There are a few potential reasons why you may get a “See a lottery retailer” message when trying to scan a lottery ticket with your phone’s scanner app:
The ticket hasn’t been claimed yet
Most lottery apps and scanners are designed to check if a ticket has been validated and claimed. If you try scanning a ticket soon after the drawing, before it has been turned in and processed, the scanner won’t be able to find any information about your ticket and will give you a generic message to see the retailer instead. You’ll need to wait until after the required claim period (which varies by location and lottery) before the ticket will register as claimed in the system.
The ticket is for a different state or jurisdiction
Lottery apps and scanners are usually tied to a particular state or lottery jurisdiction. If you bought your ticket in a different state than the one associated with the app, it won’t be able to lookup and validate your ticket. You’ll need to download the right app for wherever you purchased the ticket.
There was a connection error
If you’re scanning with a lottery app, there could be a temporary technical glitch or connection issue preventing it from being able to check the ticket properly. Trying again later on stable WiFi or cellular data should help resolve this. If the problem persists, you may need to see a lottery retailer instead who can scan and validate the ticket in-person.
The ticket isn’t scanning properly
Damaged or improperly scanned tickets may not register correctly on phone apps and scanners. Creases, tears, or folds can interfere with the barcode and cause issues. Make sure the ticket lays completely flat and the entire barcode is captured within the scanning window. Proper lighting and steadiness are also important when scanning. If still having issues, take it to a retailer for assistance.
When to see a lottery retailer
If you run into any of the above issues trying to scan from home, or simply get a “see retailer” message, your best bet is to head to an authorized lottery retailer for help validating your ticket:
- They have dedicated lottery terminals that can scan, check, and validate tickets to confirm winnings.
- Staff can inspect tickets for any damage or defects that might interfere with scanning.
- Retail locations have reliable connectivity to lottery networks.
- They can assist with any next steps if your ticket is a winner, like claiming prizes.
It’s quick, easy, and takes the uncertainty out of validating tickets yourself from home. Retailers can check if you won a prize, how much you’ve won if so, and give further instructions.
Finding a lottery retailer
Most convenience stores, gas stations, supermarkets, and pharmacies sell lottery tickets and can scan them. Look for signs by the register indicating they are an authorized retailer. If you don’t know where to find one nearby:
- Check the official website or app for your state/jurisdiction’s lottery. There are often store locator tools to find participating retailers.
- Do an online search for “lottery retailers near me” or “lottery store locators”.
- Call your lottery’s customer service number and they can suggest locations.
Put your location or zip code into one of these lookup resources and they’ll provide a list of retailers in your area.
When you can scan tickets yourself
While the retailer is your best option immediately after a drawing, there are some cases where you can reliably scan your own tickets later on:
Smaller prizes
Tickets that have won smaller dollar amounts or prizes can usually be scanned and confirmed in lottery apps a few days following the drawing, once results have been finalized.
Scratch tickets
These can be scanned at any time after purchase using lottery apps as long as the game is still valid and open.
Promotional tickets
Free promotional game tickets provided by the lottery for second chance contests or bonuses can also be scanned outside of retailers.
Expired games
Ticket scanning apps will often still let you enter and check tickets from expired games and drawings long after the claim period, just for your own records.
As long as you’re scanning during these situations, you shouldn’t run into any issues validating tickets yourself without needing to involve a retailer.
Troubleshooting scanner problems
If you’re scanning a ticket that should be scannable based on the above criteria, but still get a “see retailer” message, try these troubleshooting tips:
Update the app
An outdated version of the lottery app could cause scanning problems. Check for any available updates and install the latest version.
Reinstall the app
If updating doesn’t help, try uninstalling the lottery app completely and redownloading a fresh copy from the app store.
Use a different device
It could be a device-specific issue. See if scanning the ticket with a different smartphone or tablet yields better results.
Check data/WiFi connection
Scan while connected to a strong WiFi or cellular data signal, not offline. Connectivity issues can prevent proper ticket validation.
Contact lottery customer support
For continued scanning problems, get in touch with your lottery’s support staff for help troubleshooting and straightening out any issues.
Factors that can impact scanning
Keep these factors in mind that can prevent tickets from scanning properly:
Ticket condition
Heavily damaged, torn, or taped up tickets may not scan accurately. Take special care not to fold or crease tickets to avoid issues.
Barcode readability
Smudges, stains, or marks on the barcode can interfere with proper scanning. Keep tickets in a safe place.
Direct light
Too much glare or direct sunlight on the ticket surface when scanning can impact results. Scan in shaded conditions.
Scanning angle
Make sure to align the barcode and ticket perfectly with the scanner. Tilting or angling can cause problems.
Phone camera quality
Low resolution smartphone cameras may have trouble recognizing and reading codes and numbers. Use a phone with an adequate camera.
Scanning Issue | Potential Solution |
---|---|
Blurry/misread barcode | Hold camera steadier or move closer |
Glare from light | Move to shaded area, adjust angle |
Outdated/unsupported app | Update app or use different one |
Connectivity problems | Connect to stable WiFi/cellular data |
Conclusion
Getting a “See retailer” message when scanning lottery tickets is usually just a temporary glitch that can be fixed by validating with a retailer, allowing time for results to finalize, or troubleshooting your scanning setup and connectivity. With patience and proper ticket handling, you should be able to confirm your lottery outcomes successfully. Though retailer support provides the most reliable validation method if any uncertainties arise. Be sure to scan carefully, update your lottery app regularly, and enjoy responsibly!