Well, the USA is definitely different. I won $1000.00 on the lottery a few years ago and they took the taxes right away. Anything over $600.00 you have to go to their office or mail it in. This is in New York. But if you itemize and can prove you spent that much during the year, (if you are audited)then you can write off the amount. Otherwise it is considered income.
When it comes to actual prizes, I am not sure how it works, but know that it is different for every state.
Did you win? If so, what?