This is one store that won't be running out of money. Former Mrs Ohio, DeAnna Holliday (second from left) has seen her family's store double lottery ticket sales in 6 years. PHOTO: OH!

Every game has a maximum amount they can pay out through their retail store outlets. But because of the increased use of credit and debit cards, stores don't have as much cash on hand as they used to.

Ohio Lottery officials are considering new options to pay some winners because of this problem affecting retailers all over the country.

Lottery winners might one day receive payment cards or have their winnings electronically transferred to an account, the Northeast Ohio Media Group reported.

Ohio Lottery staff at Canton put winner's photos on this noticeboard.

Retailers can redeem winning tickets of up to $599, but Ohio Lottery Finance Director Greg Bowers said some stores don’t have enough cash on hand to pay out the prizes because of the increased use of credit and debit cards.

“It is a hot topic in the lottery industry,” he said.

Bowers said he is not aware of any retailer who has been unable to pay winnings, but the problem can occur. About 85 percent of prizes are paid by retailers.

Winners of prizes between $600 and $5,000 can obtain a claim form at retailers to send in or they can receive cash from 192 banks across the state for a fee of $10.

Those who win more than $5,000 must contact a regional lottery office.

Lottery Director Dennis Be“This has been a struggle on how to get people their money because they want it fast,” Lottery Director Dennis Berg said. “And certain people in this culture want cash.”

Lottery officials said younger players would likely prefer another option than cash since they often don’t carry a lot of money.

If cashless payouts are implemented, some retailers might be allowed to cash winning tickets between $600 and $5,000.

In July, 2013, the Michigan Lottery introduced the WonCard Discover debit card. Players could buy tickets and have prizes up to $600 loaded on the card. The lottery discontinued the card in June 2015 and no explanation was provided.

Pennsylvania Lottery retailers can pay lottery prizes up to $2,500.

Illinois Lottery retailers cash tickets up to $600 if they have the cash to do so, it said. Winning tickets can be taken to regional offices or mailed to the claims department.

Lottery retailers in Indiana redeem tickets of $25 or less but some are authorized to redeem winnings up to $599.

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