Quit the rat race and move to a tropical paradise? Travel the world? Who hasn’t dreamed about one little ticket taking us out of financial stress and putting us onto easy street? Just a dollar or two for the chance at an early retirement -- it seems so simple.
But where do those dollars go? And how does the First State regulate the games and guarantee payouts? This is a brief summary of lotteries laws in Delaware.
Lotteries Laws
When it comes to revenue, lotteries generate not only large cash prizes for the winners -- they have also become a valuable source of revenue for state governments. Most states usually earmark proceeds to support education and other important state services, or to help charitable organizations.
In the states that run lotteries, their lottery laws will determine everything from the time limits for claiming prizes and where, how, and to whom tickets can be sold, to how revenues will be distributed. A majority of states allocate their lottery income to the state’s general fund, where it can then be earmarked for specific projects. The same is true for Delaware.
Lotteries Laws in Delaware
Delaware lottery laws cover mutli-state lotteries like Mega Millions and Powerball, as well as in-state games.
| Code Section | 29-4801, et seq. |
| Distribution of Lottery Revenue | At least 30% to the General Fund of the state from the "State Lottery Fund"; 45% payment of prizes; 20% administration and expenses |
| Additional Purpose of Lottery | To produce the greatest income for the state; for "video lottery"-to provide nonstate supported assistance to the harness and thoroughbred racing industries |
| Lottery Prize Subject to Garnishment | - |
| Time Limit to Claim Prize/Disposition | 1 year/State Lottery Fund |
| Prohibited Related Activities | Sales to minors; at greater price; alteration/forgery |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Related Resources for State Lotteries Laws:
The regulations regarding how state lotteries are run and where the revenue is allocated can be confusing. If you would like legal assistance regarding a lottery matter, you can contact a Delaware gaming law attorney. You can also visit FindLaw’s Gaming Law section for more articles and resources on this topic.
For more general information on this topic, feel free to take a look at FindLaw’s article discussing the Details on State Lottery Laws. You can find additional resources by clicking on the links below.
Research the Law
