Retailer Resources
The success of the DC Lottery relies on our partnerships with the network of retailers that sell lottery and serve as brand ambassadors for our games, promotions and other offerings. In addition to adding a new dimension and new revenue to your business, you will help in generating millions of dollars to benefit residents and the economic vitality of the District of Columbia.
DC Lottery retailers are an important link between innovative lottery games and players (current and prospective). Get in on the action and help generate revenue for the District of Columbia.
Agents must obtain a new license before selling lottery tickets if there are changes to their establishment's location, type of operation, or ownership.
Lottery agents are required to renew their lottery license bi-annually.
If you would like to voluntarily surrender your lottery license, please notify the licensing department 30 Days in advance and complete the License Change Request Form.
Video Tutorial
Agents must obtain a new license before selling lottery tickets if there are changes to their establishment's location, type of operation, or ownership.
Become a DC Lottery Retailer
Your business could be a profitable Lottery location if:
- You have high in-store traffic
- You sell impulse products
- You can promote Lottery games and promotions
- You can dedicate space to prominently display point-of-sale advertisement to help build product awareness
- You are an accessible establishment that meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Benefits
Retailers receive a commission on every ticket sale and prize cashed at their location.
- 5% commission on all online and instant ticket sales.
- 4% commission on instant ticket prizes paid.
- 3% commission on online ticket prizes paid.
- Bonus sales commissions for top-tier winning tickets sold at their location.
|
Game |
Bonus Earned For Selling |
Amount |
|
Powerball |
Jackpot Top Prize |
$25,000* |
|
Powerball |
$1,000,000 2nd Top Prize (with or without Power Play) |
$10,000 |
|
Mega Millions |
Jackpot Top Prize |
$25,000* |
|
Mega Millions |
$1,000,000 2nd Top Prize (with or without Megaplier) |
$10,000 |
|
Lucky for Life |
$1,000/Day for Life Top Prize |
$2,500 |
|
Lucky for Life |
$25,000/Year for Life 2nd Prize |
$1,000 |
|
Keno |
Winning tickets $100,000 and above |
$1,000 |
|
Race2Riches |
Winning tickets $100,000 and above |
$1,000 |
*Shared jackpots will determine the proportionate share of the retailer bonus.
Contact us today at 202-645-8041 or email OLCG.licensing@dc.gov to learn more about becoming a DC Lottery Retailer.
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Retailer FAQs
Expand AllHow do I become a DC Lottery Retailer?
Becoming a DC Lottery Retailer is a simple process and the Lottery offers a variety of incentives to businesses to become a licensed retailer. Your place of business could be a profitable Lottery location. Contact us today at 202-645-8041 or email OLCG.licensing@dc.gov to learn more about becoming a DC Lottery Retailer.
How much does it cost to become a DC Lottery Retailer?
It's FREE! There is no application fee to become a DC Lottery Retailer.
How long does it take to become a DC Lottery Retailer?
It takes approximately four (4) weeks to complete the licensing process.
What incentives are available to DC Lottery retailers?
When players win big, so do retailers! In addition to receiving a commission on each ticket sold and prize cashed at your store location, you also receive a bonus commission on top-prize winning tickets sold at your location. See the table above to see commissions for DC Lottery Retailers.
Do DC Lottery Retailers receive training?
Yes, the DC Lottery provides training to Retailers. The trainings are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
If I no longer want to sell DC Lottery products what should I do?
If you plan to give up your Lottery license, you must notify the DC Lottery at least forty-five (45) days in advance of the date you plan to stop selling.
What should I do if I need to "temporarily" deactivate my DC Lottery equipment?
You must notify the DC Lottery at least ten (10) days in advance of the date you wish to temporarily deactivate the equipment and suspend sales at your location.
Is the DC Lottery license transferrable?
DC Lottery licenses are nontransferable. If you plan to sell your business or there is a change in ownership, you must notify the DC Lottery at least forty-five (45) days in advance of the change.
Can my business sell just DC Lottery games and no other products?
No. Lottery is meant to be only a component of a store's offerings, so retailers cannot be licensed to just sell lottery games. The business must operate a lawful establishment in the District of Columbia in which the sale of lottery tickets is not its primary purpose or business.
Does my DC Lottery license expire?
Retailers are required to complete and submit a renewal application every two (2) years.
Can I move or relocate the Lottery equipment in my store due to renovation or other circumstances?
No. Retailers are not permitted to move or relocate installed Lottery equipment. If you need the equipment moved, contact us at (202) 645-8041, email OLCG.licensing@dc.gov, or speak to your Lottery sales representative to schedule the removal or relocation of equipment.
What should I do if my Lottery equipment is accidentally damaged?
Immediately report the damage by calling the DC09 Hotline: 1-877-809-8059.
Does my store location have to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to become a DC Lottery Retailer?
The DC Lottery’s Retailer Accessibility Program ensures that the lottery's offerings are accessible to all persons, including those with disabilities. As part of the licensing process, all applicants must undergo an assessment of their business location’s accessibility under the ADA standards.
Can I sell other state lottery tickets at my store location?
No, it is illegal to sell other state or foreign lottery tickets within the District of Columbia.
Who is ineligible to play the DC Lottery?
Any person under the age of 18 is ineligible to buy or be sold a DC Lottery ticket.
Also, per D.C. Official Code § 3-1320, no ticket or share shall be purchased by, and no prize shall be paid to, any of the following persons: The District of Columbia’s Chief Financial Officer, any employee of the Office of Lottery and Gaming, or any spouse, domestic partner, child, brother, sister, or parent residing as a member of the same household in the principal place of abode of the Chief Financial Officer or any employee of the Office of Lottery and Gaming.
What is the DC Lottery's billing cycle?
The billing cycle begins on Wednesday and ends on the following Tuesday.
Can I change the bank account associated with my DC Lottery license?
Yes, however, the DC Lottery’s Finance Department must receive a completed and signed Transfer Authorization Form with an attached “VOID” check by the close of business on the Monday prior to the end of the billing cycle (Tuesday).
How do I deposit funds/payment into the DC Lottery account?
Retailers are required to deposit funds generated from the sale of lottery games into the bank account associated with their Lottery License every week, no later than Wednesday of their bank’s close of business. A retailer’s failure to have adequate funds in their account when the weekly sweep occurs will result in a non-sufficient funds notification from the Lottery and the deactivation of their Lottery terminal.
What should I do if I need to report a crime at my store location?
Immediately contact the Metropolitan Police Department to report the crime. Once the crime has been reported to MPD, contact Lottery Security at 202-645-8080 and have the police report number available.
