If you’ve scratched a Massachusetts Lottery ticket and noticed a small 3-letter code hidden under the latex, you’ve found a validation code. These codes correspond to specific prize amounts and have been part of Mass scratch tickets for decades.
Below you’ll find the complete list of Massachusetts scratch ticket codes, what they mean, and — importantly — why the Mass Lottery advises against relying on them to check your tickets.
Last updated: June 2026
What Are the 3-Letter Codes on Mass Scratch Tickets?
The 3-letter codes on Massachusetts Lottery scratch tickets are validation codes. Each code corresponds to a specific prize amount — for example, TEN means $10, OHN means $100, and FHN means $500.
These codes were originally used by retailers to manually verify winning tickets when lottery terminal systems went offline. A clerk could look at the code and confirm the prize amount without needing to scan the barcode.
Today, all Massachusetts Lottery tickets are validated electronically through the retailer’s terminal or self-service kiosk. The codes still appear on tickets but are a legacy feature — not the official validation method.
Important: Codes Above $500 Are Randomized
For security purposes, all winning Massachusetts scratch tickets above $500 use random, non-meaningful codes. This means if you have a big winner ($1,000, $10,000, $1,000,000), the code will look like a loser — random letters like TYH, OIR, or FOW that don’t match any prize amount. This is intentional. Always scratch and play the full ticket.
Complete Massachusetts Scratch Ticket Code List
Here’s the full list of validation codes used on Mass Lottery scratch tickets. Each prize has a primary code and alternate codes (anagrams of the same letters).
| Prize Amount | Primary Code | Alternate Codes |
|---|---|---|
| $1 | ONE | OEN, NOE, NEO, EON, ENO |
| $2 | TWO | TOW, WTO, WOT, OTW, OWT |
| $3 | THR | TRH, HTR, HRT, RTH, RHT |
| $4 | FOR | FRO, OFR, ORF, RFO, ROF |
| $5 | FVE | FEV, VFE, VEF, EFV, EVF |
| $6 | SIX | SXI, ISX, IXS, XSI, XIS |
| $7 | SVN | SNV, VSN, VNS, NSV, NVS |
| $8 | EGT | ETG, GET, GTE, TEG, TGE |
| $9 | NIN | NNI, INN |
| $10 | TEN | TNE, ETN, ENT, NTE, NET |
| $15 | FTN | FNT, TFN, TNF, NFT, NTF |
| $20 | TWY | TYW, WTY, WYT, YTW, YWT |
| $21 | TYO | TOY, YTO, YOT, OTY, OYT |
| $25 | TWF | TFW, WTF, WFT, FTW, FWT |
| $30 | TRY | TYR, RTY, RYT, YTR, YRT |
| $40 | FRT | FTR, RFT, RTF, TFR, TRF |
| $50 | FTY | FYT, TFY, TYF, YFT, YTF |
| $60 | STY | SYT, TSY, TYS, YST, YTS |
| $70 | SVY | SYV, VSY, VYS, YSV, YVS |
| $100 | OHN | ONH, HON, HNO, NOH, NHO |
| $150 | OHF | OFH, HOF, HFO, FOH, FHO |
| $200 | THN | TNH, HTN, HNT, NTH, NHT |
| $250 | THF | TFH, HTF, HFT, FTH, FHT |
| $300 | TRN | TNR, RTN, RNT, NTR, NRT |
| $400 | FRN | FNR, RFN, RNF, NFR, NRF |
| $500 | FHN | FNH, HFN, HNF, NFH, NHF |
⚠️ Prizes above $500 always have random, non-winning codes. This is a security measure. If you have a code that doesn’t match this list, it could be a loser OR a big winner — you must play the full ticket to know.
Common Codes People Ask About
What does TYH mean on a Mass scratch ticket?
TYH is not a winning code in Massachusetts. It’s one of the random codes used on losing tickets (and occasionally on big winners above $500 for security). If you see TYH, scratch the full play area — it’s most likely a loser, but could be a major prize.
What does OIR mean on a Mass scratch ticket?
OIR is not a winning code. Like TYH, it’s a random code that appears on non-winning tickets and sometimes on prizes above $500. Always play the full game.
What does STN mean on a Mass scratch ticket?
STN does not correspond to any prize amount in the Massachusetts code system. It’s typically a losing code. However, remember that prizes over $500 use random codes — so always scratch the full ticket.
What does FOW mean on a Mass scratch ticket?
FOW is a random/losing code. Multiple Massachusetts players have reported finding FOW on both losing tickets and on large winners ($1,000+). This is by design — big prizes intentionally use codes that look like losers.
How the Massachusetts Code System Works
- Primary codes are abbreviations: ONE=$1, TEN=$10, OHN=One HuNdred=$100, FHN=Five HuNdred=$500
- Alternate codes are anagrams (rearranged letters) of the primary code
- Losing codes are random 3-letter combinations that don’t match any prize (TYH, OIR, FOW, etc.)
- Big winner codes ($600+) intentionally use random/losing codes for security
The $500 threshold is significant: Massachusetts requires prizes of $601 and above to be claimed at a Lottery office (not at a retailer). By using random codes on these tickets, the lottery prevents clerks from identifying big winners by code alone.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on These Codes
The Massachusetts Lottery explicitly warns against using codes as your only validation method. Here’s why:
- Big winners look like losers. Any prize above $500 has a random code. If you only check the code, you could throw away a $10,000 or $1,000,000 winner.
- Codes can be misread. A smudged letter or partial scratch can make TEN look like TYN, or FHN look like FHR.
- Retailer fraud risk. If you hand an unscratched ticket to a clerk and ask them to “check the code,” a dishonest clerk could pocket a winner. Always scratch the full play area yourself.
- Not all games use the same codes. While most Mass scratch tickets use this system, some newer games may differ.
Better Ways to Check Your Mass Lottery Tickets
- Self-service kiosk — Scan the barcode at any Keno location or lottery retailer
- Mass Lottery app — Scan tickets with your phone
- Play the full game — Scratch the entire play area and match numbers/symbols as intended
- Retailer terminal — Have the clerk scan it (watch them do it)
What Actually Matters When Buying Mass Scratch Tickets
Validation codes tell you what you’ve won after purchase. They can’t help you choose better tickets. Here’s what can:
Check Remaining Prizes
Massachusetts has one of the largest scratch ticket catalogs in the country — over 130 active games. Some have had their top prizes claimed while others still have millions in unclaimed prizes. We track this daily for every active Mass Lottery scratch ticket on our Massachusetts scratch-off rankings page.
Compare Odds and Expected Value
Not all $5 tickets are created equal. Two games at the same price can have very different odds and expected returns based on their remaining prize pools. Learn how we calculate expected value →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OHN mean on a Massachusetts scratch ticket?
OHN is the validation code for a $100 prize. Alternate codes: ONH, HON, HNO, NOH, NHO.
What does FVE mean on a Mass scratch ticket?
FVE is the code for a $5 prize (FiVE). Alternates: FEV, VFE, VEF, EFV, EVF. Note: Massachusetts uses FVE, not FIV like some other states.
Can a losing code actually be a big winner?
Yes. All Massachusetts scratch ticket prizes above $500 intentionally use random codes that look like losers. This is confirmed by the Mass Lottery and by numerous players who have won $1,000+ on tickets with codes like TYH, OIR, and FOW. Always scratch the full ticket.
Are Massachusetts scratch ticket codes the same as other states?
Mostly similar but not identical. Massachusetts uses FVE for $5 (other states use FIV), OHN for $100 (others use HUN), and has unique codes for $150 (OHF) and $250 (THF). Each state has its own variations.
How long do I have to claim a winning Mass scratch ticket?
Massachusetts scratch tickets must be claimed within one year of the game’s official end date. Check the Mass Lottery website for specific game end dates.
Data compiled from Massachusetts Lottery retailer documentation and player-verified sources. For current game odds and remaining prizes, see our Massachusetts scratch-off rankings updated daily.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. The Massachusetts Lottery does not encourage players to rely solely on validation codes. Always use official validation methods (self-service kiosks, retailer terminals, or the Mass Lottery app). Please play responsibly — if you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-327-5050.