ComplaintsforGeorgia Lottery Corporation

• Initial Complaint

  07/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Sir or Madame:My problem occurred with *******'s Convenience Store. I purchased ***** worth of Scratch Off Tickets at Lil *** Convenience Store. I specifically asked for a specific ticket and a specific number. Yet, I was given the same of one kind that I did not ask for. With scratch offs, the odds of winning are 1/4. These tickets, some were no wins at all! Which is find but uncommon if you buy four of a kind. I always buy four of a kind. You always win even if it is nothing but a ticket. The seller purposely did not follow my instructions!During purchase, when I chose one ticket, the *** would select another. This store is crooked, and it should be investigated! ******************* ********************* ********** TICKET INFORMATION ****: *********** Trace#: ****** Invoice #: ****** Shift #: 1 Store #: ***********************ST# CFM CSH: 2 ****# ******* 7/7/24 4:11:22 PM *******'s **************************************

  Business response

  07/10/2024

  The *** spoke to ***, the store owner and one of the Lotto Mart property owners.
   
  He informed us that he will review the video, and speak to his employees, and take appropriate action.
   
  Additionally, *** stated that he would be more than happy to speak with the player directly to resolve any issues.
   
  *** can be reached at ************

  Customer response

  07/11/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ******** and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  I also spoke to the business.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************

• Initial Complaint

  06/30/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I sent money to lottery business to help get me a lottery business and they didnt give me my money back. Because it was a scam and I need my money back now. I been scammed many times for money and I need a refund of $3,000,000.00. I need all my money back now because I been struggling to make ends meet and I been struggling for years and I had $3,000,000.00 and lost it do to theses scammers. I spent thousands of dollars into the lottery and never made anything back. I need my money back now. I need all of my money back now. I been needing money to get my product/ project/ prototype off the ground and its costing me thousands of dollars to do that as well. I need all my money back now. I need all the money I could possibly get in the world. $900,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.00 I want $900 Centillion dollars into all my bank accounts so I could help the world out with money issues. I need the money now in all of my bank accounts. Because people are struggling everyday and I need the money now to help the community. I am ******************************* looking for investors to help me fund money for my business Keone1. I have been working on this project, product, and prototype for years and I am now trying to get it in front of the marketing and Cooperations of companies to start making money now. I need $500,000 to $1,000,000 to complete it. I am an entrepreneur that been working on my own business for years. I am the owner of my business as well so I get 90% of the royalties and the other companies I signed with and have contracts with get 10% of the royalties. Need money

  Business response

  07/01/2024

  This individual has never sent the Georgia Lottery money to start a business. The Georgia Lottery does not function as a loan agency. If this individual has gotten scammed, we suggest this individual report this incident to the *********************** for a resolution (www.ftc.gov).

   

• Initial Complaint

  06/24/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid $150 to the Ga lottery on mother's Day 5/12. If you read the marketing, it clearly reads that the promotion was supposed to be valid mother's Day weekend which would be inclusive of 5/12. I tried to make my case via their support system, but they refuse citing the small print. This is clearly deceptive marketing and I would like my 35% bonus added to my account or a refund issued.

  Business response

  06/27/2024

  The Georgia Lottery ran a promotion over Mothers Day weekend that offered a 35% match of the first deposit into the players iHOPE account during the promotion period, which was clearly stated on both the email announcing the promotion and the landing page that the email linked to. See the relevant text. Because the text clearly stated the date of the promotion period, the lottery cannot extend the deposit match offer to deposits made outside of the promotion period.
  
  *Players who make a deposit into their iHOPE wallet will receive a 35% bonus match, up to $175.00, on the first qualifying deposit made during the promotional period (12:01 am through 11:59 pm ET on May 11, 2024). This promotion does not apply to a players first deposit to their iHOPE account after registering and may not be combined with other offers. Bonus funds will be credited to the player's iHOPE account within 7 business days of the end of the offer period. Both deposited funds and bonus funds may be used only to purchase lottery games and may not be withdrawn.

  Customer response

  07/01/2024

  Can we share the email with the BBB national advertising division? It is clearly a deceptive marketing email. The Georgia lottery refuses to take accountability for this. I think that every customer that provided funding that day should receive what they were marketed toward.

  This It's probably endemic within there campaigns. It would be good for all of us to get ahead of this. 

  Should I also consulted Georgia attorney general? It seems they get involved in cases like this as well.

  Business response

  07/03/2024

  The Georgia Lottery ran a promotion over Mothers Day weekend that offered a 35% match of the first deposit into the players iHOPE account during the promotion period, which was clearly stated on both the email announcing the promotion and the landing page that the email linked to. See the relevant text. Because the text clearly stated the date of the promotion period, the lottery cannot extend the deposit match offer to deposits made outside of the promotion period.
  
  *Players who make a deposit into their iHOPE wallet will receive a 35% bonus match, up to $175.00, on the first qualifying deposit made during the promotional period (12:01 am through 11:59 pm ET on May 11, 2024). This promotion does not apply to a players first deposit to their iHOPE account after registering and may not be combined with other offers. Bonus funds will be credited to the player's iHOPE account within 7 business days of the end of the offer period. Both deposited funds and bonus funds may be used only to purchase lottery games and may not be withdrawn.

  Customer response

  07/03/2024

   
  Complaint: 21895696
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I need help from the BBB national advertising division? It is clearly a deceptive marketing email. The Georgia lottery refuses to take accountability for this. I think that every customer that provided funding that day should receive what they were marketed toward.
  This It's probably endemic within there campaigns. It would be good for all of us to get ahead of this. 

  I will also consult the Georgia attorney general. It seems they get involved in cases like this as well.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  07/11/2024

  The Georgia Lottery regrets that the player is dissatisfied with our response. However, we continue to stand by it.

  Customer response

  07/15/2024

   
  Complaint: 21895696
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The Ga Lottery must be accountable for their deceptive marketing. I referenced this complaint to the Attorney General complaint that I also filed here. 

  The BBB ***************************** (NAD) and the GA AG's office should take note to protect Georgians.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  04/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Golden Pantry has a Georgia Lottery instant scratch off machine. I put in $30 for a Billion Dollar Bonanza ticket Game #****. The machine took my money and displayed error and did not dispense my ticket. I went to cashier and told him and he said there was nothing he could do about it. He said Manager does not have a key. This is poor business practice to have a machine that they can not access when it does not dispense item correctly. I would like a full refund. My upload receipt and card is just proof of the time and date I was at the location. I left my name and number and was told a manager would call and they never did.

  Business response

  04/25/2024

  There have been several attempts to contacting the complainant, he has yet to respond. 

• Initial Complaint

  03/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  The Georgia Lottery has a website where you can sign up, this website refuses to accept my information from my Georgia Drivers License. No one will address the issue. Very unprofessional for an organization that is supposed to do good.

  Business response

  03/21/2024

  We have checked for any contacts from this player and did not find any . The account is now passing credentials and the player should no longer have issues purchasing online . We have attempted to give the player a call, but the phone number listed on both the email and the account belongs to an Xbox support hotline . We have emailed the player that the issue should now be resolved and if they have any further questions or concerns to contact our player support line .  

  Customer response

  03/21/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

  Not sure what they were able to do but my account is now authenticated and seems to be working.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  02/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  ON FEB 09,2024 FRIDAY I PLAYED A GROUP OF NUMBERS AND THE NUMBER THAT CAME OUT WAS 2341, I PLAYED THIS NUMBER THREE TIMES THAT DAY AND WON ******, ****** FOR EACH TICKET. THE LAST TIME I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY WINNING TICKETS, I CALLED IN ON FEB ******* (1800-GA-LUCKY) AND SPOKE WITH A LADY WHO VERIFIED MY ACCOUNT AND ASKED DID I WANTED THE WHOLE ****** MAIL I SAID YES, SHE VERIFIED MY ADDRESS, AND STATED THAT SHE PLACE THE TRANSACTION AND MY CHECK SHOULD BE WITH THIN 2WEEKS TODAY IS FEB 28,2024 I STILL HAVENT RECEIVED MY PAYMENT OF ****** I HAVE CALLED IN THREE-TIME CONCERNING MY PAYMENT AND ONLY RECEIVED NASTY ATTITUDES AND ONE MAN WAS SO RUDE WHEN I WAS ASKING ABOUT WHEN DOES IT SAY THE CHECK WAS SENT OUT HE SAID 30DAYS AND HUNG UP THE ****** I CALLED BACK AND SPOKE WITH ANOTHER LADY AND SHE STATED THE CHECK WAS MAIL ON 2/10/2024 AND THEN I REQUESTED TO SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR SHE TELLS ME THAT THEY DONT COME TO THE ***** AND THAT SHE WILL HAVE TO PLACE AN REQUEST FOR SOMEONE TO CALLED ME IT'S BEEN AN WEEK AND NO ***** CALL. I NEED TO KNOW WHERE IS MY CHECK. OR IS THIS A WAY THE GA LOTTERY SCAMS PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR MONEY? MY LAST CHECK OF ****** WAS SENT OUT AND I RECEIVED IT IN TWO WEEKS SO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM NOW? I PAID MY MONEY FOR THESE TICKETS AND GA LOTTERY DID NOT WAIT 30 DAYS NOR 2WEEKS TO TAKE THAT MONEY FOR TICKETS OUT OF MY ACCOUNT, NOW I HAVE WON AND FOUND OUT GA LOTTERY WORKERS PLAYING AROUND ON THE *****S WITH THEIR NASTY A** ATTITUDES AND THEN HANG UP ON YOU WHEN ARE YOU TRYING FIND OUT WHERE IS YOUR CHECK? I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER GEORGIANS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS WHEN THEY HAVE WON MONEY, MAYBE THE NEWS CAN BRING THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE OTHER PLAYERS IN GEORGIA AND THEN MAYBE WE CAN HAVE AN ANSWER AND A CHANGE!

  Business response

  03/07/2024

  Our records show that the finance team has reviewed this player's claim and discovered that a check was mailed out on 02/22/24. It can take up to 30 days before payment is received. We have left this player a voicemail and sent her an email.
  

  Customer response

  03/07/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  02/22/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  You only have to be 18 to play the Georgia lottery, Ive been trying to upgrade my account to play the ********************************************* online every since Ive turned 18, I am now 21 and I am still unable to play the ******* lottery online despite calling support multiple times and even them not being able to upgrade me despite having all of the necessary information. It seems extremely unfair as I meet all requirements yet their system can not verify my identity, I have lived in Georgia all of my life. I just want to be able to play online.

  Business response

  03/01/2024

  Our customer-service team has investigated Mr. ******** case, and we regret that at this time we cannot resolve his issue.
  
  Playing lottery games online requires opening and funding an electronic wallet, and federal law requires the Georgia Lottery to verify the applicants identity before creating the wallet. Our identity-verification vendor checks multiple federal, state, and local databases for the applicants informationranging from the *** to banks to utility companies. If the vendor cannot find enough records for an applicant, they cannot verify the applicants identity and the Georgia Lottery cannot create an online wallet for the applicant.
  
  Thats the case for ******************. We cannot verify his identity at this time, so we cannot allow him to open an electronic wallet to play lottery games online. As his information enters more public records, that situation may change. Examples of the types of information that will enter public record to verify his identity are loans, tax returns, and utility bills in his name. 

  Customer response

  03/01/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  02/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I played the *************** Rise Up Diggi Game on 2/19/2024. I bid $0.50 three times. Earning $10.00 the first bid, $1.00 the second, and $2.50 the third time. Winning just a total of $13.50. Then I noticed my winnings were never uploaded to my account. So I played $0.50 again and won $0.75. The $0.75 was accredited to my account. (Surprisingly) I reached out to GA Lottery and they are asking for a screenshot. I didnt think I would have to screenshot such low winnings. The transaction didnt record as well. It would be nice to receive what I earned.

  Business response

  02/28/2024

  The player contacted our customer-service team by email on 2/20/24 to ask about wins from the *************** Rise Up Diggi game on 2/19/24. The customer-service representative looked at *********** activity and shared with the player details of the 3 play sessions for this game from 2/19, which showed $6.50 in purchases and $3.50 in wins, all of which were credited to *********** iHOPE wallet.
  
  *********** activity shows no additional purchases of the game on 2/19/24 and no additional wins.

• Initial Complaint

  02/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have an ihope account online. The problem is I cannot cash out my winnings to my bank. I don't know why. I would like my winnings mailed to me in atleast a check to *************************************************************

  Business response

  02/12/2024

  Our payment provider for deposits from and transfer to bank accounts is *****************, also known as Global Payments. Issues with bank deposits/transfers must be discussed directly with Pavilion. Our customer-service team provided the contact phone number for Pavilion to the player in an email: ************.
  
  Our records indicate that the player has spent her winnings on lottery games and currently has no funds eligible to be transferred out.
  
  For future reference, players can also transfer winnings to their PayPal account.
  
  If the player continues to have questions, please contact the Player Information Hotline via phone at ************** ***************).

• Initial Complaint

  01/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I won $1000 in the georgia lottery. I set up an appointment and kept my appointment. I live quite far away. I arrived they issued me a check. The check is not cashable. My bank declined the transaction as did ******** This means the georgia lottery is illegally holding the funds of every issued check for a day. The interest on the money alone is substantial. Per government regulations (federal) no person shall hold monies not *********** them.

  Business response

  01/23/2024

  The Georgia Lottery Corporation bank is Truist.  It is a policy of *********** and the Georgia Lottery to participate in the Truist Positive Pay system.  This system helps safeguard the Georgia Lottery and Truist against fraudulent or suspicious checks by transmitting a daily data file of our issued checks to Truist.  This system requires our payees to wait until the next banking business day after the check is issued to cash or deposit the check.  A notice is provided to each winner who is paid at one of our District Offices or Kiosks advising the winner NOT to deposit or cash their check(s) on the date it was issued and to wait until the next banking business day.  This system provides our winners the opportunity to receive payment without a check cashing fee the day after their check is issued if they visit one of the Truist Branches to cash their check.      

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩