Unclaimed Mega Millions Prizes Set to Expire in July

Two unclaimed Louisiana Lottery Mega Millions prizes of $10,000 won in the Baton Rouge area are set to expire in July.

One of the winning tickets was purchased at Raceway on Bluebonnet Boulevard in Baton Rouge for the Jan. 24 drawing and is set to expire July 22, 2012. The ticket matched four of the five white ball numbers drawn and the yellow Mega Ball number. The winning numbers for the Jan. 24 drawing were 10-22-24-36-49 and the Mega Ball number was 33. 

Matherne's Supermarket on Highland Road in Baton Rouge sold the second winning ticket, which was purchased for the Jan. 27 drawing and is set to expire July 25, 2012. This ticket also matched four of the five white ball numbers drawn and the yellow Mega Ball number. The winning numbers for the Jan. 27 drawing were 03-05-30-36-48 and the Mega Ball number was 23. 

The holders of the winning tickets have until 5 p.m. on the date of expiration to claim the prize, subject to the Lottery's hours of operation. Winnings are subject to applicable federal and state tax withholdings.  Prizes greater than $600 may be claimed at any of the Lottery's five regional offices located throughout the state or at Lottery headquarters in Baton Rouge.

"We look forward to these winners coming forward to claim their prize.  In the meantime, they should treat the tickets as cash," said Lottery President Rose Hudson.  "It is also a good idea to sign the back of the ticket 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 deadlines, they are deposited into the Lottery's unclaimed prize fund, which is returned to players in the form of increased payouts on scratch-off games and player promotions.

Ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age.  The Lottery encourages responsible play and urges anyone or friends of anyone with a gambling problem to call toll free 1-877-770-7867 for help.  A list of large unclaimed prizes set to expire in the next 90 days can be found on the Lottery's website at www.louisianalottery.com/unclaimedprizes.