California lotteries are run by the state of California and the lawmakers of the state passed the rules for conducting a lottery. A commission appointed by the Governor of California manages the lotteries. Lotteries in the state commenced in the year 1984 when the voters in California accepted Proposition 37of the California State Lottery Act. This act stipulated that the revenues earned would be utilized to enhance the public education system in California.

The popular lottery games in California are Super Lotto Plus, MEGA Millions, Daily 3, Scratchers, Daily Derby, Hot Spot and Fantasy 5. The rules for playing and selection of winners vary from one game to another. For instance, MEGA Millions is a multi-state lottery and it operates in 11 states. The jackpot prize for MEGA Millions is the same in all the states except in California, where the amount is decided based upon the total ticket sales and the number of winners.

It is important to be aware of the rules that apply in California before playing a lottery in the state. There is a specific time period within which the prize money has to be claimed by the winners. In the case of MEGA Millions, Super Lotto Plus and Daily Derby, the available time for claiming the prize money is 180 days. Any unclaimed prize money is automatically considered as funds reserved for the cause of public education in the state. The California State Lottery Act authorizes the organizers of the California lotteries to disclose the winners name to any party interested in the information. Taxes applicable on the lottery winnings are subject to federal laws. No person who is closely associated with organizing the lottery is allowed to play the lottery. Prize money in the California lottery can be shared between multiple winners. A winner has the choice of receiving the prize money in a lump sum payment or in installments.

As declared by the California Lottery Commission in 1984, the funds generated by the state lottery are utilized to improve public education. The lottery system in California, therefore, has a social relevance, as well, since it helps further the educational standards in the state.