How Do I Become a Witness on the Televised Drawing?

WELCOME  

Thank you for your interest in becoming a witness on the nightly televised Pennsylvania Lottery drawing show. 

We know that our success depends greatly upon your understanding of how our drawings are conducted. A very important part of our procedures involves the witness participation in our nightly drawings to represent the public and to help ensure the integrity and security of the drawings.

Many people have asked us how to become a witness, and we hope that the following information helps answer most of your questions. If, after reading through the following information, you would like to be scheduled as a witness, or if you have any questions about becoming a witness, please contact the Pennsylvania Lottery at 717-702-8000 or email RA-lot-drawing@state.pa.us.

We think that you will find the experience both informational and rewarding, and we look forward to seeing you on TV!

THE PENNSYLVANIA LOTTERY WITNESS REQUIREMENTS:

The Pennsylvania Lottery seeks witnesses 55 years of age and older who are Pennsylvania residents. Individual witnesses will participate for two consecutive nights — the first night as an off-camera witness, and the second night as the on-camera witness. Witness participation by couples would involve three consecutive nights. Witnesses will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the drawing studio and for lodging if that were to be necessary (witnesses coming from beyond the greater Harrisburg area).

The Drawing:

• Located at WHP Studios, Sixth Street, Harrisburg, PA.
• Every evening the drawing includes The Daily Number, BIG 4, Quinto and CASH 5; on Tuesday and Friday we also have the Super 7 drawing; on Monday and Thursday, we also have the mix & match drawing.
• The total time needed to complete the process is approximately 3½ hours.

Your Role as a Witness:

• As a witness, you have an important responsibility as you represent the general public to witness all drawing-related activities and tasks to ensure the integrity of the drawings and public confidence in the Pennsylvania Lottery.
• You will directly participate in the selection of the machines and ball sets for all of that evening’s games, observing all pre-drawing and post-drawing tests, as well as being on camera for the live drawing.
• You complement a drawing staff of two Pennsylvania Lottery officials, who directly perform all drawing tasks, and two representatives from the independent Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firm, who monitor all tasks to ensure that all procedures are properly performed and that all security standards are met.
• You will be instructed on everything you need to do. There is nothing you need to prepare for.

The Schedule:

• Our nightly drawing activities begin at 4 p.m. with dinner, courtesy of the Pennsylvania Lottery, for the scheduled witnesses at a suburban Harrisburg restaurant. You will be met at the restaurant by members of our drawing staff, who will provide an overview of the evening’s procedures and your role in the drawing.
• After dinner, you and the drawing staff will proceed to WHP Studios where you will be met by representatives of the CPA group and will begin the drawing procedures.
• Witnesses are asked to provide their own transportation due to various factors. In the event that you are unable to drive, you are welcome to use a “third party” (a guest) to drive you to the restaurant and studio.
• Participation as an individual involves two consecutive days – the first day you will function as the “back-up” witness (off-camera), and the second day you will be the “on-camera” witness.
• If participating as a couple and you wish to accompany each other for both assignments, a third consecutive day would be involved.
• A drawing official will contact you to schedule you at your convenience. The scheduling will be confirmed by a follow-up letter.
• You may cancel or postpone if you encounter an emergency or other problem. We do request that you call us as early as possible if you need to cancel so that we may find a replacement witness.
• Normally, witnesses participate no more than once every six months.

The Process:

• Meet members of Pennsylvania Lottery drawing staff at 4 p.m. for dinner.
• Arrive at WHP Studios no later than 5:30 p.m.
• Assist in the random selection of machines and ball sets, and observe security tests.
• Observe pre-drawing tests in rehearsal area.
• Observe the movement of equipment into main studio area.
• Observe studio test drawings – then on-camera witness gets practice.
• Participate in the live drawings at 6:58:50 p.m.
• Observe post-drawing verification and tests.
• Secure machines and ball sets for the night.
• Sign paperwork and go home – usually no later than 7:30 p.m. 

Proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery Benefit Older Pennsylvanians.  Every Day.