By Jigar Kapasi
Havent we all thought about how exciting it would be to win a lottery? Making millions with just a small investment; it could guarantee a lifetime of easy living! Indeed the odds of hitting the jackpot are slim; theres still the chance to win small cash prizes in payoff. While this low-risk, high-reward game is appealing, there are a few safety issues that we need to consider so the experience is truly rewarding. So before you purchase that lottery ticket, keep these five safety tips in mind:
TIP #1: Understand the lottery laws in your state
You wouldnt want to do anything illegal, right? So before you start playing the lottery game, make sure that your state permits it. You can check the lottery operators license to be sure.
While there is no ban on lottery across India, every state holds the authority to set its own laws and legislation for the same. Presently, only 13 Indian states allow lotteries: Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa. The purchases must be made within the states (18 years or older). Playing lottery outside any of these states is against the law.
TIP #2: Ensure the legitimacy of the lottery game
With scammers lurking everywhere, you might want to be careful and identify the lottery operators that are legitimate. So do your homework thoroughly before buying the ticket.
But how can you tell which lottery is safe? To begin with, check the reviews of the operator and also, ask around other lottery players. Find out whether the operator has a legitimate license. Look for the small trust symbol of padlock on the lottery site to make sure that its secured. It is also important to see whether the operator has provided sufficient contact details on their website; give them a call to be double-sure. Go through their terms and conditions to check for any hidden fees. In case you win, know that legal lotteries dont need you to pay a surcharge to collect a prize.
TIP #3: Keep your personal details protected
Sharing your confidential personal information such as credit or debit card information over call or over an open or public Wi-Fi connection may be a little risky. So be more mindful!
It is better to play from your own computer, smartphone or other private networks to make sure that your bank details and other personal information are not transmitted to illicit sources. Never give your ID card details, credit or debit card numbers, etc. over phone. When you register on the site, choose a strong password to make sure nobody can log in to your account. Even if youre not playing online, make it a point to buy your own tickets and keep the numbers to yourself.
TIP #4: Check your tickets after purchase
It is your responsibility to check the accuracy of the ticket bought from the store or online right after the purchase. Also, study the game beforehand to know what youre investing in.
After purchasing the lottery ticket, you must first check if you have received the ticket you intended to buy. Write your name on the back of it, in case of a physical copy. If you have made the purchase on the site, check for its scanned copy before the draw takes place to ensure that the ticket has your name on it, your selected numbers and relevant draw information. At the time of the draw, double-check the date and numbers on your ticket with the winning numbers of the day.
TIP #5: Remember, playing smart is the key
If you have been playing lottery for a long time now, you might already know this! The best way to ensure that you dont put yourself at risk in a lottery game is to play smart.
Always keep in mind that not all lotteries are equal; each has different odds of winning. So make a note that you choose a game where the odds are in your favour. You need to be mindful in picking the numbers as well; choose rarer numbers over popular ones to decrease your chances of splitting the prize. It is also a good idea to join a lottery syndicate to be on the safer side when it comes to finances. Youll have a better shot at winning without spending much.
Dont hold yourself back from taking a step towards the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of winning a jackpot for the threat of falling victim to scams or losing out on your hard-earned money. Proceed with caution, and you wont have to worry about the nightmares anymore!
Jigar Kapasi is the VP of Business Development at Serenity Trades Private Limited, the pioneers of government-licensed lotteries in India.