Big Buck$ FAQ

How can I pay?

We accept cash, money order, and personal checks.  

Do you accept credit cards?

Not at this time but we are working on it. 

Can I have more than one name on a ticket and split the ticket cost?

Yes, however payment in full is due at the time of purchase.  You can have as many names on the ticket as possible but only one person will be issued a check if you win.  That person will be responsible for properly dividing the winnings among the other participants. 

What are the prizes?

Big Bucks gives away the following prizes.

26- $500 prizes

20- $1000 prizes

1- $15,000 prize

1- $20,000 prize

1- $30,000 prize

1 - $50,000 prize

Your ticket number is eligible for every prize.  Meaning, you can win multiple times. 

Is my ticket purchase tax deductible?

Yes.  Your $100 donation to the Bayport Fire Department is tax deductible

Where is Big Bucks Held?

Big Bucks is held in May at the Bayport Fire Department park adjacent to the fire headquarters. (Click here for directions)

How long is the event?

Gates open at 2:00pm and the event is over at 5:00pm. Your ticket includes food and beverage and live entertainment. 

What kind of food and drinks are available?

Typically, Hot dogs, Hamburgers, Bratwurst and/or Kielbasa.  Drinks include Sodas, Beer, Light beer, and wine. 

How old do I need to be to participate?

Purchasers and Attendees must be 21 years old.  There are no exceptions to this. 

What if I have a child or infant?

We suggest a babysitter.  You will not be permitted entry with anyone under 21 years old.  You may not sit on the fire district property adjacent to the park.  

Is there seating?

There is very limited seating.  We strongly urge you to bring chairs, picnic blankets, and anything else to make your stay comfortable.

Where can I park?

Please keep in mind that this is an active fire station.  Please do not park your car where you may cause a disruption to responding vehicles. Handicap parking (with a permit) is permitted at the rear of the fire station.  Guest parking is limited to Railroad Street, West of Snedecor Avenue, Snedecor Avenue South of the Firehouse, Railroad Street East of the Firehouse, and Bayport Ave south of the Railroad tracks. 

Do I have to report my winnings to the IRS?

For prizes over $500, the Big Buck$ committee will issue you a check with the proper taxes taken out.  Winners will be required to sign claim forms that are present.  Winners of the larger prizes must sign IRS forms that can be mailed back to the Big Bucks committee prior to receiving your check. 

What if I can't attend the event?

No problem.  Your tickets are still in the drawing. 

How are winners notified?

All winners who are not present on the day of the event will be notified by phone immediately following the event. A winners list will be posted on the Bayport Fire Department website by no later than 7pm on the day of the event.  If your name and/or number is not listed, then you did not win.  There is no need to call the big bucks hotline to verify. 

I didn't receive my ticket or I lost it, what do I do?

Simply call the Big Bucks Hotline at 631 472 2244 and leave us a message with your name and contact information.  We will re-issue you a new ticket.  If you can't find your ticket on the day of the event, proceed to the entry gate prior to the start and let them know you lost your ticket. We will reissue your ticket prior to entry. 

How many guests can I bring?

Each ticket permits the ticket holder and one guest (over the age of 21).

What if you don't sell all 2100 tickets?

While we have never had a problem in the past, however, in the unlikely event that big bucks does not sell out, the following rules will apply.

If less than 2,000 tickets have been sold by 1:00 pm on the day of the drawing, prizes equal to 74% of ticket receipts will be awarded as follows:
1st($50,000)prize=25% of available prize money
2nd($30,000)prize=15% of available prize money
3rd($20,000)prize=10% of available prize money
4th($15,000)prize=7.5% of available prize money
20($1,000)prizes=0.5% each of avail. prize money
26 ($500)prizes=0.25% each of avail. prize money

I sent in my ticket application with money but I saw that Big Bucks was sold out.  Can I still get a ticket?

Unfortunately, once we have sold 2099 tickets the ticket sales are closed.  You will be given the option to reserve a ticket for the following year.   

When do ticket sales become available?

Ticket sales are available at the conclusion of that year's Big Bucks with the exception of advanced ticket sales.  Advance ticket sales are open to anyone in attendance at Big Bucks as well as prior participants via mail. Upon entry, guests are given the opportunity to purchase next year's tickets.  Tickets are processed towards the end of May.

Can I request a specific number?

Yes, you can.  However, tickets are sold in the order received.  If the number requested is not available you will be issued the next available number. 

The above information, rules, and regulations are subject to change.  The information posted and/or issued by the Bayport Fire Department and/or Big Bucks Committee supersedes the information on this website.  The website will be updated to reflect said changes upon notice to the site's administrator.  

If information posted on the winner's list is incorrect, the official recording of the event supersedes information posted on this website. The Bayport Fire Department, Big Bucks committee, Bayport Fire District nor the site administrator is not responsible for incorrect information posted on this website.