If you've won an Ohio Lottery prize of $599 or higher and have been unable to cash it, it's because of a cybersecurity incident that happened on Dec. 24, lottery officials said Wednesday in a news release.
Mobile cashing and prize cashing aren't currently available online or at any of the lottery's "Super Retailers," which can typically cash out prizes over $599. Additionally, Keno, Lucky One, and EZPlay Progressive jackpots are unavailable on the lottery's website and app. It's unknown when those services will resume, but officials said they will provide updates as soon as it changes.
The security incident didn't ward off customers from Charlie's Beverages Wednesday. Many were still lining up to play despite the Ohio Lottery being unable to pay. Valencia Jones-Green doesn't know what she's won or lost.
"I bought KENO over the past three days," said Jones-Green. "It is very frustrating because you want to know."
Ohio Lottery officials declined to go on camera Wednesday, but in a statement, said they are working to determine the scope and impact of the incident. Erman Ayday, a cybersecurity expert at Case Western Reserve University, said hackers were possibly trying to steal personal information.
“But that's not it. Once you breach into a system, you can also potentially go and change some algorithms,” said Ayday.
The incident comes ahead of a $700 million jackpot drawing Wednesday night. Erman said since the damage is already done, users can change passwords on the app or website to be safe.
Jones-Green hopes lottery officials remain transparent throughout the investigation.
“Financially, that’s everybody’s money is going into it,” said Jones-Green. “It is a concern because people are going to want to know what happened because we use our debit cards, we use all that. It will affect us.”
You can still redeem your prizes by mailing your claims to the Ohio Lottery Central Office. CLICK HERE for more information.
"We immediately commenced an internal investigation. That investigation is in its early stages and is ongoing," lottery officials stated on a page on the website about the incident. "We are working as quickly as we can to determine the scope and impact of the incident. We appreciate your understanding as we work through this issue."
Officials said the investigation into the incident is ongoing. No further information was released.
