Finding an entry code on a scratch-off or cashword ticket means you've got a shot at landing a spot on the Ohio Lottery television game show. Players can no longer mail physical cards or manually type numbers into a desktop browser; the process has shifted entirely to mobile scanning via MyLotto Rewards. Knowing how the system functions ensures your submission counts before weekly cutoff deadlines pass you by.
Getting your ticket into the weekly drawing requires a registered account and a smartphone equipped with the official state lottery application. This guide breaks down exact qualification rules, digital registration steps, common user errors, and strategies to maximize your chances of selection.
Identifying a Valid Entry Ticket
Not every scratch-off ticket grants access to the weekly television drawings. You have to look for specific qualifying markers on particular game variations.
- Standard Scratch-Offs: The word "ENTRY" must appear three separate times underneath the latex scratch-off coating. Finding it fewer than three times means the ticket is a standard cash winner or loser, not a show qualifier.
- Cashword Tickets: Check the dedicated "BONUS PLAY" box located on the ticket face. If the word "ENTRY" is revealed inside this box, it qualifies for submission.
Keep your tickets in a safe, dry place after scratching them. If the barcode gets torn, smudged, or water-damaged, the optical scanner won't read it, and manual text entry is no longer supported by the lottery commission.
Setting Up Your MyLotto Rewards Account
Before you can scan anything, you need an active, verified account profile. The verification step is mandatory to comply with state gaming regulations and prevent fraud.
- Download the official Ohio Lottery app on your iOS or Android device.
- Tap the registration option and input your legal name, current residential address, date of birth, and email.
- Complete the identity verification prompt by providing a scanned photo of a valid state-issued driver's license, passport, or ID along with a quick camera scan.
- Set a secure password containing a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase numbers, and symbols.
Once verified, log into the mobile app dashboard. Your profile links all scanned non-winning tickets, points balances, and active drawing submissions in one centralized dashboard.
Step-by-Step Ticket Entry Process
Manual entry went away to protect drawing integrity, meaning everything runs through the app's built-in optical scanner. Follow this workflow to submit your qualification:
- Open the Ohio Lottery App and sign in with your credentials.
- Tap the camera icon located on the bottom menu bar of the app interface.
- Grant camera permissions when prompted so the software can view the physical ticket.
- Align the barcode located at the bottom of the scratched-off area inside the on-screen viewfinder box.
- Wait for the scanner to register the code automatically. The app will display confirmation details showing the ticket has been credited to your drawing entries.
Each qualifying ticket may only be entered into a single drawing pool, but you can submit multiple distinct tickets across separate weekly entry cycles to build up your overall drawing weight.
Avoiding Common Submission Mistakes
Players frequently run into snags that invalidate their entries or prevent successful scans. Keep these pitfalls in mind:
- Failing to Scratch Completely: Residual latex film covering even a tiny edge of the barcode will block the smartphone camera from reading the ticket.
- Ignoring Cutoff Times: Weekly drawings follow strict schedules. Submissions uploaded after the weekly deadline roll over into the next available drawing block rather than the immediate upcoming show.
- Using Unsupported Devices: Tablets or phones with broken cameras cannot process physical barcodes. If your hardware fails, you must visit a physical Ohio Lottery regional office for entry assistance.
- Incorrect Account Details: Winners are notified via the phone number, email, or physical address listed on their profile. Outdated contact information can cause you to forfeit your contestant slot if staff cannot reach you within the mandatory notification window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I am selected as a contestant?
A random number generator selects entries, and the Ohio Auditor of State audits the results. If your name is drawn, a team member contacts you via phone or email within a week of the public announcement to brief you on studio travel, rules, and taping dates.
Can I mail my entry tickets in?
No. Physical mail-in entries are entirely discontinued. All submissions must go through the digital MyLotto Rewards portal using the mobile application scanner.
Do non-winning tickets earn other perks?
Yes. Beyond show entries, scanning non-winning tickets awards loyalty points. You can exchange these points in the digital catalog for merchandise, coupons, or entries into other secondary promotional cash drawings.
Is there a limit to how many tickets I can enter?
You can enter multiple qualifying tickets into the system, but each individual ticket serial number can only be registered once. Hoarding duplicate numbers yields no extra benefit.
