{"id":373396,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/iowa-law\/iowa-state-lotteries-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:50:41","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:50:41","slug":"iowa-state-lotteries-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/iowa-law\/iowa-state-lotteries-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Iowa State Lotteries Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Iowa State Lotteries Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n

Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Iowa began its state lottery in 1985<\/a>. The excitement of playing the lottery and the fact that it gives back to great programs for the state (as well as programs you might think aren\u2019t so great in the general fund), is a big draw.<\/p>\n

Realistically, the chance of winning a large amount of money is why most people play. Unfortunately, a quick reality check is that your odds of winning a lottery are quite low<\/a>. Critics argue that the $5-20 you spend a week or month on lottery tickets would probably be better invested by saving for retirement<\/a>. However, the lottery is a form of amusement and if you enjoy it, it\u2019s a great way to give back your state through playing along.<\/p>\n

The following chart outlines the main Iowa lottery laws<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
Code Section<\/b><\/td>\nIowa Code Chapter 99G \u2013 Iowa Lottery Authority Act<\/a>
\nIowa Administrative Code Chapter 531 \u2013 Iowa Lottery Authority<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>
Distribution of Lottery Revenue<\/b><\/td>\nThe net proceeds of the lottery are transferred to the state general fund to provide monies to a wide variety of state causes. Among those programs that have received funding<\/a> are:
\n
    \n
  • Iowa Veterans Trust Fund<\/u> \u2013 Provides qualified veterans with tuition, job training, and counseling, dental, vision, and hearing assistance since 2008<\/li>\n
  • Iowa Plan<\/u> \u2013 A long-term economic development program funded through the lottery from 1986 to 1990<\/li>\n
  • Vision Iowa<\/u> \u2013 Since 2000, has created tourism destinations in the state, assisted with community attractions, and built and repaired schools<\/li>\n
  • Iowa Gambling Treatment Fund<\/u> \u2013 Treatment program for problem gamblers, includes the helpline 1-800-BETSOFF<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Additional Purpose of Lottery<\/b><\/td>\nTo support a variety of programs and services and to provide continuing entertainment to the public, in the form of the lottery.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Lottery Prize Subject to Garnishment<\/b><\/td>\nYes, prizes of over $600 are subject to garnishment<\/a> for claimant agencies. Therefore, if you owe, for example, back child support<\/a>, then that can be taken out by the lottery authority before you are given the remaining lottery prize, if any.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Time Limit to Claim Prize<\/b><\/td>\nThe statute states that the lottery commissioner can determine<\/a> how long a winner has to claim a prize and how to return unclaimed money to a future prize pools. Administrative decisions resulted in the following time limits<\/a>:
\n
    \n
  • 90 days for Scratch and Pull-tab prizes and Iowa\u2019s Pick 3 and Pick 4 prizes<\/li>\n
  • 365 days (1 year) for Powerball, Mega Millions, Hot Lotto, Monopoly Millionaires\u2019 Club, and All or Nothing games<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Prohibited Related Activities<\/b><\/td>\nMany lottery-related activities are prohibited, including: