Birmingham's Missed Million Pound Fortune
A life-changing lottery prize of £1 million has gone unclaimed in Birmingham after the ticket holder failed to come forward before the deadline. The winning Lotto ticket was purchased in the city for the draw on Saturday, May 24.
The 180-day time limit to claim the massive prize expired at midnight on Thursday, November 20. Despite extensive efforts by The National Lottery to find the winner, including a campaign in Birmingham at the end of October, the ticket-holder could not be located in time.
Where the Unclaimed Money Will Go
This substantial sum will not be lost. Instead, the £1 million will be added to the pot of money that funds National Lottery projects across the UK. This contributes to the £30 million raised each week for good causes.
Andy Carter, senior winners’ advisor at Allwyn, which operates The National Lottery, expressed his disappointment. “Unfortunately, despite an extensive search and taking to the streets of Birmingham to raise awareness of the missing would-be millionaire, I can confirm that the ticket-holder did not come forward within the deadline to claim their prize,” he said.
He confirmed that the money “will now add to the £30 million raised each week for National Lottery-funded projects.” The organisation highlighted several local Birmingham initiatives that have recently received funding, demonstrating where such money is typically allocated.
Recent projects funded in Birmingham include:
- Midlands Park Forum awarded over £200K for a green heritage training programme.
- Midland Mencap receiving £220K for an adapted cycling project for people with disabilities.
- A £6,750 health initiative for at-risk diabetic taxi drivers in inner-city Birmingham.
How to Avoid Missing a Prize
The National Lottery has urged players to take simple steps to prevent this from happening to them. Players are encouraged to check their tickets online via the National Lottery app or website, where tickets are checked automatically and winners are notified by email.
Scanning retail tickets using the official app is another way to ensure you don't miss out. For all draws, players have 180 days from the draw date to claim any prizes.
Anyone who believes they may have a winning ticket for any draw still within the 180-day claim period should contact the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050.
