Lotterywest is waiting to give the ultimate early Christmas gift to players with millions of dollars in prizes still waiting to be claimed.
Across all games and all divisions more than $9 million is yet to be claimed in Western Australia.
There is one Division One prize outstanding, which is $588,000 for a Saturday Lotto ticket bought in Carnarvon and drawn on 30 November.
Players have 12 months from the draw date to claim their prize before it is forfeited and given to Lotterywest’s grants program.
While Lotterywest was determined to help deliver all lottery prizes to their rightful owners, in WA it is a win, win situation.
“We’re unique in Australia in that all unclaimed winnings are returned to the WA community via our direct grants which support not-for-profit groups and community organisations,” Lotterywest spokesperson Jennie Fitzhardinge said.
The record for the largest Lotterywest prizes to go unclaimed is $1.6 million for a share of the New Year’s Eve Megadraw in 2010.
For the last 12 months, across all divisions, Saturday Lotto has the most outstanding winnings with just over $3.38 million and Powerball has the second highest amount at $2.855 million waiting to be claimed.
“Lotterywest members get paid out automatically for Division Two and lower, so we know that this money is locked up in paper tickets, lurking in people’s wallets, pockets and office drawers,” Ms Fitzhardinge said.
“We all talk about the big Division One prize but the other divisions should not be discounted as they can also deliver some great prizes.
“If you do pick up a small prize, why not buy a friend or family member a ticket in this year’s Megadraw on Saturday, 28 December.
“There is $30 million up for grabs and traditionally it returns more Division One winners than any other draw.”
Players are encouraged to play responsibly.
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Media Enquiries Jennie Fitzhardinge & Hermione Coleman: 9488 6227 / 0438 996 884
18 December 2019