Lotteries, scratchcards and bingo
What happens if a winning lottery ticket gets washed in the washing machine?
Direct answer
Keep all remaining ticket pieces and contact the issuing lottery before attempting repair. A photograph can support a claim but does not automatically replace required ticket validation.
How to use this answer
The principle is supported by the referenced rules, but a different operator or market can apply a different settlement condition. Treat the named provider as a specific example, not as a universal betting rule.
Preserve every remaining fragment and contact the official lottery claims office; proof-of-ownership rules differ.
Use the published game matrix and prize rules for the exact lottery or scratchcard. Identical tickets, rollover jackpots and claimed win patterns should be assessed using probabilities rather than intuition.
Reference: lotterywest.wa.gov.au · published rules or source ↗