Imagine winning over a million bucks and having no clue. That’s exactly what’s happening in Illinois right now. A $1.1 million lottery prize from the Lucky Day Lotto has been sitting there unclaimed since September 8, 2024, and the clock is ticking fast.
The ticket was bought at a liquor store in Chicago, but the winner still hasn’t shown up. If no one steps forward by September 8, 2025, the prize is gone forever. So, if you played the Lucky Day Lotto around that time, it might be worth digging through your drawers.
What We Know So Far
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Winning Amount | $1.1 million |
| Draw Date | September 8, 2024 |
| Claim Deadline | September 8, 2025 |
| Ticket Purchased At | Liquor store in Chicago |
| Lottery Game | Lucky Day Lotto |
| Ticket Cost | $1 |
| Numbers Range | Pick 5 numbers from 1 to 45 |
| Current Jackpot (as of now) | $100,000 |
Other Unclaimed Prizes from Lucky Day Lotto:
- $550,000 – 2 prizes
- $300,000 – 1 prize
- $250,000 – 1 prize
Yup, that’s four more big prizes that are also just sitting there, untouched. And it’s not uncommon, millions of dollars go unclaimed in lottery winnings every year. Sometimes tickets get lost, or people forget to check, or they don’t even realize they’ve won.
Why Do People Not Claim Their Lottery Winnings?
- They lose the ticket
- They don’t check the numbers
- They’re unaware of the deadline
- They fear publicity or don’t know how to claim
- They misread the numbers and assume they lost
If You Win, Lump Sum or Annuity?
Winners of big lottery prizes typically choose between:
- Lump Sum: Get the full (taxed) amount upfront. Around 24% goes to federal taxes instantly, plus state taxes.
- Annuity: Get smaller payments spread over 30 years. Avoids massive one-time tax hits, but inflation eats into long-term value.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and financial advisors usually recommend thinking it through carefully.
But first, you’ve got to know you actually won.
Time’s Almost Up
Illinois Lottery officials have just three months left to find the winner before that $1.1 million is officially gone. If the deadline passes, the money is redirected back into the lottery system or used for state-funded good causes. Either way, it’s money off the table for the rightful winner.
So here’s your friendly reminder:
If you bought a Lucky Day Lotto ticket last September in Chicago, go check it, right now. Even if you think there’s no way you could’ve won, it’s worth a second look.
To help, Illinois Lottery has a full list of unclaimed prizes on their official website.
Don’t be the person who misses out on a million-dollar jackpot because your winning ticket is buried under takeout menus.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
