Every big jackpot somebody says lets all put in, and then the questions start. Who holds the tickets, what if a person pays late, what happens with a small prize. I would rather write one plain page before buying anything. What rule do groups forget most?
Before the purchase, write the draw, contribution, member names and percentage shares; set a firm payment deadline; name the buyer and original-ticket holder; and agree whether small prizes are split or rolled forward. Send every member a readable ticket image before the drawing and keep the original secure.
For a large prize, stop informal payouts and use the issuing lottery's group-claim process. California, for example, uses a multiple-ownership form and a designated group representative. A checklist helps prevent confusion, but it is not a substitute for a contract or legal and tax advice.