Giving lottery tickets as gifts has become increasingly popular over the years. Lottery tickets are affordable, easy to find, and add an element of excitement and anticipation to gift giving. While lottery tickets can make fun gifts, there are some important things to keep in mind when giving them. This article provides an overview of gift lottery tickets, including the rules, best practices, gift ideas, and things to consider before giving them.
When it comes to gifting lottery tickets, one of the biggest legal considerations is whether it’s permissible to give them to minors. Though laws vary by state, there are some overarching federal regulations to keep in mind.
According to the U.S. Code, it is generally illegal to send lottery tickets through the mail across state lines (https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/13yq1qx/illegal_to_mail_a_scratch_ticket_as_a_gift/). The only exception is for authorized state lotteries. So mailing scratch-off or other lottery tickets to someone in another state carries legal risks.
Regarding minors, no state allows those under 18 to purchase lottery tickets. However, some states do permit adults to gift tickets to minors, while others prohibit it. For example, in Texas it is legal for an adult to buy a ticket and give it to a child as a gift (https://www.quora.com/Is-it-illegal-to-gift-a-lottery-ticket-to-a-minor-If-an-adult-buys-a-lottery-ticket-or-scratch-off-and-gives-it-to-a-minor-would-that-be-illegal-The-adult-buys-and-redeems-the-ticket-on-behalf-of-the-minor). But in Ohio, gifting lottery tickets to those under 18 is not allowed.
The bottom line is to check your state’s specific lottery laws before gifting tickets to minors. Violating these laws could result in criminal penalties.
There are quite a few options to buy lottery tickets as gifts. Here are some of the most popular places to purchase lottery tickets as gift items:
Convenience Stores
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Wawa, and Circle K all sell lottery tickets over the counter. You can easily pick up a few scratch-offs or draw game tickets to give as gifts. The selection and availability may vary by location.
Grocery Stores
Most grocery stores and supermarkets have a lottery counter or kiosk. Major chains like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, H-E-B, and more offer a wide variety of instant and draw lottery games for gift-giving. You’ll often find full rolls of scratch tickets too.
Lottery Retailers
Dedicated lottery retailers primarily focus on selling lottery games and have a large selection. These include places like Diamond Game Arcade that have entire walls filled with instant scratch and pull-tab tickets perfect for gifting.
In some states, you can buy lottery tickets online through the state lottery website or approved third-party vendors. For example, the Georgia Lottery lets you purchase draw and scratch-off games online to gift someone. However, online availability depends on state laws.
There are many creative ways to present lottery tickets as gifts to make them more exciting and personalized. Some ideas include:
Gluing the ticket to the inside of a greeting card with a personalized note. This adds an element of surprise when the recipient opens the card (https://involvery.com/christmas/).
Making a lottery ticket bouquet by attaching tickets to floral stems with ribbon. This transforms the tickets into beautiful flowers (https://involvery.com/easy-diy/).
Placing tickets in a small gift box or lottery ticket scratcher. This elevates the presentation and makes the gift feel more special.
Pairing tickets with themed lottery accessories like coin scratchers or eco-friendly bamboo scratchers. This enhances the gift giving experience.
Incorporating tickets into a lottery ticket wreath for a festive presentation. The tickets can spell out words or form shapes.
Attaching tickets to homemade food gifts like cookies or cakes. The lottery ticket becomes part of the gift itself.
Creating personalized lottery ticket posters or collages. These allow you to showcase the ticket creatively.
The presentation possibilities are endless. A little creativity can transform lottery tickets into memorable gift-giving experiences.
When gifting lottery tickets, you have two main options for choosing numbers: letting the recipient select the numbers or using random numbers from a Quick Pick. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Letting the gift recipient choose their own lucky numbers can make the lottery ticket seem more personal. Some people have favorite numbers they like to play or special dates they use. Giving them control over the numbers adds excitement. However, the recipient may feel pressure to select numbers that seem significant, even if they don’t actually believe those numbers are luckier. There’s also a risk their chosen numbers may duplicate numbers you’ve already selected for yourself.
Using random Quick Pick numbers generated by the lottery terminal avoids overlaps with your own tickets. It also frees the recipient from any pressure in choosing numbers. However, some people enjoy the process of picking numbers and feel randomized Quick Picks are impersonal. There’s also a popular notion that people have better odds when choosing their own numbers, although statistically that is unproven.
According to one Reddit discussion, letting the recipient select their own numbers adds a more personal touch to a lottery ticket gift. However, opting for Quick Pick numbers avoids any awkwardness if the same numbers are chosen. Ultimately, the best approach depends on the specific recipient’s preferences.
If you plan to give lottery tickets as gifts and split any potential prize money, it’s important to make arrangements beforehand. According to The Hive Law, you can share lottery winnings directly with family members or by gifting them money after you claim the prize. However, be aware that gift taxes may apply if you gift over a certain amount per year. Discuss ahead of time how you plan to split the prize and get any agreements in writing. Make sure all recipients of gifted lottery tickets understand whether they’ll receive a percentage of the total prize or a set dollar amount. Spelling out the arrangements in advance can help avoid any disputes if you happen to win.
When it comes to taxes on lottery winnings from a gifted ticket, the rules can be complicated. Generally, the person who redeems the winning ticket is responsible for paying taxes on the prize amount. However, if you receive a winning lottery ticket as a gift and the prize value exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion amount ($17,000 in 2023), the excess amount is subject to federal gift tax that must be paid by the gift giver (the person who originally purchased the ticket) [1].
For example, if you are gifted a ticket that wins a $50,000 prize, the first $17,000 would be tax-free to you as the recipient. But the gift giver would owe gift tax on the remaining $33,000 value that exceeds the annual exclusion. This aims to prevent using lottery tickets to skirt gift tax laws. However, spouses can gift any amount to each other tax-free.
One way for the gift giver to avoid owing gift tax is by electing to instead treat the gift as coming out of their lifetime estate and gift tax exemption amount (up to $12.92 million in 2023). This allows gifting large amounts tax-free over the lifetime, outside of the annual exclusion. But for most smaller personal gifts of lottery tickets, the annual exclusion is sufficient to avoid gift tax.
When giving lottery tickets as gifts, it’s important to do so responsibly. Lottery tickets are only intended for adults aged 18 or older. According to the Gift Responsibly Campaign, research shows that children who gamble, including with lottery tickets, are four times more likely to become problem gamblers later in life (Gift Responsibly Campaign).
Before gifting lottery tickets, consider the age and maturity level of the recipient. Avoid gifting lottery tickets to minors or anyone with a history of compulsive gambling. The thrill of playing lottery tickets can be addicting, so gift them in moderation. Also be mindful of gifting scratch-off tickets, as they provide instant gratification. Only gift lottery tickets to recipients you think will play responsibly.
If gifting lottery tickets in a workplace setting like a holiday party, make sure it doesn’t violate company policies. Consider a gift card instead if unsure. Use discretion and gift lottery tickets only to those you know well, not broadly across an organization.
When giving lottery tickets, do so safely and legally. Make sure to only gift official state lottery tickets and not any illegal gambling materials. Encourage smart play and discuss responsible gambling habits to promote healthy enjoyment of lottery games.
While lottery tickets can make fun gifts, they may not be the most appropriate for all recipients. Here are some alternative gift ideas to consider instead of lottery tickets:
For kids, good alternatives include movie tickets, gift cards to their favorite stores, tickets to sports games or concerts, books, toys, and video games. Experiential gifts like tickets to museums, zoos, theme parks, or mini golf can also be great for kids.
For adults, consider gift cards to nice restaurants, tickets to shows or concerts, spa treatments, hotel stays, classes in an area of interest like cooking or art, wine/beer tastings, museum memberships, or subscriptions to services like meal kits or streaming sites. Food gifts like gift baskets, wine, candy, or baked goods also make great alternatives.
For holidays like Christmas, non-monetary gifts that promote family time like board games, puzzles, sporting equipment, and craft kits can be thoughtful options. Charitable donations in someone’s name to a cause they care about is another alternative to lottery tickets.
The key is choosing a gift that shows you put thought into the recipient’s unique interests and personality versus an impersonal cash gift like lottery tickets. With a bit of creativity, you can find a more tailored gift idea that feels meaningful.
Gifting lottery tickets can be a fun and exciting way to share the possibility of a big win with loved ones. When selecting lottery tickets to give as gifts, it’s best to consider the person’s preferences, gift the tickets responsibly, and be upfront about how any potential prizes would be shared. Some best practices include:
– Know the legality of lottery gifting in your state and confirm the recipient is of legal age to play
– Present the tickets in a fun, decorative way to increase the excitement
– Select lucky numbers or games that are meaningful to the recipient
– Discuss expectations around prize splitting beforehand to avoid misunderstandings
– Remind the recipient that taxes will need to be paid on any big prizes
– Gift responsibly and don’t pressure anyone to play the lottery who doesn’t want to
Following these tips will ensure gifting lottery tickets is a fun, responsible way to add excitement to a holiday or special occasion.
