What to Do if You Win Big on a Lottery Ticket Gift?

Lottery tickets: They’re a classic, low-effort Christmas gift. But what happens when you scratch off your ticket and—boom—you hit the jackpot? Suddenly, things can get a little complicated.

A simple lottery gift just became a gift that keeps on giving, but the real question is: What’s the proper etiquette when you win big on a lottery ticket from someone else?

One person turned to the internet for advice, asking, “What should I do if I win $5,000 on a lottery ticket Christmas gift?” Here are some of the best responses that can help navigate those awkward (but exciting!) moments.

Related: Poll Shows What People Would Do If They Won The Lottery

1. Play It Cool and Pretend Nothing Happened

The easiest option? Pretend you didn’t win. Casually say, “Oh darn, I lost,” while you fold that winning ticket up and slip it into your pocket. It’s smooth, it’s low-key, and no one will have to know about your newfound wealth—unless, of course, you can’t contain your excitement.

2. Resist the Urge to Scratch in Front of Everyone

This one’s for the superstitious among us. If you want to keep things drama-free, wait until you’re alone to scratch off that ticket. Say something like, “I’ll use my lucky penny later,” and take the suspense out of the equation. Everyone else doesn’t need to know how close you are to a big win until you're ready to spill the beans.

3. Test the Waters: Are They Happy for You?

It’s time for a little test. If the person who gave you the ticket reacts with anything other than genuine excitement or happiness for you, that’s a major red flag. Why would the gift-giver be upset that you got lucky? If the vibe is anything less than enthusiastic, maybe it’s time to reconsider that relationship.

4. Offer a Little “Thank You” Kickback

If you’ve won a decent amount (we’re talking in the thousands), it’s only polite to show your appreciation by taking the person out for a celebratory dinner or drinks. A simple gesture like this can go a long way in showing that you don’t take their gift lightly. If the win is smaller, you can always offer a more modest “thank you” as a token of your appreciation.

5. Pay It Forward with a Lotto Ticket

What’s better than winning a little extra cash? Sharing the wealth! Consider buying the gift-giver a lottery ticket in return. It’s a fun, thoughtful way to keep the good vibes rolling—and who knows, maybe they’ll hit the jackpot next time.

6. Split the Winnings with the Giver

Now, this one might be a bit controversial, but some people say it’s fair to share a portion of your winnings with the person who gifted you the ticket. Whether you choose to offer 10% or even half (yikes!), it’s up to you to decide what feels right. Just remember, if someone gave you a gift, it’s nice to show appreciation, but you don’t have to give them a cut. (If someone gifted you jeans, would you really give them one leg of the pair? Just saying.)

7. It Depends on the Relationship

Is it a close friend, a family member, or just an acquaintance? The relationship you have with the giver should play a big part in determining what you do with the winnings. If they’re someone special, sharing some of the prize makes sense. If it’s someone you’re not super close with, you might want to keep it all for yourself as a gift—after all, they did give it to you!

8. A Funny (But Weird) Example

One user shared an interesting story about their uncle, who gave everyone lottery tickets during the holidays—but with a twist.

He filled out his info on the back of the tickets just in case they turned out to be winners. While this could just be a quirky joke, it adds a weird layer to the whole gifting process. Hopefully, he wasn’t serious!

In the End, It’s All About Your Comfort

Winning big on a lottery ticket gift can feel like a lot of pressure, but the right response depends on your personality and your relationship with the giver. Whatever you choose to do, just make sure it feels right for you—and don’t forget to enjoy the moment! After all, Christmas is all about spreading joy, and maybe you’ll be the one to spread a little extra cheer this year.

Have you ever won big from a Christmas lottery gift?