Indiana – Time is running out for the lucky holder of a $1 million Mega Millions® ticket sold in Carmel, Indiana. The Hoosier Lottery is urging players to double-check their old tickets, as a winning ticket from the December 20, 2024, drawing remains unclaimed — and the clock is ticking.
The ticket in question was purchased at Big Red Liquors #222, located at 2290 E. 116th St. in Carmel, and matched all five white balls drawn: 2, 20, 51, 56, and 67. While it did not match the Mega Ball number, which was 19, the ticket is still worth a life-changing $1 million. However, that prize could vanish forever if not claimed by 4:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 18.
Lottery officials remind the public that all Hoosier Lottery Draw game prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing. After that deadline, any unclaimed prize money is transferred to state programs, meaning the ticket holder would lose their winnings entirely.
“This is a significant prize,” Hoosier Lottery officials said in a statement. “We encourage everyone who may have purchased a Mega Millions ticket in Carmel back in December to take a close look. Someone could be holding onto a million dollars without realizing it.”
The Hoosier Lottery urges the ticket holder, if found, to store the ticket in a safe place, consult with a financial advisor, and call Hoosier Lottery customer service at 1-800-955-6886 for step-by-step guidance on how to claim their prize.
To redeem the $1 million, the winner must visit the Hoosier Lottery Prize Payment office located at 1302 N. Meridian St. in Indianapolis before the June 18 deadline. Claiming must be done in person, and winners must provide proper identification and the signed winning ticket.
Stories of lost or forgotten tickets are not uncommon. In some cases, tickets are misplaced, accidentally thrown away, or simply overlooked by people who don’t think they’ve won. With the expiration date just weeks away, the lottery is doing everything possible to get the word out.
“It’s heartbreaking when a prize goes unclaimed,” said a lottery spokesperson. “That’s why we’re putting out the reminder now. Don’t assume your ticket didn’t win — check again.”
Whether the prize will find its rightful owner or go unclaimed remains to be seen. For now, the search continues for the mystery winner who unknowingly may be holding one of Indiana’s biggest unclaimed prizes of the year.
