As of today, no one has stepped forward to claim the $500,000 Lotto jackpot from the Nov. 3, 2007 drawing. Two winning tickets, which split the prize, were purchased at Cracker Barrel Store #43 on Pontchartrain Drive in Slidell. The tickets are set to expire May 1, 2008.

The winning numbers for the Nov. 3 Lotto drawing were 03-04-14-17-29-31. The winning tickets both matched all six numbers, which were selected by the player.

"Because these two Lotto jackpot-winning tickets were purchased at the same retailer and both contained numbers selected by the player, we think there is a strong possibility that one individual purchased both tickets," explained Lottery President Rose Hudson.

The winning tickets must be claimed by 5 p.m. on May 1 at Lottery headquarters in Baton Rouge. The prizes are subject to federal and state tax withholdings.

"We look forward to the winner or winners coming forward to claim the prize. In the meantime, the tickets should be treated as cash," said Hudson. "It is also a good idea to sign the back of them for security purposes."

Winners of the Lottery's draw-style games must claim their prize within 180 days of the drawing. After prizes have passed their redemption deadline, they are deposited into the Lottery's unclaimed prize fund, which is returned to players in the form of increased payouts on scratch-off tickets and player promotions.

Lottery ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. The Lottery encourages responsible play and urges anyone with a gambling problem, or friends of anyone with a gambling problem, to call toll-free 1-877-770-7867.