Mega Millions winner unclaimed: $1.13 billion prize still in limbo

The winner of the March drawing in the American Mega Millions lottery, who won $1.13 billion, still has not come forward to claim the prize. If they do not do so by March next year, something will happen that no one who plays lottery games would undoubtedly want.

The lottery organizers in New Jersey are urging the winner to claim the prize as soon as possible. The chances of winning such a high amount—equivalent to $1.05 billion—were minimal, just one in 302.6 million. The person who purchased the winning ticket has two payout options: the total amount spread over 30 years or a one-time payout of $537.5 million.

Lottery representatives recommend that the winner immediately sign the ticket, contact a financial advisor, and file a claim for the prize. This is standard procedure for such high winnings, aimed at securing the winner's interests and providing them with appropriate support in managing the prize.

If no one claims the prize, the money will be returned to the 45 states participating in the lottery. Each region will receive back the amount it contributed to the prize pool. According to the information on the Mega Millions website, these funds are then used for various purposes, depending on the decisions of the individual states.

In New Jersey, winners can remain anonymous when claiming their prize, as the winner of the June Powerball drawing recently did. The public was only informed that the winner came forward without revealing their identity. This practice aims to maintain the winner's privacy while ensuring transparency in the prize distribution process.

The winning numbers in March broke a four-month streak of drawings without a significant winner in Mega Millions. The organizers conducted as many as 30 drawings before the grand prize was won. At the time of the drawing, it was the eighth-largest prize in U.S. lottery history, highlighting its exceptional nature.

The winning ticket was purchased at ShopRite Liquor #781 in Neptune Township, New Jersey, near the popular resort of Asbury Park.