The Michigan Lottery is warning players of potential scams, which take place more frequently during holiday season in the Great Lakes State. These scams often take the form of the potential victim receiving a text, email, or other message informing them that they’ve won a prize.
It’s important that Michigan online lottery players and other gamblers are extra cautious during this time of year. Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli, said in a statement:
“Unfortunately, in this day and age there are bad actors who claim to be associated with lottery games and are looking to take advantage of others for their own gain. The safety and security of our players is of utmost importance, and I want to remind everyone to be vigilant this holiday season.”
The top priority for the Michigan Lottery and Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is to protect players from scams and illegal gambling.
Michigan Lottery explains common scam tactics
Players have to remember that they can’t win the lottery without buying a ticket. If a person contacts a Michigander who never bought a ticket, it’s likely a scam. The Michigan Lottery processes all prizes for free, which must be redeemed with a valid lottery ticket.
The Michigan Lottery described two common deceptions:
- A person gets a letter, email, text, or phone call to inform them that they’ve won a big lottery prize but must pay a fee to collect the prize. If the person agrees, the scam artist convinces them to mail a cashier’s check, make an electronic funds transfer, or even arranges a meeting to get the money in cash.
- A person is contacted by mail, email, text, or phone call by someone claiming to be a lottery prize winner. The scam artist tells the person they will share their prize if the person sends money to them. If the person agrees, the scam artist convinces them to mail a cashier’s check, make an electronic funds transfer, or even arranges a meeting to get the money in cash.
Those who play the lottery, or don’t, can check the legitimacy of the contact by contacting the Lottery at 844-917-6325. You can also check via email at [email protected].
Efforts against illegal gambling, protecting Michigan players
Gamblers in the Great Lakes State should feel protected by the Michigan Lottery and the MGCB. Both organizations make it imperative to guard the well-being of players across the state.
The MGCB sent letters to 64 businesses in 2023, demanding they shut down illegal gambling sites immediately. In total, it resulted in the removal of 167 illicit wagering devices.
In 2024, the MGCB has already shut down multiple illegal operations. That included successfully kicking out Bovada, an offshore online sportsbook, out of the state.
The MGCB also warned bettors to wager responsibly during the Tigers postseason run in October. That was coupled with the Lions’ hot start.
The Michigan Lottery and MGCB are have Michigan players’ best interests at top of mind.
