You Won. Now What?
A big prize is a legal and financial decision, not just a lucky day. Do these things before you tell the world or walk into a claim center. This is general information for Texas players, not legal or financial advice.
The First Hour
- Sign the back of the ticket. A signed ticket is far harder for anyone else to claim. Do this immediately, before anything else.
- Photograph the front and back and put the ticket somewhere secure — a safe or a bank deposit box. Losing it can mean losing the prize.
- Tell almost no one. The fewer people who know, the fewer complications, requests, and risks you invite. Silence is reversible; a public celebration is not.
- Do not quit your job or make big promises in the first excited days. Nothing needs to happen today.
Deadlines & Anonymity
You have 180 days from the draw date to claim a Texas draw-game prize, and 180 days from the end of a scratch game to claim its top prizes. There is no need to rush in on day one — use the time to prepare.
Anonymity: Under Texas Government Code §466.411, a natural person who wins a prize of $1 million or more — or the natural persons who beneficially own a legal entity that claims one — can keep their identity confidential, but only by electing confidentiality when the prize is claimed. Know the limits before you rely on it: for prizes paid in periodic installments, personal information may be released after 30 days, and a winner's city or county may still be disclosed. If your prize qualifies and privacy matters to you, plan the election with your attorney before you claim.
Where you claim depends on the amount: smaller prizes at retailers, larger prizes at a Texas Lottery claim center or by mail. Confirm the current process and locations at texaslottery.com.
Assemble Your Team
Before you claim a large prize, line up professionals who work for you:
- An attorney — to help you claim safely, protect your privacy, and set up the right structure.
- A CPA / tax professional — federal tax on a big prize is substantial; plan for it before you spend.
- A fee-only financial advisor — to turn a one-time windfall into a lasting plan.
One of the biggest early decisions is how you take the money. See how the choices compare:
Disclaimer
This page is general educational information for Texas lottery players, not legal, tax, or financial advice, and does not create any professional relationship. Rules, deadlines, and claim procedures change — always confirm the current details with the official Texas Lottery and with your own qualified advisors. This is an independent site, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Texas Lottery Commission. Use is subject to the site Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.