How To Play The Maryland Lottery

Every day, thousands of people across the state buy tickets and play the Maryland lottery. However, there are several different games available. This can leave some wondering just how to play the Maryland lottery.

The rules depend a great deal on what game is being played. The Pick 3 and Pick 4 games have their own drawings at appointed times each day. Powerball and Mega-Millions both have two drawings a week on set nights. Other games have their own schedules and rules.

Most scratch off games have their rules for winning printed right on the cards. These are normally pretty self explanatory. Rules for other games can be found on the lottery website at www.mdlottery.com.

One rule that is universal for all games is that winning tickets are "bearer instruments". This means that whoever has the winning ticket in hand can redeem it. The exception to this is a ticket that has been signed on its back by the purchaser. If one signs his/her ticket at the time of purchase, he/she is the only person who will be able to redeem it. Then, proper ID will have to be shown.

One can also find abbreviated rules for the various lottery games posted at any lottery retailer. One good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that one should never play a lottery game if he/she does not understand the rules.