Mega Millions Ticket Worth $197.5 Million Set to Expire This Weekend
A Winning Ticket with No Claimant
A winning Mega Millions ticket worth $197.5 million is set to expire this weekend, the California Lottery announced. The ticket, one of two jackpot winners from the December 8, 2023, drawing, was sold at a Chevron gas station in Encino.
The Winning Numbers
The winning numbers were 21, 26, 53, 66, 70, and Mega Ball 13. One of the two winning tickets was already redeemed, but the other remains unclaimed, and the California Lottery has no way to contact the winner.
A Last-Minute Opportunity to Claim the Prize
The California Lottery is urging players to check their tickets, as the prize must be claimed by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday. The winner can visit one of the California Lottery’s nine district offices or mail a completed claim form to its headquarters in Sacramento postmarked before the expiration date.
Consequences of an Unclaimed Prize
If the prize goes unclaimed, the money will be allocated to public education in California, in accordance with state lottery regulations. "While it’s a shame for potential winners to see any winning ticket expire, it does give a helpful boost to California public schools," said Carolyn Becker from the California Lottery. "We can still feel good about it at the end of the day."
Current Jackpot and Contributions to Education
The current Mega Millions jackpot is climbing, with Friday’s grand prize estimated at around $579 million. Every $2 sold contributes about 80 cents to California’s public schools.
How to Claim Your Prize
For more information on claiming lottery prizes or details about the current jackpot, visit the California Lottery website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is the winning Mega Millions ticket worth?
A: The winning ticket is worth $197.5 million.
Q: When is the deadline to claim the prize?
A: The prize must be claimed by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday.
Q: What happens if the prize goes unclaimed?
A: The money will be allocated to public education in California, in accordance with state lottery regulations.
Q: How much does every $2 sold contribute to California’s public schools?
A: Every $2 sold contributes about 80 cents to California’s public schools.
