An individual in Iowa has a narrow two-week window remaining to claim their $1 million Mega Millions prize before it contributes to the state’s lottery fund. Specifically, unclaimed prize funds in Iowa are aggregated into the lottery’s prize pool for forthcoming games and promotional endeavors.
The $1 million Mega Millions ticket was purchased at Gateway Express on University Boulevard in Ames for the drawing conducted on September 6, 2022. This ticket successfully matched the initial five white ball numbers: 6, 17, 46, 59, and 68. However, it fell short of the Mega Ball 2, which was essential to seize the $191 million jackpot during that period.
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In accordance with Iowa Lottery regulations, participants have 365 days from the drawing date to claim their winnings for draws occurring on or before April 22, 2023. This rule encompasses Mega Millions, Powerball, Lucky for Life, and Lotto America. It’s noteworthy that the opportunity to claim the million-dollar prize will expire after September 6, 2023.
Mary Neubauer, Vice President of External Relations at Iowa Lottery, discloses that the state witnesses unclaimed lottery prizes ranging from $1 million to $2 million annually. Furthermore, there exist over 70 unclaimed prizes exceeding $1,000 in value, which rightfully belong to Iowa residents.
In addition to the Mega Millions prize, two expiring Powerball prizes each valued at $150,000 are in the mix. One winning ticket was purchased at Floyd Food & Fuel on Floyd Boulevard in Sioux City, with an expiration date in October. The other was procured at Hy-Vee C-Store on Park Street in Sheldon, set to expire in November.
Lottery victors have the option to redeem their rewards at any of the Lottery’s offices located in Clive, Storm Lake, Mason City, or Cedar Rapids. However, the $1 million Mega Millions ticket from Ames can exclusively be claimed at the Lottery headquarters in Clive.
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For individuals triumphant in Iowa Lottery’s Pick 3, Pick 4, or InstaPlay games, a 90-day claim window opens from the draw date. In situations where the expiration date coincides with a weekend or holiday when Lottery offices remain closed, claimants have until the close of the subsequent business day to lay claim to their winnings.”