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The $1.3 billion Mega Millions jackpot still hasnât been claimed almost one month after the drawing.
Someone purchased a winning ticket at a Speedway gas station in Des Plaines, Ill., just outside of Chicago.
Youâd think claiming a prize that big would be at the top of most peopleâs to-do list. However, an Illinois lottery official said this isnât that unusual.
âFor a prize of this magnitude, itâs not unusual for the winner to take a while to claim,â Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays. âIâm sure theyâre going through a range of emotions.â
Yes, theyâve been experiencing a range of emotions from excitement to more excitement.
That is if theyâre even aware that they won.
Mays suggested that the person who holds the winning ticket may not realize it.
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The Clock Is Ticking For The Mega Millions Winner
We may never know the winnerâs identity even after they claim the jackpot. Illinois allows those who win jackpots greater than $250,000 to remain anonymous.
The jackpot is the biggest Illinois has ever seen and the third-biggest in United States history. The winner has one year to claim it, however, they only have 60 days if they want to choose how they receive the money. They can choose $1.34 billion over 29 years or a lump sum payment of $780 million.
According to the Illinois Lottery WInnersâ Handbook, if the prize isnât claimed within 60 days, it will default to the annuity option.
Anyone who frequents the Speedway in Des Plaines probably has a pit in their stomach right now. That or theyâre combing through their car, pockets, and trash hoping to find a winning ticket they misplaced.
If the money isnât claimed within one year, it will be given back to the state lotteries that contributed to it.
Follow on Twitter: @Matt_Reigle
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