Is this Illegal?

Reply #19

konane — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 13:06:44 GMT

I believe the laws may be part of the anti-racketeering laws which state that lottery tickets can not be sold and sent over state lines via the postal service by the lottery or retailers. All put in place prior to the internet. However, if they do change laws where purchases can be made over the net, the person purchasing will likely receive a voucher with a number which would be used to collect any potential winnings. I believe FL does that now with in-state subscriptions, probably other stat... [ More ]

Reply #18

sirbrad — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 09:01:00 GMT

I wonder if Santa can bring them legally

Reply #17

goldrush — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 08:32:15 GMT

RATS. Mass. Lottery only has Mega Millions. No, Mass Lottery has Megabucks, Mass Cash and CASH WinFall.Mega Millions Season Tickets CANNOT be purchased via phone from out of state. The other three can. I know, I bought a season ticket as a gift for a friend in california. They send them by a shipping company, not the postal service, and they charge $4 for that. Buy, it's perfectly legal. Willing buyer, willing seller, the American way

Reply #16

bellyache — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 08:25:40 GMT

I thought there were quite a few people here who have others send them tickets from different states. Didn't know it was illegal.

Reply #15

CalifDude — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 08:03:55 GMT

Notice that it says that a non-resident can buy the tickets at any agent location . That means that if I am visiting another state, I can buy a lottery ticket in that state and don't have to be a resident of that state. It also says that a non-resident can collect their prizes at the same locations listed... .I rest my case!I think you will find that the courts have ruled that using UPS, FedEx, etc. is still illegal.

Reply #14

CalifDude — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 07:57:14 GMT

Yes, I do believe you are right again, Nancy. We have had numerous threads on this subject here on LP before. In fact this is the SECOND one that is currently active

Reply #13

justxploring — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 07:49:02 GMT

CalifDude - Sorry, I was editing my post when you were responding. I wanted to post the rule I copied from the Mass Lottery site. I think you're right however. The woman at the lottery commission said that I can buy tickets from Florida but I need to have a Mass address. I was only interested in the multi-state games and no state will sell them to a someone in a state that doesn't participate in the games. - Nancy

Reply #12

CalifDude — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 07:41:35 GMT

There's the old saying... Everyone does it! . Everyone (except me) goes 70 mph on the freeway here in California, too, but it is still breaking the law (except where the limit is 70, of course).

Reply #11

CalifDude — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 07:38:40 GMT

That's correct, just..., you must show proof that you are a resident of the state.

Reply #10

justxploring — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 07:36:51 GMT

Disagree. Unless they've changed the rules in the past few weeks, you cannot purchase ANY lottery tickets from the Massachusetts lottery by mail unless you can show proof of residence. When MM was over $300M I called the Lottery Headquarters in Braintree and was told that only legal residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can purchase subscriptions by mail. I'll check again, but this was fairly recent.Okay - Here it is, right from the Mass Lottery site - now I'm confused. The lady on the... [ More ]

Reply #9

Korean Redneck — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 07:33:09 GMT

^^ RATS. Mass. Lottery only has Mega Millions

Reply #8

goldrush — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 07:13:18 GMT

If he buys tickets from the Massachusetts Lottery, they will send them direct to you. They use a shipping service, not the post office, so no law is broken. He can call the Massachusetts Lottery toll free and place an order, for himself, or as a gift. I nearly sure it's to only lottery to sell to people out of state. That's what I can FREE TRADE

Reply #7

justxploring — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 05:53:58 GMT

Yes, it is illegal but the law is mainly to prevent unauthorized retailers from selling lottery tickets and to stop fraud. I doubt if someone mailing a ticket to a friend would end up in prison. One of the key factors is whether or not money is being exchanged. People send lottery tickets as gifts all the time. If you win, who would know..or care? So somebody visited a friend and bought a lottery ticket during his stay. One problem that could arise is if a ticket wins and the friend who purchas... [ More ]

Reply #6

RJOh — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 04:27:01 GMT

Another good reason for the buyer to hold on to the lottery tickets is one of them might win the big prize and he might want to reevaluate the friendship before inviting his friend to come and collect the winnings.

Reply #5

konane — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 02:55:28 GMT

That has always been my understanding of the law. I believe it is legal to send tickets via UPS or other carrier but of course it is risky.Also agree with Chewie that he should hold the tickets in a safe place until the drawing is over and value determined. When playing with someone out of state I always make a pic of the ticket I purchase to play with or for them so they have proof it exists. A webcam shot is sufficient.

Reply #4

tntea — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 02:53:54 GMT

People do it all the time..The bring in their self-address envelopes when buying the tickets..

Reply #3

Chewie — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 02:36:47 GMT

Why mail them - just have the person email the numbers. If it is a small win, you would be sending them back for turn-in. If it is a big winner, take a vacation and go to the tickets. Either way, tickets in Michigan aren't worth the problem. Winning tickets in Indiana are worth the drive.

Reply #2

CalifDude — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 02:00:32 GMT

It is illegal and it doesn't matter whether it is before or after the drawing!Here is 18 USC 1302 concerning mailing material concerning a lottery:Whoever knowingly deposits in the mail, or sends or delivers by mail:Any letter, package, postal card, or circular concerning any lottery, gift enterprise, or similar scheme offering prizes dependent in whole or in part upon lot or chance;Any lottery ticket or part thereof, or paper, certificate, or instrument purporting to be or to represent a ticket... [ More ]

Reply #1

DoctorEw220 — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:51:33 GMT

If he mails them to you before the drawing, then yes, it is illegal. If he mails you a ticket after the drawing has occurred, then it is perfectly legal.

Is this Illegal?

Korean Redneck — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:48:18 GMT

I live in Michigan and I have a friend who lives in Indiana. He told me for Christmas , he wants to buy me some Power ball tickets. If he buys them and then sends it to me by mail.. is that illegal