When you purchase a lottery ticket, there are typically two barcodes printed on it – the main barcode and the validation barcode. The main barcode is what you would scan or have the retail clerk scan in order to check if your ticket is a winner. The validation barcode is only used by the lottery administration to validate the ticket.
The Main Barcode
The main barcode on a lottery ticket contains information about the game, draw date, ticket serial number, and the numbers you played. This is the barcode that needs to be scanned either at a lottery retailer or using a lottery app to determine if your ticket is a winner.
When you take a winning lottery ticket to a retailer to claim your prize, the clerk will scan the main barcode to pull up the details of the ticket and verify it against the winning numbers. The lottery terminal is connected to the lottery administration’s database and can check in real-time if the ticket is a winner.
If you are checking your ticket yourself using a lottery app on your phone, you would likewise scan the main barcode using your phone’s camera. The app will read the barcode, extract the ticket details, and connect to the lottery database to check for a match. This allows you to conveniently check your tickets without having to visit a retailer.
Where is the Main Barcode Located?
The position of the main barcode on a lottery ticket can vary slightly depending on the game and lottery administration. However, it is usually found at the bottom on the front of the ticket.
On a standard paper lottery ticket, the main barcode will be a long rectangular barcode taking up the entire width of the ticket at the bottom. It is clearly distinguished from the validation barcode which is smaller and located on the back.
For lottery tickets that are printed on receipt paper from a lottery terminal, the main barcode is also located at the bottom stretching across the entire width. The numbers played and draw date are printed above it.
How to Scan the Main Barcode
Scanning a lottery ticket barcode is quick and easy whether you do it yourself or have a retail clerk assist.
If using a lottery app, simply open up the app and select the barcode scanner. Line up the barcode on your ticket within the viewfinder of the camera so that it is clearly visible. The app will automatically scan it, display the ticket details on the screen, and check it against the winning numbers.
At a lottery retailer, hand the ticket to the clerk and ask them to check it. They will either scan it on their lottery terminal or on a handheld barcode scanner connected to the lottery network. The terminal will read the barcode, pull up your ticket, and the clerk will be able to inform you if you have a winner.
Occasionally a damaged or unreadable barcode may not scan properly. In this situation, the clerk can manually enter the ticket numbers into their terminal to find the details and validate it. So long as the ticket numbers are still legible, a damaged barcode will not affect your ability to claim a prize.
Security Features of Main Barcodes
Lottery barcodes contain special security features and encryption to prevent fraud. The barcode has mechanisms to detect if someone has tampered with it or tried to alter a losing ticket into a winner.
Some of the security features include:
- Checksum digit – An extra digit embedded in the barcode as a checksum to verify accuracy of the scanned data.
- Encryption – Data may be encrypted within the barcode and require a decryption key.
- Binding – The ticket data bound cryptographically to the barcode so it can’t be swapped.
- Invisible ink – Barcodes are sometimes printed with ink only visible under UV light.
There are also additional security measures and diligence followed during ticket validation and prize claims to spot any suspicious alterations or inconsistencies. Lottery fraud through barcode tampering is extremely rare with all these security precautions in place.
The Validation Barcode
The validation barcode is the other barcode printed on lottery tickets. Unlike the main barcode, the validation barcode is not meant for the general public and does not need to be scanned to check for prizes.
The validation barcode contains information primarily used by the lottery administration to confirm validity of tickets. Data encoded includes the game, pack number, ticket range, retailer details, and security digits.
During the ticket validation process when large prizes are claimed, the lottery office can scan the validation barcode to quickly pull up details about where and when the ticket was produced and sold. This provides an additional layer of security and assurance that the ticket is authentic.
In most cases, lottery players do not need to worry about the validation barcode. It is not what you scan to check your ticket. Focus instead on finding the main barcode to check your numbers and claim your exciting lottery prizes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I scan my lottery ticket before I leave the store?
It’s always a smart idea to have the retailer scan your lottery ticket while you’re still there to confirm it printed correctly and verify you didn’t win a smaller prize you may have missed. This avoids any issues later on if there was a printing error or the ticket is misread.
What if the barcode won’t scan properly?
If a lottery ticket barcode is damaged or failing to scan, don’t worry. Retailers can manually enter the ticket numbers displayed into their terminals to find the details and validate prizes. As long as the ticket numbers are intact, you can still claim any potential winnings.
Can I trust those lottery ticket scanner apps?
Most lottery apps that scan tickets are safe and legitimate. However, be sure to only download apps approved by your jurisdiction’s official lottery organization for assurance. Avoid any third-party apps offering ticket checking without endorsement from the lottery administration.
Where is the barcode on a scratch ticket?
On scratch-off instant win lottery tickets, the main barcode is usually located on the back at the very bottom. Make sure not to scratch this area off to ensure the barcode remains readable by retailers.
What if I lose my ticket but have a picture of the barcode?
Having a photo of the barcode alone is unfortunately not enough to claim a prize if you’ve lost the original ticket. All winning lottery tickets must be physically presented for validation and security checks before prizes can be paid out.
Can I play the lottery just by scanning barcodes?
Unfortunately lottery barcodes are not interactive or playable. The barcode is simply an encoded representation of the ticket details. To actually play the lottery, you need to purchase a ticket through an authorized lottery retailer or lottery app.