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If you purchased a Mega Millions ticket at a Speedway in Des Plaines, IL back in July, it might be a good idea to search through your glove box to see if you have the lucky winning ticket.
Illinois Lottery officials have confirmed that the winner of the $1.34 billion Mega Millions jackpot has not yet come forward to claim their prize. This jackpot is the second-largest in the 20-year history of the Mega Millions lottery.
The grand prize reached its impressive size after 29 consecutive Mega Millions drawings without a winning ticket being sold. The winning combination was 13-36-45-57-67 with a Mega Ball of 14.
Illinois lottery winners taking time to claim prizes isn’t uncommon
It’s not uncommon for the recipient of the $1.34 billion prize to delay coming forward. In Illinois, lottery winners have a year to claim their winnings, and every year millions of dollars in prizes go unclaimed across the country.
In a recent press release, Illinois Lottery director Harold Mays shared the following statement:
It is common for the winner of such a significant prize to take some time to claim it. I believe they are experiencing a variety of emotions.
The news release recommended that anyone who won big on an Illinois Lottery game should take the following three steps before claiming their winnings:
- Sign the back of the winning ticket and keep it in a secure location.
- It is recommended to consult with a financial and legal expert before claiming your prize.
- To claim your winnings, please contact the Lottery Player Hotline at 1-800-252-1775 to schedule a private appointment.
The Illinois Lottery provides a Winner’s Handbook that can be downloaded from its official website.
Could the owner of the winning ticket be avoiding the exposure?
The fortunate individual in line for a $1.34 billion payday may prefer to avoid the spotlight that comes with taking home such a record-breaking sum. Fortunately, the Illinois Lottery permits winners of $250,000 or more to claim their substantial prize while keeping their identity confidential.
This comment was made by Mays in the press release:
We will closely collaborate with the winner to honor their privacy wishes and assist them in every possible way to ensure a positive and enjoyable winning experience.
Payout options for the $1.34 billion Mega Millions winner
Certainly, the lucky owner of the golden ticket will not receive the entire $1.34 billion prize. A substantial portion of the winnings will be paid out to the state of Illinois in taxes.
The winner can choose between receiving a lump sum payout of $453.1 million after taxes, or a 30-year annuity totaling $777 million after taxes.
We will discover the extent of patience possessed by the fortunate individual.
