In 2024, players failed to redeem R$431 million in prizes from Caixa Econômica Federal lotteries. These values correspond to winning tickets that were not collected within the deadline.
Caixa Econômica Federal determines that winners have up to 90 days to redeem prizes. After this period, the amounts are transferred to the Student Financing Fund (Fies), in accordance with Law No. 13,756/2018.
Forgotten awards generate investments in Brazil
Caixa informs that it invests the amounts forgotten in the lotteries in Health, Education, Security and Sports. “We allocate around half of gaming revenue, including Income Tax, to these priority sectors”, explains Caixa.
The transfer to Fies occurs monthly, as the premiums prescribe. In 2023, the fund received R$485.7 million from this source, with August being the month with the highest volume, accumulating R$89.8 million.
How does lottery prize redemption work?
The withdrawal of lottery prizes administered by Caixa varies depending on the value. Thus, the winner can withdraw prizes of up to R$2,259.20 at any lottery outlet or Caixa branch.
But the redemption of amounts exceeding R$2,259.20 occurs exclusively at Caixa branches. The lottery prize is released upon presentation of the original identity document with CPF and the receipt for the winning bet.
For amounts equal to or greater than R$10,000, a minimum period of two business days must be met for receipt. This period starts from the delivery of the required documents at the Caixa branch.
Therefore, by failing to withdraw lottery prizes within the deadline, many Brazilians end up indirectly contributing to the financing of educational initiatives through Fies. So, the question remains: how many of these forgotten tickets could have changed the lives of their winners?
