Anonymous Mega Millions player sitting on unclaimed $197.5m ticket – the money will disappear in days

MEGA Millions players have been urged to check their numbers as the $197.5 million prize remains unclaimed.

Voucher was purchased in California prior to the lottery on December 8, 2023.

The voucher was purchased at a Chevron gas station in Encino — about 20 miles from Los Angeles — as USA Today reported.

Players in California have up to a year before claiming their jackpots, but the deadline is fast approaching.

If the ticket holder does not step forward, the money will disappear.

The player, whose name has not been revealed, has until December 7 to apply, which means the clock is ticking.

Two winners won the jackpot, which was worth $395 million at the time.

One player came forward and claimed his share of the pot, but the second prize was not claimed.

“We have no way of knowing who had the second jackpot-winning ticket on that amazing night,” said Carolyn Baker, of the California Lottery.

She revealed how the money will be spent if no one claims it.

“While it is a shame for potential winners to see any winning ticket expire, this gives a beneficial boost to California’s public schools.

“All unclaimed prize money ends up helping support public education, so we can still feel good about that at the end of the day.”

Top lottery winners in usa

Millions dream of winning the lottery and finding fame and fortune. These are the biggest winners in the history of the American lottery.

• Edwin Castro – $2.04 billion, Powerball, November 8, 2022, in California.
• Theodoros Struyk – $1.765 billion, Powerball, October 11, 2023, in California.
• Unknown winner – $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, August 8, 2023, in Florida.
• Marvin and Mae Acosta of Los Angeles, California, John and Lisa Robinson of Munford, Tennessee, and Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt of Melbourne Beach, Florida – $1.586 billion, Powerball, January 13, 2016.
• Unknown Winner – $1.537 Billion, Mega Millions, October 23, 2018, from South Carolina.
• Unknown winner – sued mother of his child to hide his identity – $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, January 13, 2023, from Maine.
• Unknown Winner – $1.337 Billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022, from Illinois.
• Cheng, Duanbin Saifan and Lisa Lim Chow – $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 7, 2024, from Oregon.
• Yanira Alvarez – $1.08 Billion Powerball, July 19, 2023 in California.
• Wolverine FLL Lottery Club – $1.05 Billion, Mega Millions, January 22, 2021, from Michigan.
• Unknown Winner – $842.4 million Powerball, January 1, 2024, from Michigan.