australia. Read on to find out exactly how to claim in your state.
Claiming Online
If you purchased an entry online, any prize money you win, except jackpot or 1st Division prizes, will be paid straight into your account. You will even receive an email notifying you of the win. Division 1 jackpots or 1st Prize amounts are subject to a 14 day validation period. Once that time has passed the prize money will be deposited into your online account and you will receive a phone call as confirmation.
You should be aware of scams when playing lottery games as some scammers may text or email you telling you that you have won a prize. To find out how to avoid being conned, visit the Scams page.
How to Claim if you played In-Store
The claiming process is very similar in all parts of Australia, the only main difference in the maximum value of prize amounts you can claim at retailers. Read on to find out exactly how to claim each prize amount in your state. Remember, all big wins such as Jackpots, Division 1 and 1st Prizes are subject to a two-week provisional period in all states.
ACT/NSW
- Prizes up to $1000 can be claimed at any NSW Lotteries retailer. You can find your nearest store.
- For all prizes over $1000 you will need to visit the Head Office in person. You can choose to be paid via cheque or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Alternatively, you can claim via post with a Claim Form.
- This is the same for all large wins such as Division 1, jackpots and 1st prizes.
NT
- For prizes less than $1500, you can claim at any authorised retailer. Find out where here.
- Prizes $1500 and over are recommended to be claimed by post. You will need to use a Claim Form.
- Division 1, Jackpots and 1st Prizes can also be claimed by post with a claim form. These are subject to a two week provisional period.
SA
- Prizes up to $500 can be claimed at any authorised SA Lotteries retailer. Prizes between $500 and $5000 may also be claimed at an outlet, however this is subject to the retailer’s discretion.
- Prizes over $5000 can be paid via cheque or EFT in person at the head office or with a Claim Form via post. Division 1, Jackpots and 1st Prizes can also be claimed at the Head Office or via post after the two week provisional period.
QLD
- You can claim any prizes less than $1,500 at an authorised Golden Casket retailer. Golden Casket outlets may pay out prizes up to $3999.99 at their discretion. Find out where your closest outlet is.
- Prizes $1500 and over can be claimed via post with a Claim Form or in person at the Head Office. Your prize money will be paid to you via EFT or cheque.
- Division 1, Jackpot or 1st Prizes can be claimed via post or at the Head Office after the two-week provisional period.
WA
- Prizes up to and including $500 can be claimed from any participating Lotterywest retailer.
- Any prizes over $500 (Excluding Division 1) can be claimed at the Lotterywest Head Office and can only be paid directly into your bank.
- It is advised that Division 1 prizes be claimed at the Lotterywest Head Office. If you are unable to attend the Head Office, you can send a Claim Form along with the original winning ticket to the postal address in the table below. After the two-week validation period you will receive your winnings.
- It is worth noting that in Western Australia there has been an extended prize claim period. Any winning tickets for Powerball, Monday & Wednesday Lotto, Saturday Lotto, Oz Lotto, Cash3 and Set for Life draws that took place between 15th March 2020 and 15th March 2021 can be claimed up to 24 months from the draw date.
Claiming Periods
The amount of time you have to claim lottery winnings varies dramatically from state to state. Make sure to double check the claim period before making any claims on old lottery tickets. See below how long you have to claim in your state.
- New South Wales & Australia Capital Territory - 6 Years
- Northern Territory - 3 Years
- Queensland – 7 Years
- Victoria & Tasmania – 12 Months
- South Australia – 12 Months
- West Australia – 12 Months
Claiming in Person
If you’re claiming a prize in person at a retailer or the Head Office’s you will need to take a few things with you to make the process run smoothly. You will need:
- Original winning lottery/scratcher ticket
- Identification such as your Driver's License or Passport - something featuring your signature
- Your lottery membership card, if you have one
Claiming via Post
If you cannot get to the Head Office, all states allow you to claim prizes by post. To do this you will need to either download the Prize Claim Form or pick one up from your local retailer. Sign the back of tour ticket(s) and make sure the form is filled out correctly to ensure your claim process runs smoothly. When you’re ready, send off the documents to the correct address. You can find the postal addresses for each state below:
| State | Head Office Address | Postal Address |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland | Golden Casket Head Office, Shop 1, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 | Administration, Locked Bag 1, Spring Hill QLD 4004 |
| New South Wales | NSW Head Office, 6 Memorial Drive, Granville NSW 2142 | Administration, Locked Bag 7000, Granville NSW 2142 |
| Victoria, North Territory, Tasmania | Tatts Victorian Head Office, 5 Bowen Crescent, Melbourne VIC 3004 | Administration, Locked Bag 888, Melbourne VIC 3004 |
| South Australia | SA Lotteries Head Office, 188 Richmond Road, Marleston SA 5033 | Administration, PO Box 74, Marleston SA 5033 |
| West Australia | Lottery West Head Office, 38 Station Street, Subiaco WA 6008 | Locked Bag 66, Subiaco WA 6904 |
Members Clubs
If you’re a part of the various Member’s Clubs run by the Australian Lotteries you can rest assured that any prizes you win are secure because they are registered in your name. This means, if for any you reason are unable to claim, your winnings may be paid to you through your nominated bank account, via a cheque sent to your postal address or transferred into your online lottery account. Head to the Lottery Card page to find out more.
