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Integrity

Integrity Above All

The Florida Lottery operates in a fair and secure manner. The integrity of all Lottery games is of utmost importance to us, and, as provided by Section 24.102(2) (d), Florida Statutes, the Lottery is, "accountable to the Legislature and the people of Florida through a system of audits and reports and thorough compliance with financial disclosure, open meetings, and public records laws".

Florida Lottery Integrity

The Florida Lottery operates in a fair and secure manner. The integrity of all Lottery games is of utmost importance to us, and, as provided by Section 24.102(2) (d), Florida Statutes, the Lottery is, "accountable to the Legislature and the people of Florida through a system of audits and reports and thorough compliance with financial disclosure, open meetings, and public records laws".

Fairness of game operations

The Florida Lottery's very existence and mission is predicated on the public's trust, confidence, and transparency in our operations and activities. Therefore, the Lottery continuously strives diligently in our work to ensure fairness in all of our game offerings.

One of our top priorities is safeguarding the integrity of our games and products. The Florida Lottery takes special measures to ensure randomness in all of our game offerings, following strict security guidelines and procedures. The publicized odds of winning for any game are reflective of a ratio of probabilities. Though they have useful mathematical properties, they cannot guarantee a winning ticket. Since all Lottery games are random, there is no specific pattern for winning Scratch-Off or Draw tickets. Each ticket sold has the same chance of being a winner. As with all lottery games, there are elements of chance involved with each ticket purchased. There is no guarantee that every ticket is a winner, and to make such a guarantee would nullify the very essence of lottery play. Every player has the same odds of purchasing a winning ticket.

Lottery drawings

Florida Lottery drawings are conducted under strict security guidelines and procedures. A Lottery draw manager and an auditor from an independent auditing firm attend and participate in every drawing. These two individuals report to the draw studio at least 90 minutes prior to the actual drawing. The Lottery draw studio and draw equipment vault are located in the basement of the Lottery Headquarters building, which is a secure and limited access facility. This area is also under 24-hour video surveillance. The Lottery draw manager is employed by the Florida Lottery as a special agent and is a certified law enforcement officer. The draw manager and auditor complete a detailed checklist that thoroughly scrutinizes all aspects of each drawing. Currently, there are three draw machines and six ball sets available for each of the Lottery's five Draw game drawings. The machine and ball set to be used for a particular drawing is selected at random just prior to the drawing. Ball sets are weighed before and after each drawing to ensure that there's not been any tampering with the ball set and a series of pre-tests are also conducted to ensure the machines are working properly. All Florida Lottery drawings are open to the public.

Retailer Integrity Program

The Florida Lottery, Division of Security, in cooperation with the Lottery's Office of Inspector General, has developed a Retailer Integrity program that involves Lottery staff visiting and testing Lottery retailers using winning Lottery tickets to ensure the retailers are properly paying prizes to players on winning Lottery tickets and are compliant with Lottery retailer rules and procedures. In these "sting" operations, retailers are selected for visits both at random and also based upon complaints from players. In rare occasions when tickets were not correctly processed for payment and an attempt was made to steal a player's winnings, store personnel have been arrested and the retailers' contracts have been suspended and/or terminated.

The Division of Security also investigates every complaint received from players in an effort to ensure the integrity and fairness of the operation of the Lottery and with players' interactions with Lottery retailers. Any information regarding criminal activity that is discovered or received by the Division of Security is either acted upon the by the Division or forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

The Florida Lottery prides itself on maintaining the established reputation it has earned over the past 30 years. If a Lottery player, member of the media, or anyone in the general public witnesses any questionable practice performed by a Lottery employee, retailer or vendor we asked that they notify the Lottery's Secretary's Office, Security Division or Inspector General's Office, as we take these allegations seriously and resolve to provide swift action when resolving any discrepancies.

Scams

Lottery scams

Every day Floridians and visitors to Florida are targeted by unscrupulous individuals who try to prey upon the hopes and dreams of persons who want to win the lottery. These criminals' methods may vary but their intentions are clear – to steal your money or trick you into giving them personal information or financial information that is used to rob your bank accounts or identity. The Florida Lottery Division of Security works closely with local, state and federal law enforcement to investigate and apprehend these fraudsters. The Division of Security also participates in public awareness campaigns designed to alert citizens, visitors and even persons outside of Florida of these lottery scams.

Examples of these scams and fraud schemes include:

  • Sending you a bogus check and asking for your bank account information where it will be deposited.
  • Sending you a notice that you have been awarded a prize and asking for a "Processing Fee" to process your winnings.
  • Sending you an email or letter advising that you've won the Florida Lottery and trying to obtain your personal information so "con artists" can contact you directly to persuade, harass or even intimidate you into sending them money.
  • Using Florida Lottery logos or actual addresses on its fake correspondence in an attempt to make the scam appear legitimate.
  • A stranger (who knows the ticket is stolen) asks you to redeem a lottery ticket for him.

Signs to beware of:

  • An email, letter or telephone caller asks for money in order to collect a lottery prize.
  • They want your personal or financial information in order to process your prize.
  • They tell you that you won a lottery that you've entered or played.
  • They want your social security number or credit card information.
  • They want to meet at your home or a public place to pay your prize.

What to do:

  • When in doubt – hang up or don't respond to the scam email or letter.
  • If you have a question – contact your nearest Florida Lottery office or the Division of Security.
  • Report the incident to local law enforcement.
  • REMEMBER – If it's too good to be true, it's a scam.

Social Media scams

The Florida Lottery maintains a presence on FacebookTwitterInstagram and YouTube. Our followers should be wary of any message they receive from any of these social networking sites or other sources that may be impersonating the Florida Lottery. In particular, beware of scammers posing as Lottery agents or employees who communicate to you falsely that you've won a prize, or ask for personal or financial information. The only way to win a cash prize from the Florida Lottery is to purchase a ticket from a licensed lottery retailer. Social media users should also be wary of scammers posing as past Florida Lottery winners offering to send the user money or other prizes in exchange for personal information or payment.

To avoid being scammed via social media, please remember the Florida Lottery will NEVER:

  • Send a user a "friend request" via Facebook.
  • Send a user a "message" via social networking sites; unless the user has participated in a contest or the user sent a message/question first.
  • Ask for contact information beyond what an entrant has already provided while entering a legitimate Florida Lottery giveaway or contest.
  • Ask for bank account information via social networking sites in ANY case.

Please report any suspected scams to the Florida Lottery's Division of Security at (850) 487-7730.

Protect Yourself

  • Sign your ticket! You should always sign the back of your Lottery ticket as soon as you purchase it. This will help prevent someone else from trying to cash it in the event your Florida Lottery ticket becomes lost or stolen, or if someone tries to scratch out, white out or change your signature. You should always sign the back of your Lottery ticket as soon as you purchase it. This will help prevent someone else from claiming a prize on your Florida Lottery ticket if it is lost or stolen, or if someone tries to scratch out, white out or change your signature.
  • Always check your playslip before purchase to make sure it is the game, number selections and drawing(s) you want to enter. After receiving your ticket, check your ticket for accuracy before leaving the store.
  • Always check your Scratch-Off tickets before purchase to be sure the scratch-off coating has not been scratched off on any part of the ticket.
  • Check your own ticket to see if it's a winner. In addition to watching the drawings, you can find the winning numbers here:
    1. www.floridalottery.com
    2. Winning numbers hotline (850) 921-PLAY
    3. Daily Florida Lottery email or text message alerts
    4. Florida Lottery smartphone app
    5. A terminal printout of the winning numbers (available at all retailers)
  • If available, check your own Draw or Scratch-Off ticket using the Express Check scanner.
  • Don't ask a retailer to tell you if your ticket is a winner, ask them to show you.
    • Florida Lottery terminals will play a winning sound when a winning Draw game or Scratch-Off ticket is scanned. As your ticket is being scanned, listen for the winning sound indicating the ticket is a winner.
  • Watch the monitor while your ticket is being validated. If the monitor is not facing you, ask the retailer to see it.
  • If you disagree with a retailer about your ticket, ask for the ticket back. You can then check your ticket at another retailer, a Florida Lottery district office or Headquarters. If the retailer refuses to return your ticket, contact the Florida Lottery's Division of Security.
  • Always purchase tickets from authorized Florida Lottery retailers. You can find them here: https://floridalottery.com/where-to-play.
  • Never agree to help someone cash a Lottery ticket. If you do, you are more likely to become the victim of a scam or unauthorized transaction. If you are asked for help cashing a ticket, contact the Florida Lottery's Division of Security and your local police immediately.
  • If you have questions, or need assistance to determine if your ticket is a winner or the prize amount won, contact Florida Lottery Customer Service during regular business hours at (850) 487-7787 or email Ask@flalottery.com.

Retailer Terminations

The following is a list of Florida Lottery retailers that have been terminated for conduct prejudicial to public confidence.

Retailer Terminations
Termination DateStore NameAddressFlorida City
January 19, 20237 Haven1123 6th Street NorthwestWinter Haven
June 23, 2022Chevron Gas Station & C-Store6 S Cocoa BoulevardCocoa
September 10, 2021Country K Drive Thru385 US Highway 27 SouthMoore Haven
July 22, 2021Time Saver1104 Old Bainbridge RoadTallahassee
June 23, 2021Winners Corner420 E Oakland Park BoulevardWilton Manors
June 11, 2021M & M Meat Store989 Lucy StreetFlorida City
May 20, 2021Dad's Supermarket MeatMarket LLC1510 Kathleen RoadLakeland
April 15, 2021Aman Grocery10675 Atlantic BoulevardJacksonville
April 1, 2021Julito's Market Corp1810 SW 3rd StreetMiami
April 1, 2021B & J Minimarket Corp1410 SW 6th StreetMiami
March 26, 2021El Dollar Money Station #12021 Pembroke Road #2023Hollywood
March 26, 2021El Dollar Money Station #220 W. Hallandale Beach BoulevardHallandale Beach
March 22, 2021Boulevard Mobil1737 E Silver Springs BoulevardOcala
April 11, 2019The Green Room137 Duval StreetKey West
January 29, 2019Git-N-Go Food Store2772 W. US Highway 27Clewiston
December 11, 2018T-5 Brothers100 W. Miracle Strip ParkwayMary Esther
December 11, 2018T-5 Brothers955 Massachusetts Avenue, Unit DPensacola
August 8, 2018Sunny Market Trading4301 West Vine Street A-17Kissimmee
May 30, 2018Quik N EZ Corner Store755 4th StreetVero Beach
May 30, 2018Pick N Move400 Old Dixie HighwayVero Beach
May 15, 2018Oviedo Quick Stop85 N. Central AvenueOviedo
April 11, 2018Fast Mart615 Ohio Avenue SouthLive Oak
March 28, 2018T & P Deli18193 N.E. State Road 65Hosford
February 20, 2018Clearwater Bait & Tackle2999 Gulf to Bay BoulevardClearwater
February 2, 2018Sun & Farm Grocery15005 Balm RoadWimauma
January 23, 2018Stop N Shop980 W. Brevard StreetTallahassee
December 14, 2017Elias Food Mart Inc7529 US Highway 19 NorthNew Port Richey
December 12, 2017TLC Food Mart, Inc.2822 Beach Boulevard SouthGulfport
November 30, 2017Panhandle Package #32317 Dixie StreetCampbellton
October 25, 2017Sol Dollar and Marine Discount Inc330 West 9th Street, Suite 7Hialeah
October 9, 2017Chevron12505 West Dixie HighwayNorth Miami
October 9, 2017Chevron816 Southeast 17th Street CausewayFort Lauderdale
September 15, 2017Discount Market1437 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Suite 115Daytona Beach
August 3, 2017Quick N Save416 E Tennessee StreetTallahassee
June 2, 2017Perfect Liquor and Wine5901 Johnson StreetHollywood
May 31, 2017Dave's Minit Mart10859 S.E. Maricamp RoadCandler
May 24, 2017Discount City101 Opa Locka BoulevardOpa Locka
February 10, 2017FML Web Shop6001 SW 70th Street CU 107South Miami
February 8, 2017Business World21 Racetrack Road NEFort Walton Beach
February 2, 2017Coulter Discount1800 Ponce De Leon BoulevardCoral Gables
October 14, 2016Kwik Stop #14021402 Lucerne AvenueLake Worth
September 30, 2016Forum Liquors1681 Forum PlaceWest Palm Beach
September 16, 2016Caribbean Printers Enterprises13644 Southwest 142nd Avenue Suite AMiami
September 9, 2016Wondu Marathon1143 West Orange AvenueTallahassee
September 6, 2016Valero Food Mart4521 South Orange Blossom TrailKissimmee
September 6, 2016Noveed Food Mart Inc.3510 Northwest 2nd AvenueMiami
August 29, 2016Beer City471 John Knox RoadTallahassee
August 24, 2016Chevron of Citra18261 North U.S. Highway 301Citra
August 24, 2016Park Discount Beverage4539 26th Street WestBradenton
August 23, 2016Sam's Quick Mart39010 State Road 575Lacoochee
August 5, 2016Gibsonton Mart11005 U.S Highway 41 SouthGibsonton
August 5, 2016R&T Check Cashing609 West Mowry DriveHomestead
August 1, 2016Jas Food Mart801 64th Street SouthSt.Petersburg
July 16, 2016Ripon Food Market1952 NE 49th StreetPompano Beach
January 22, 2016La Placita Mini Market3950 Lake Worth RoadLake Worth
January 21, 2016Bay Street Market5101 Collins AvenueMiami Beach
January 20, 2016Land O'Lakes Food Master7715 Land O'Lakes BoulevardLand O'Lakes
October 23, 2015BW & D Check Cashing2407 US Highway 98 NorthLakeland
August 11, 2015Kwik Stop5100 North LaneOrlando
June 17, 2015Quick Serve1699 Main StreetChipley
April 8, 2015Orange Lake Supermarket19171 N. US Highway 441Orange Lake
April 8, 2015Angel Food Mart15400 N.W. Gainesville RoadReddick
December 11, 2014Cordial Liquors5657 NW 195th DriveMiami Gardens
December 10, 2014Economart Food and Beverage4105 NW 13th StreetGainesville
October 15, 2014Express Food Mart2727 Thornhill Rd.Auburndale
October 15, 2014Express Food Mart2100 Hwy. 92 WestWinter Haven
September 15, 2014Mario's Supermarket3249 NW 22nd AvenueMiami
August 26, 2014Stop One Grocery515 S. Dillard St.Winter Garden
August 25, 2014Island Beverage9128 S.E. Bridge RoadHobe Sound
August 22, 2014Brother's Outlet3501 East 3rd StreetPanama City
August 22, 2014Gas Express6829 15th Street EastSarasota
August 21, 2014Big Apple1943 West Silver Springs Blvd.Ocala
August 21, 2014Square K4401 North Dixie Hwy.Oakland Park
August 6, 2014Harry's Food Mart6212 54th Avenue NorthKenneth City
June 5, 2014A&L Discount Beverage1236 E. Silver Springs Blvd.Ocala
June 5, 2014Sam Service Station1208 Bruton Blvd.Orlando
June 2, 2014Clearwater Sunoco11600 U.S. 19 NorthClearwater
June 2, 2014Park Street Gas Kwick5399 Park Street NorthSt. Petersburg
June 2, 2014Rainbow Food Mart8592 49th StreetPinellas Park
May 30, 2014Midway Food Mart1200 W. Midway RoadFort Pierce
April 21, 2014Akel Market504 N.W. 6th StreetPompano Beach
April 21, 2014Kwik Stop #4617 Hammondville RoadPompano Beach