Have you heard the intriguing tale of Story County, Iowa? A lottery ticket purchased at a convenience store in Ames won a staggering $1 million last September, yet it remains unclaimed to this day. What makes this story even more remarkable is that historically, a $1 million prize has only expired once in Iowa, and that ticket was also bought in Story County.
Will This Story Have a Happy Ending?
The winning ticket, part of the Iowa Lottery’s Mega Millions game, matched five of the six white balls, narrowly missing out on the massive $191 million jackpot that could have been won with the yellow Mega Ball. As Iowa Lottery spokesperson Mary Neubauer pointed out, winners have a year to claim their prizes, and it’s unusual for a jackpot of this size to linger without being claimed for so long.
“We’re trying to do everything we can to find that winner,” Neubauer stated. “Typically, a prize of this magnitude is claimed quickly, so it’s quite unusual for it to be unclaimed for this long.”
To bring attention to the situation, the Iowa Lottery has issued multiple press releases and placed signs at The Filling Station, where the winning ticket was sold. On June 6, the store will collaborate with lottery officials to hold an event aimed at raising awareness. Attendees can expect giveaways, including free tickets for upcoming Mega Millions draws. “This is our last push to remind everyone about this prize. While there’s still time, as each day passes, the chances of the ticket being claimed diminish,” Neubauer added.
With just over three months left before the ticket expires, it remains uncertain whether this story will conclude on a high note.
What Could Have Happened to the Winning Ticket?
It’s hard to fathom leaving a $1 million lottery ticket unclaimed. Various scenarios could explain the mystery. The ticket may have been accidentally lost or discarded. It’s possible that the ticket ended up in a laundry cycle or was simply forgotten in a glove compartment.
However, a more likely explanation is that an out-of-towner purchased the ticket. The winning drawing took place shortly after Labor Day weekend, a time when many travelers are on the move. The Filling Station is conveniently located along US-30, just a few miles from its junction with I-35, making it a popular stop for travelers.
What Happens If Time Runs Out?
According to Neubauer, winners of large prizes must claim them in person. Although it’s a long shot, an out-of-state winner could be planning a trip to Iowa to collect their winnings. If the ticket goes unclaimed, the prize will revert to the lottery prize pool for future games and promotions. For instance, following a similar situation in 2018, the Iowa Lottery held a promotion that resulted in a winning ticket being claimed by a group of co-workers from Cedar Rapids.
Regardless of whether the ticket is claimed, The Filling Station will receive $1,000 as a reward for selling the winning ticket.
How to Redeem Iowa Lottery Tickets
Throughout its 38-year history, the Iowa Lottery has distributed nearly $2 billion in prizes. As of April, the Lottery shortened the redemption period for all games from 365 days to 180 days. Each game has specific rules for redemption; however, prizes up to $600 can typically be redeemed at retail outlets. For larger prizes, up to $250,000, winners must visit an Iowa Lottery office with identification, while prizes exceeding $250,000 require a trip to the Lottery’s headquarters in Clive.
To explore the complete guide on redeeming Iowa Lottery tickets, visit the official Iowa Lottery website. Interestingly, the current list of unclaimed Iowa Lottery prizes over $600 is quite extensive, leaving many curious about the whereabouts of the elusive winners.
Source : https://www.playia.com/iowa-lottery-mega-millions-winner-1m-unclaimed-after-9-months/
