We are always wise after the event. So if you've spent a lot of time and money playing over the years, and suddenly your lottery winning number ticket suffers any of the following problems, your happy and prosperous future may be lost before it even begins.

Check through these quick tips and make sure you're covered for the next game:

1. What would happen if you lost your winning ticket? It doesn't bear thinking about. The first thing to do is to photocopy your tickets. But before you do...

2. Write your name on every ticket. You can include the words "ticket owner" if you need to, but generally for a large prize you'll be asked to prove your name with your driver's license, ID or something else official. Done that? Now photocopy them.

3. Reduce the chance of a winning ticket slipping past you. Have your lotto shop check the ticket numbers after each game. Don't rely on your own eyes. Having the store check your tickets means you won't miss a crucial number - which could be the difference between a world trip... or going back to work on Monday.

4. If you give someone else lotto tickets as a gift, make sure the people you're giving them to can claim. Because if the game requires players to be over the age of 18, it'll be a few long years before your 12-year-old niece or nephew gets to spend their $50 million from the ticket you gave them for their birthday. Winning the lotto under these circumstances is not fun for all of you.

5. Are you playing in a syndicate or pool? At the very least you should have a document signed by everyone who takes part. It should include a brief description of the games you're playing, the amounts you each put in, and what share you will distribute on payout. This keeps everyone honest.

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