The Florida Lottery launched a ‘Sign Your Ticket’ campaign to protect the winnings of rightful owners. And this is why...

Shanese Robinson, in St. Petersburg, plays every day "because I’m pretty lucky at it."

However, like many players, she never signs the back of her ticket.

And last year Shanese lost a ticket - and learned the hard way when someone else claimed the prize. "I lost $580," she said.

The Florida Lottery says signing it is the only way to protect her winnings.

Officials say the signature protects the player from others stealing or finding their ticket and turning it in as their own.

Florida lottery officials want players to immediately sign the backs of their lottery tickets as soon as they purchase them, but it’s not often practical for serious players.

Take a pen with you when you have your tickets checked by machine, and immediately sign any winning tickets on the spot.

The Florida Lottery launched its campaign this week online, on social media, and in stores.

“It’s the surest way to guarantee you are the designated rightful owner and that only you are entitled to the prize won,” said Cynthia O’Connell.

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