Someone in Virginia is sitting on a fortune and may not even know it!
A winning Mega Millions ticket worth $1 million is out there, and it’s crucial to find it before the jackpot disappears. If you’ve got tickets purchased from a 7-Eleven in Deltaville, Virginia, it might be time to take a closer look.
The lucky winner only has 10 more days to claim the prize. If it's left unclaimed, the ticket will be rendered useless and go down in history as one of the most unfortunate Mega Millions misses in Virginia.
This story is very similar to the one that played out in Illinois a couple of weeks ago. Lottery officials waited roughly a month before someone finally claimed a $349 million Mega Millions jackpot. And there's the person who waited three months to claim one of the largest Mega Millions jackpots California has ever seen.
But we digress. Let's get back to the matter at hand in Old Dominion.
Check Those Old Mega Millions Tickets!
On November 22, 2024, one lucky Mega Millions player matched the first five numbers: 13, 20, 26, 32, and 65, but missed the Mega Ball number 2. While they didn’t claim the $453 million jackpot, matching the first five numbers still nets a hefty $1 million. However, time is ticking!
By law, Virginia Lottery tickets expire 180 days after the drawing date. This means the winning ticket will be "worthless" by 5 p.m. on May 21. If unclaimed, this prize won’t just vanish; it will go to a good cause—the Virginia Literary Fund, which supports public school projects and upgrades.
How to Claim the Mega Millions Jackpot in Virginia
If you realize you have this miracle ticket, don’t panic. There’s still time to claim your cash. The winner needs to contact the Virginia Lottery and can redeem the ticket at one of the eight customer service centers spread across the state. Don’t let your million-dollar moment slip away!
A Brief History of Mega Millions in Virginia
Mega Millions has a lively history in Virginia, providing thrills and fortunes to players since its inception.
Virginia joined the Mega Millions consortium in 2002. This national lottery game quickly gained traction among Virginians for its life-changing jackpots.
The game was launched in 1996 as The Big Game and later became Mega Millions after a major expansion in 2002. Since then, many Virginians have tested their luck, with several landing significant windswept wins, adding excitement to everyday life.
Lottery revenues have bolstered education funding across the state, channeling millions to support schools and educational facilities. The Virginia Lottery’s commitment extends beyond gaming, fostering community welfare through educational advancements.
Mega Millions Changed the Game Last Month
Last month, the cost of a Mega Millions ticket increased to $5, introducing several upgrades aimed at boosting excitement and winnings. While some players had concerns about the price hike, the new features were designed to provide more opportunities to win big.
The revamped Mega Millions game featured a starting jackpot of $50 million, ensuring that even the initial prize pool was larger than before. In addition to the increased starting jackpot, players benefited from bigger prizes at all levels. These enhancements were part of a broader strategy to deliver more value and excitement with every drawing.
If you or someone you know bought a Mega Millions ticket at a 7-Eleven in Deltaville last November, it’s time to search high and low for that slip of paper—before May 21.