Anindita Chatterjee
Time is ticking for an unknown winner of a $250,000 prize from the Illinois Lottery. A Lucky Day Lotto ticket, purchased in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, is set to expire soon. The ticket was bought at Fairplay Finer Foods, located at 2200 South Western Avenue, on October 29, 2023. With just two weeks left to claim the cash, the Illinois Lottery is on a mission to locate the owner.
Where to Look for the Lucky Ticket
Just last month, the winning ticket brought excitement to many residents. Now, Illinois Lottery officials are urging anyone who may have purchased a ticket for that drawing to search their belongings. “If you think you purchased a Lucky Day Lotto ticket for last year’s October 29 drawing, now is the time to check under your sofa cushions, in old coat pockets, or any other spots where a year-old lottery ticket might be tucked away,” said a spokesperson for the Illinois Lottery.
Importance of Act Quickly
The deadline to claim the prize is rapidly approaching, with October 29, 2024, marked as the final date. If the ticket owner does not come forward by then, the potential windfall will be lost forever. The expiration of this ticket highlights a common issue: many lottery prizes go unclaimed each year, often due to misplaced tickets or forgotten purchases.
A Look at Unclaimed Prizes
This unclaimed ticket is just one of several prizes currently waiting to be claimed in Illinois. The total amount of unclaimed lottery winnings amounts to nearly $4.5 million. Other significant unclaimed prizes include:
- A $100,000 ticket sold at Huck’s on 319 East Calumet Street in Centralia from a drawing on March 23, 2024.
- A $1 million winning ticket sold at ARCO on 2758 West Peterson Avenue, with a drawing date of July 6, 2024.
For those interested in keeping track of unclaimed lottery prizes, a full list can be found on the Illinois Lottery website.
How to Claim Your Prize
Claiming a lottery prize in Illinois can be done in several straightforward ways. Winners are encouraged to follow these steps:
- Visit an Authorized Retailer: Many lottery retailers can process claims.
- Submit by Mail: Include the winning ticket along with a completed claim form.
- Visit the Lottery Claims Office: For larger prizes, visiting a regional office is necessary.
For detailed information regarding the claims process, players can refer to the Illinois Lottery FAQs. They can also reach out via the Player Hotline at 1-800-252-1775 or email the Illinois Lottery Claims Department at LOT.Claims@illinois.gov.
Don’t Miss Your Chance
The excitement surrounding winning lottery tickets can quickly turn to disappointment if they remain unclaimed. People are encouraged to check their tickets and to remind friends and family about this important opportunity. Even if you haven’t played the lottery recently, this situation serves as a reminder: always keep track of your tickets.
The Illinois Lottery’s reminder to the public is clear. If you bought a Lucky Day Lotto ticket on October 29, 2023, your time is running out. Don’t let good luck slip away. Search your homes diligently, and ensure you don’t miss out on this life-changing amount.
the clock is ticking for the lucky individual who purchased the $250,000 ticket in Little Village. With very few days left to act, this could be a golden opportunity for someone in the Chicago area. Stay alert and spread the word—great fortunes can often be tucked away in the least expected places
