Lottery officials in Illinois are searching for the holder of a $1 million Mega Millions ticket sold earlier this year in Chicago. The winning ticket, purchased at Tony’s Fresh Market, was part of the February 25 drawing. As of now, no one has come forward to claim the prize.
According to Mega Millions rules, winners have one year from the date of the draw to claim their prize. If the ticket holder does not act before the deadline, the winnings will be forfeited.
The Illinois Lottery is also tracking down the winners of nine other unclaimed tickets, including a $1.1 million Lucky Day Lotto ticket from September 8, 2024, also bought in Chicago, and a $1 million Powerball ticket purchased in Melrose Park.
Several additional unclaimed tickets across the state are worth between $150,000 and $650,000. Despite these large amounts, many players fail to claim their prizes. Some assume the top prizes have already been won and don’t check their tickets closely.
When the Mega Millions winner does step forward, they’ll have a choice to make: accept a lump-sum payment or choose an annuity. The annuity option provides steady, annual payments, which can help winners manage their money better. However, both options are subject to taxes. In Illinois, lottery winnings are taxed at a rate of 4.95%.
Lottery officials urge all players to check their tickets carefully and claim their prizes as soon as possible. To do so, winners can contact the Illinois Lottery headquarters by phone or visit in person.
If the tickets are not claimed within the one-year deadline, the opportunity to collect the prize will be lost permanently.
