Ohio lottery players have new digital option for Mega Millions jackpot

Cole Barker looks over the Mega Millions lottery tickets he just purchased on Thursday. The Mega Millions jackpot is expected to grow to at least to $1.6 billion for Tuesday’s drawing. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Cole Barker looks over the Mega Millions lottery tickets he just purchased on Thursday. The Mega Millions jackpot is expected to grow to at least to $1.6 billion for Tuesday’s drawing. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

As a growing Mega Millions jackpot increases lottery fever nationwide, officials in Ohio are touting a digital lottery option that allows players to enter games on their phones.

The new mobile-enabled Lottery Card, available in select grocery and retail stores statewide, including Kroger, allows Ohio consumers to enter lottery games on their phones and get notified and paid electronically if they win, officials said.

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Ohio is among the first states to debut this digital lottery option, which is available for Powerball and Mega Millions.

Jackpots for both games are growing this week and the Mega Millions total is expected to be at least $1.6 billion, possibly approaching $2 billion or higher for Tuesday’s drawing.

Lottery Cards cost $10 for five plays and $20 for 10 plays. Consumers are charged the cost of their chosen Lottery Card plus $0.89 for Mobile Play Benefits, officials said.

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To play, consumers purchase the Lottery Card. When ready to enter the next lottery drawing, the player texts in the Lottery Card’s unique code to a specified number, provides their name and confirms their location to complete a one-time card enrollment, officials said.

The player then receives a picture message with the quick pick numbers, draw date and other transaction information. Winners are notified via text and picture message, and most winnings are paid automatically via PayPal.

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