Do you know the procedure for claiming Lotto prizes?
Winning in Lotto is a dream for hundreds of thousands of players who send in their tickets every day hoping that luck will smile upon them.
How to claim a Lotto win?
Probably the most popular game in our country is Lotto, previously known as Duży Lotek. Simple rules, low ticket price, and high prizes make a large number of tickets participate in each draw. In this game, prizes are paid out for matching three numbers, allowing a significant percentage of players to enjoy these small but very satisfying winnings. In the case of Lotto, the payout procedure depends on two main factors: the amount of the prize and the method of ticket purchase. Tickets bought at a retail location are treated differently than those purchased online. Remember that you have limited time to claim your prize, only 60 days.
Claiming from a printed ticket
For tickets purchased through a terminal, winnings can be claimed either at lottery retailers or at Totalizator Sportowy branches. If the prize is less than 2280 PLN, it can be claimed at any Lotto point, not just the one where the ticket was bought. You must have the original printed ticket; without it, the payout will not be possible. For larger winnings, you will need to visit a Totalizator Sportowy branch. Currently, there are seventeen such branches in our country, usually located in large cities. You can also claim smaller prizes at these branches, as there are no limits or restrictions. Of course, you will need to have the original ticket with you, as well as an ID document such as an identity card or passport. This is necessary due to the need to settle the tax with the tax office.
Claiming from Lotto online
The payout of winnings for tickets purchased through the Lotto online service is somewhat different. Firstly, you don't have to worry about losing or damaging the ticket, as each ticket is archived and cannot be lost. Winnings below 2280 PLN automatically appear in the player's account, which can be used for further games or withdrawn to the player's bank account. For larger winnings, the winner will need to go to one of the Totalizator Sportowy branches, similar to tickets purchased at retail locations. In addition to showing your ID, your identity will be verified with the data recorded in your player account.
Lotteries and contests - how to claim your prize?
In the case of contests and lotteries, which are also very popular, the process of claiming prizes varies greatly. If the prize is in cash, the winner usually provides a bank account number to which the organizer transfers the specified amount. If it exceeds certain limits, it will be reduced by the amount of the applicable tax. Non-cash prizes can be sent by courier, but sometimes the winner will need to pick them up. This is usually the case with cars, which often appear as the main prizes. For prizes subject to tax, the winner must settle obligations with the tax office before claiming them. To avoid paying the tax out of pocket, many lotteries include a cash amount in addition to the non-cash prize, sufficient to cover the tax.
Tax - the tax office will not forget its share...
For all winnings above a certain limit, tax must be paid. It is usually in the form of a lump sum, paid to the tax office by the organizer. For the most popular lottery games in our country, such as Lotto, winnings up to 2280 PLN are not taxed. That's why this is also the limit for payouts at lottery retailers; above this amount, you need to go to a Lotto branch and also pay the tax. This tax is 10 percent of the prize value. Contests organized in mass media, i.e., radio, press, and television, have the same tax rate, but the exempted value limit is lower, only 1000 PLN.