Updated on: December 16, 2024 12:20 pm GMT
Time is running out for a potential Chicago millionaire sitting on a Lucky Day Lotto ticket worth $250,000. The ticket, purchased nearly a year ago, is set to expire in just two weeks. If it goes unclaimed, that life-changing prize will vanish forever.
Where the Winning Ticket Was Sold
The winning ticket was bought at Fairplay Finer Foods, located at 2200 South Western Avenue in the Little Village neighborhood. The draw for the $250,000 prize took place on October 29, 2023, which means the deadline to claim it is approaching on October 29, 2024. Lottery officials are urging anyone who may have purchased a ticket for that date to conduct a thorough search of their homes.
What Players Should Do
“Check under your sofa cushions, in old coat pockets, or any other spots where a year-old lottery ticket might be tucked away,” said a spokesperson for the Illinois Lottery. This simple act could lead to a jackpot for a very lucky winner.
While this ticket remains unclaimed, it is just one of many in Illinois. Currently, there are nearly $4.5 million worth of unclaimed prizes.
Other Unclaimed Prizes in Illinois
The Illinois Lottery reports several other significant unclaimed winnings, which include:
- A $100,000 winning ticket bought at Huck’s on 319 East Calumet Street, Centralia, from a March 23, 2024 drawing.
- A $1 million winner purchased at the ARCO station located at 2758 West Peterson Avenue, related to the July 6, 2024 draw.
These impressive amounts highlight that many players may similarly be unaware that they are holding tickets to riches.
How to Claim Your Prize
If you discover you are the fortunate winner, there are four ways to claim your lottery winnings in Illinois:
- In-person at a lottery office
- By mail sending the ticket and required documentation
- Using a licensed lottery retailer for assistance
- Online through the official state lottery website, if eligible
To learn more about the claims process, you can visit the Illinois Lottery FAQs or contact the Player Hotline at 1-800-252-1775.
Tips for Keeping Track of Your Tickets
Keeping track of lottery tickets can be challenging, especially when excitement surrounds big winnings. Here are some tips to ensure you don’t miss out:
- Create a designated spot in your home for all lottery tickets.
- Set reminders on your phone for expiration dates, especially after draws.
- Share your ticket status with friends or family who also play the lottery to increase chances of claiming winnings.
By following these simple habits, you can mitigate the risk of losing track of valuable tickets.
Conclusion
Time is running out for the owner of a $250,000 Lucky Day Lotto ticket that was sold in Chicago and remains unclaimed. With just two weeks left to cash in on this potentially life-altering prize, players are urged to search carefully for any overlooked tickets. The Illinois Lottery wants to remind everyone that an unclaimed ticket not only signifies a missed chance at financial gain but could also lead to feelings of regret for those who overlook this opportunity. So, before it’s too late, take a moment to rummage through those forgotten nooks and crannies—you might just discover a hidden treasure waiting for you!
