Over a month ago, a bet for the second Mega Millions jackpot was sold, providing the winner with a prize pool of $1.34 billion. However, there is a problem with the story that should have a happy ending: the player still hasn’t pocketed that jackpot.
The ticket was purchased at a Speedway gas station in Des Plaines, 30 kilometers northwest of downtown Chicago, on July 29, according to the Illinois lottery website. The ticket won the top prize in the same day draw.
However, as of August 30, the jackpot had not been claimed, Meghan Powers, Illinois Lottery director of communications, told CNN. But the Mega Millions jackpot winner isn’t the only lottery winner who hasn’t claimed their prize yet.
Players have one year to redeem the lottery prize
According to the Illinois Lottery website, a $1 million jackpot purchased in February of this year and several six-figure jackpots were also unclaimed. Winners have one year to withdraw their prizes, according to the Illinois Lottery.
In an official note, lottery officials claimed that it is common for grand prize winners to wait to redeem their winnings. “For a prize of this magnitude, it’s not uncommon for the winner to take a while to claim,” said Illinois lottery director Harold Mays. “I’m sure they’re going through a lot of emotions.”
The lottery recommends players to sign the back of the ticket and leave it in a safe place, seek professional financial and legal advice on their winnings, and then later call the lottery hotline to schedule a time to collect the amount.
Even if the jackpot is rescued, the public may never find out who the lucky one is. That’s because players who win prizes of $250,000 or more can remain anonymous in Illinois, the lottery says.
“We will work closely with the winner to respect any wishes for privacy and support them in any way we can to provide a positive winning experience,” Mays said in the statement.
