The start of the new year has brought life-changing fortune for two individuals in the United States, who have each become overnight millionaires. The Minnesota Lottery has announced the winning numbers for its annual Millionaire Raffle, creating two new $1 million winners.
Record-Breaking Ticket Sales for Popular Draw
The highly anticipated raffle, which has been run by the Minnesota Lottery since 2006, saw unprecedented demand this year. A total of one million tickets went on sale on October 21 and, in a clear sign of its popularity, the entire allocation sold out in a record time of just 14 days. This swift sell-out highlights the draw's status as a major event in the state's gaming calendar.
A Host of High-Value Prizes Awarded
While the two top prizes of $1 million each will understandably grab headlines, a significant number of other substantial prizes have also been won. The lottery confirmed that in addition to the million-dollar awards, five lucky ticketholders have secured $100,000, with another five winning $50,000 and five more landing $25,000.
Notably, this year's raffle introduced a new tier of prizes, with forty $20,000 awards also up for grabs. This expansion provided even more opportunities for players to win a significant sum.
Urgent Call for Ticket Holders to Check Numbers
The Minnesota Lottery is now urging all participants to check their tickets carefully. Winners are identified by a unique seven-digit number, which can be verified against the official winning numbers listed on the Minnesota Lottery website.
It is crucial for potential winners to be aware of the claim process. In Minnesota, all prize claims must be submitted within one year of the drawing date. Furthermore, there are specific rules for claiming larger sums: any prize above $50,000 must be claimed in person at the Minnesota Lottery headquarters.
For those fortunate enough to win $50,000 or less, the process is more flexible, allowing claims to be made either by mail or at an authorised regional lottery office. All winners are advised to sign the back of their ticket immediately and follow the official instructions to secure their windfall.
