The 7 largest lottery prizes that were not claimed by the winners

Did you know there are cases of people who won the Mega-Sena, Quina, Lotofácil, and other lotteries, but never went to collect the money? It's hard to believe, but it's true. And these aren't small amounts: there are prizes equivalent to hundreds of millions of reais that have been forgotten. Below are 7 of the largest lottery prizes in Brazil and the world that were never claimed by the winners.

7. Mega-Sena - R$162.2 million - Brazil

The Brazilian record comes from a single, main bet of the year. The winner of the 2020 Mega da Virada did not claim the R$ 162.2 million prize. This is the largest amount ever left behind in all the lotteries of Caixa. The unclaimed prize is directed to FIES, paying for student loans at private universities.

6. Mega Millions - $46 million - New York, USA

In 2002, a New York bettor in the United States won $46 million (about R$ 225 million) in the Mega Millions, another of the world's largest lotteries. But he did not claim the prize. The draw took place on December 24 and the winner had until June 23, 2003, to claim the money. In the end, the prize was allocated to the state's public education.

5. Powerball - $51.7 million - Indiana, USA

In 2002, a bettor from Indiana in the United States won $51.7 million (about R$ 255 million) in the Powerball. But he also did not claim the prize. The draw was held on September 8 and the winner had until March 6, 2003, to claim the money. But he didn't, and the prize was also passed on to the state.

4. SuperLotto Plus - $63 million - California, USA

In 2016, a bettor from California in the United States won $63 million (about R$ 310 million) in the SuperLotto Plus, a state lottery. But he also did not claim the prize. The draw was held on August 16 and the winner had until February 13, 2017, to claim the money. Since the amount was not claimed on time, the prize was allocated to California's public schools.

3. Mega Millions - $68 million - New York, USA

In 2002, a New York bettor in the United States won $68 million (about R$ 330 million) in the Mega Millions. But he also did not claim the prize. The draw was held on December 4 and the winner had until June 2, 2003, to claim the money. The state's public education thanks, as it was the recipient of the award.

2. Powerball - $77 million - Georgia, USA

In 2011, a Georgia bettor in the United States won $77 million (about R$ 375 million) in the Powerball. But he also did not claim the prize. The draw was held on June 24 and the winner had until December 21 to claim the money. The windfall stayed with the state of Georgia.

1. Euromillions - £64 million - Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

In 2012, a bettor from Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom won £64 million (about R$ 400 million) in the Euromillions. But he also did not claim the prize. The draw was held on June 8 and the winner had until December 5 to claim the money. But he didn't, and the prize was allocated to the National Lottery Good Causes, an organization that funds social projects.

Can you imagine winning the lottery and forgetting to claim the prize? If you play the lottery, pay close attention to the draws and the deadlines to claim the prizes. For more information and statistics on lotteries in Brazil and around the world, keep following Lotto-Lotto. Good luck!