Buy scratch-offs only from licensed retailers
Check the odds printed on the ticket or lottery website
Choose games with better overall odds
Prefer tickets from games with remaining top prizes
Use a fixed budget and stop when it is gone
Avoid chasing losses
Buy multiple tickets only if your budget allows it
Consider lower-cost tickets for better value
Verify tickets immediately after purchase
Sign the back of winning tickets right away
Redeem prizes before the expiration date
Treat scratch-offs as entertainment, not income
Never trust “guaranteed win” systems
Avoid scams, stolen tickets, and altered tickets