Claiming Prizes in Maine
To claim a Cash Pop prize in Maine, you must be in possession of a valid winning ticket. The ticket must still be intact and show that the Pop played on it is indeed a match for the winning number that has been selected. You have a year from the date of a draw to come forward and claim any prizes you win. This deadline is the same regardless of how much you win, but the procedure is different depending on the value of your win.
Prizes Under $600
For a prize of $599.99 or below, you can claim your money from any Maine State Lottery retail agent location. Hand in your winning ticket and you will receive payment once it has been validated.
Another option is to claim your prize by mail. All you need to do is send in your ticket to the following address:
8 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0008
Prizes of $600 or More
To claim a prize of $600 or more, you can follow three possible methods. You can send in winning tickets by mail to the address above – you’ll just need to complete a claim form and make sure you sign the back of your ticket. It is recommended that you use certified or express mail so that you can track the progress of your ticket.
Alternatively, you can take your winning ticket to the lottery office in Augusta. You will need to provide a valid form of ID such as a driver’s license or a passport. The address for claiming prizes in person from the lottery office is as follows:
19 Union St, 3rd Floor
Augusta, ME 04330
You can also start the claims process for prizes of $600 or more by going to an authorized lottery retailer. They will validate your lottery receipt and issue you with a claim receipt, and you can then visit the lottery office in Augusta or send in your ticket by mail.
Federal and state taxes do apply in Maine, but only on prizes of more than $5,000, so any Cash Pop prizes you win will be paid out in full. It takes approximately five days for claims to be processed.
Lost and Damaged Tickets
You should make sure you always sign the back of your ticket to prevent anyone else from claiming it, then it is your responsibility to keep it safe. Lottery tickets are bearer instruments, so they can be claimed by anyone if they are not signed. If you lose a Cash Pop ticket in Maine, you won’t be able to collect a prize it might have been due. If your ticket gets damaged, it could still be validated if the barcode or ticket number remains legible.