Here’s the latest in our Truth vs. Myth series to test your lottery know-how. People can get crabby with us on this particular point, so this is a good time to talk about it!
Here goes: It’s fine for children to buy lottery tickets in Iowa as long as the parents are okay with it.
That’s a myth.
Iowa law specifies that you have to be at least 21 years old to buy lottery tickets in this state. There is no wiggle room on that.
The crabby part I referenced can come into play when people are buying tickets and their child with them wants to be involved by handing the money to a clerk or putting it into the bill acceptor on a lottery vending machine. In those instances, there could be a question about who is actually buying the tickets. And when that happens, we ask the adult involved not to let the child handle the money.
You can imagine that if it’s a small child, they can become unhappy that they’re not allowed to be part of the process. Cue a meltdown by the child and a subsequent exasperated parent.
Please know we’re not trying to be mean! We’re just ensuring that the law is being followed. (Apologies for any meltdowns involved.)
While those under 21 can’t purchase lottery tickets in Iowa, it is legal for them to claim a prize, provided that the ticket involved was legally purchased, legally possessed, and legally presented; and that the intent of those involved is not to circumvent the law.
That particular point has to do with property rights. Once someone buys a lottery ticket, it becomes their property, and they can give that property to someone else if they choose.
For example, we’ve seen grandparents give winning lottery tickets to their grandchildren to claim to help pay for college expenses. Another time, a parent gave a winning ticket to a child to claim as a birthday gift.
If the person claiming the prize is younger than 18, a parent or guardian also has to sign the lottery claim form. And when the prize is being claimed at a lottery office, our Security team will review the details to ensure that the law is being followed.
Whether you play the lottery or not, we want everyone to have an accurate understanding of how the lottery works. This Truth or Myth series is part of that effort.
Hi, Hank. In the particular instance you cited, I do understand that the store would be careful. Yes, under the law, those younger than 21 can claim a prize, but we also are supportive of workplace policies designed to guard against underage purchases and play. It sounds like you were understanding in the situation, we thank you for that.
Posted by: Mary Neubauer | January 03, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Can a store implement its own policy regarding your point,
"While those under 21 can’t purchase lottery tickets in Iowa, it is legal for them to claim a prize..." ?
That is, can they require a person to be 21 or older to claim a prize? I'm well over 21 and once was trying to claim a prize but didn't have my ID on me. The gas station cashier refused to cash out my prize. I wasn't going to argue with them about this so I just left (even though I was already well-aware of this law at the time).
Posted by: Hank G | January 02, 2025 at 09:09 PM