Lotterywest has revealed more than $25 million worth of unclaimed prize money in Western Australia.
This multi-million-dollar amount, from figures reported during last financial year, includes both unclaimed Lotto and Scratch’n’Win tickets.
In WA, a Lotto winner has 12 months from the date of the draw to claim their prize, however a 12-month prize extension period was granted as part of a COVID-19 emergency period giving some tickets extra time to claim winnings.
Lotterywest spokesperson Hermione Coleman said the extension was good news for those who could potentially be sitting on a financial windfall.
“With Christmas rapidly approaching, now is the time to be double checking the glove compartment or rifling through that pile of never-ending paperwork to see if you are holding a winning ticket,” she said.
“The largest unclaimed ticket currently outstanding was sold from Willetton Newsagency in Riverton in April 2020, worth $613,000.
“We’d love to be able to deliver this prize to its rightful owner.”
Ms Coleman said any unclaimed winnings become a forfeited prize and were distributed directly to not-for-profit groups in the WA community through the Lotteywest grants program.
“A sure way to ensure you never lose any of your winnings is to get a Lotterywest membership, that way, if you were to ever lose a ticket, we can track you down and make sure you get what is owed to you,” she said.
“Don’t be shy, come on in and make your claim and if you are shy, our winner’s confidentially is our top priority.”
Ms Coleman said Thursday’s Powerball jackpot had reached $80 million, the fourth largest offer in the game’s history, and to grab a ticket early to beat the rush.
“A syndicate is a great way to play because it keeps the cost of a ticket affordable, but also makes for a magical shared experience with friends and loved ones, should you win,” she said.
Tickets for the jackpot are available from Lotterywest in-store, online or via the app until 6pm draw day.
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Media Enquiries: Hermione Coleman / James Mooney 0438 996 884