The National Lottery has launched a festive appeal to track down five missing millionaires who are sitting on a fortune but have yet to come forward. With six significant prizes, including a life-changing £10 million Lotto jackpot, set to expire next year, time is running out for the lucky but unaware winners.
The Unclaimed Fortune: A Breakdown of the Prizes
According to the latest announcement, the total unclaimed windfall comprises six separate prizes. The standout is a massive £10 million Lotto jackpot. Alongside this, there are four separate £1 million prizes won on either the EuroMillions or Lotto draws. Completing the set is a prize from the Set For Life game, which promises the winner £10,000 every month for an entire year.
All lottery winners have a limited window to claim their money, typically around 180 days from the date of the draw. For these specific tickets, the deadlines are fast approaching, scattered between February and May 2026. The tickets were purchased in a range of locations across England, meaning the winners could be anywhere. The purchase locations include:
- Birmingham
- Bexley
- West Dorset
- Broxbourne
- South Gloucestershire
- Bournemouth
The Consequences of Missing the Deadline
What happens if these prizes remain unclaimed? The rules are clear. Any prize money not claimed by its official deadline, along with all accrued interest, is forfeited. This money does not simply vanish; by law, it is redirected to support National Lottery-funded projects. These are community initiatives and good causes that operate in villages, towns, and cities across the whole of the United Kingdom.
This means that while five individuals would miss out on a transformational financial opportunity, hundreds of community groups, sports clubs, and arts organisations could ultimately benefit from the redistributed funds. However, the National Lottery's clear preference is for the rightful winners to secure their fortunes.
A Festive Plea to Check Your Tickets
With the Christmas period being a time when old bags and coat pockets are often cleared out, lottery officials are making a special pre-holiday push. They are urging everyone, especially those who have visited the listed locations, to dig out and double-check any old tickets. A quick check could reveal that you are one of the five mystery millionaires currently unaware of your new multi-millionaire status.
The message is simple: Check your tickets now before it's too late. A moment's effort could prevent a lifetime of regret and unlock a future of financial freedom for the lucky holders of these winning slips.
