HUNT IS ON
Lotto officials still searching for 2 mystery $1m Mega Millions winners – the money will expire in weeks
That particular prize sum has disappeared as a result of changes made by Mega Millions
LOTTO bosses have urged players to double check their tickets as two $1 million prizes still remain up for grabs.
And chiefs have warned that the slips will become worthless in just weeks, sparking an urgent hunt.
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One Mega Millions ticket holder has only until April 23 to come forward and collect their winnings, as reported by the CBS affiliate KOAM-TV.
Officials have revealed the prize dates back to a draw in October last year.
The second player has until May 14 to step forward and claim their winnings.
Their winning ticket dates back to a draw that took place in November.
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Officials revealed the tickets were sold at locations in Missouri.
One player bought the ticket in Branson, while the other slip was sold at a location in Kansas City.
Mega Millions gamblers could land a $1 million prize for matching five numbers on the game of chance.
The sum was the largest non-jackpot prize.
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But, that particular prize has since disappeared as a result of the Mega Millions revamp.
That is because multipliers have now been factored in.
Lottery player lands $83.5 million prize but then is told payment’s being ‘withheld’ – she may not see single cent
Previously, players had to fork out an extra dollar on top of the cost of their ticket to take advantage of the Megaplier.
Now, it is already built into the prizes - with the minimum being 2X.
This means that Mega Millions players can win between $2 million and $10 million.
Players must defy odds of one in around 12.6 million to match five numbers.
Top lottery winners in the US
Millions dream of winning the lottery and finding fame and fortune. These are the biggest winners in US lottery history.
- Edwin Castro - $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 8, 2022, in California.
- Theodorus Struyck - $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023, in California.
- Unknown winner - $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023, in Florida.
- Marvin and Mae Acosta from Los Angeles, California, John and Lisa Robinson from Munford, Tennessee, and Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt from Melbourne Beach, Florida - $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016.
- Unknown winner - $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018, from South Carolina.
- Unknown winner - he sued the mother of his child to keep his identity hidden - $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023, from Maine.
- Unknown winner - $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022, from Illinois.
- Cheng and Duanpen Saephan, and Laiza Liem Chao - $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 7, 2024, from Oregon.
- Rosemary Casarotti - $1.22 billion, Mega Millions, December 27 2024, from California
- Unknown winner - $1.13 billion, Mega Millions, March 26, from New Jersey
Gamblers who try their luck playing the revamped Mega Millions have an improved chance of winning the top prize.
Previously, the odds of winning the jackpot were one in 302.6 million.
Now, players have a one in 290.4 million chance of matching five numbers and the Mega Ball.
The odds of winning any prize have marginally increased.
Gamblers used to have a one in 24 chance of winning any prize; now the odds are one in 23.
Despite having an improved chance of winning, players must pay more for their tickets.
The cost of a Mega Millions ticket is $5 - up from its previous $2 price mark.
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No player has yet won the Mega Millions jackpot following the game's April 5 revamp.
The prize pot currently stands at $96 million, with an estimated cash value of $42.2 million.
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Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling online.