Torn, wet or faded lottery ticket: can you still claim?
Winning with a ticket that is torn, washed or faded is a common worry. Short answer: it depends on the ticket's condition. Here are the general rules and what to do right away.
General conditions
- A genuine ticket for the right province and draw date;
- whole and intact, not cut, pieced or patched;
- no alterations to digits, code or date;
- claimed within 30 days of the draw.
Typical cases
| Condition | Likely outcome |
|---|---|
| Creased, lightly dirty | Usually paid if digits and code are readable. |
| Corner torn, digits intact | An agent may refuse; the lottery company usually reviews it. |
| Torn in two, all pieces kept | Do not tape it; bring both pieces to the company for inspection. |
| Wet, washed, faded | Air-dry flat; reviewed case by case and may be refused if unreadable. |
| Missing the number part, altered | Normally not paid. |
The issuing company decides. This is general guidance, not the official rules.
What to do
- Photograph both sides immediately.
- No tape, iron or hair-dryer: dry it naturally, pressed flat.
- Keep it in a plastic sleeve.
- Re-check the right province and date with the ticket checker or search.
- For a big win or a badly damaged ticket, go straight to the issuing company, early within the 30 days.
See also how to claim and how to check a ticket.
Note: this article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Always verify results and prize values with the issuing lottery company — see our disclaimer.