Montana Millionaire Raffle Draws Excitement
The annual Montana Millionaire raffle has once again brought joy to many residents across the state. This year, the raffle saw an increase in ticket sales and prize amounts, making it one of the most anticipated events of the year. The Montana Lottery conducted the second “Early Bird” drawing on December 15, 2023, in Great Falls, awarding a $100,000 prize to a lucky winner.
Early Bird Prizes Bring Early Joy
Two Early Bird prizes were awarded this year. The first prize of $25,000 was drawn on November 24, with the winning ticket number 172886 sold at the Albertsons store on Grand Avenue in Billings. The second Early Bird prize of $100,000 was drawn on December 15, with the winning ticket number 274028 sold at Albertsons on 1414 Third Street NW in Great Falls. These early wins have set the stage for the grand prize drawing, which promises even more excitement.
Grand Prize Drawing Anticipation
The grand prize drawing for the Montana Millionaire raffle is scheduled for December 26, 2023. This year, there are three separate million-dollar prizes up for grabs, a significant increase from previous years. The decision to add another million-dollar prize was influenced by public feedback, as Montanans expressed a strong desire for more opportunities to win big. The Montana Lottery Director, Scott Sales, mentioned that the high demand for tickets and the enthusiasm of the participants played a crucial role in this decision.
Record-Breaking Ticket Sales
Tickets for the Montana Millionaire raffle went on sale at 5:30 a.m. on November 1, 2023, and all 380,000 tickets were sold out by 10:30 a.m. the same day. This impressive feat translates to approximately 76,000 tickets sold per hour or about 1,267 tickets per minute. Last year, 280,000 tickets were sold out within 29 hours, highlighting the growing popularity of the raffle among Montanans.
Instant Wins and Additional Prizes
In addition to the grand prizes and Early Bird prizes, the Montana Millionaire raffle also offered 4,100 “instant win” tickets worth either $100 or $500 each. These instant wins provided participants with more chances to celebrate and added to the overall excitement of the event. The raffle’s structure and the variety of prizes have made it a favorite among lottery enthusiasts in the state.
Legislative Changes and Winner Disclosure
Due to a recent change in legislation, the Montana Lottery can no longer release the names of Montana Millionaire winners unless they have given consent. This change aims to protect the privacy of the winners and ensure their safety. Last year’s two grand prize-winning tickets were sold in Great Falls and Butte, but the winners’ information remains undisclosed due to the new legislation.
Revenue and Community Impact
Revenue from the Montana Millionaire raffle sales goes towards paying prizes and operational costs, with the remaining funds allocated to the state as determined by legislative action. Currently, the first $2.25 million goes to the Montana STEM/Healthcare Scholarship Program, and any remaining funds are directed to the state’s general fund. This allocation ensures that the proceeds from the raffle benefit the community and support important initiatives.
Claiming Prizes and Eligibility
Winners of the Montana Millionaire raffle have six months to claim their prizes, either in person or via mail. Ticket purchasers did not need to be Montana residents but had to be within state boundaries when purchasing their tickets. Last year’s unclaimed prize money was added to the State General Fund, ensuring that the funds are used for the benefit of the community.
Conclusion
The Montana Millionaire raffle continues to be a highly popular event, bringing joy and excitement to many residents across the state. With record-breaking ticket sales, increased prize amounts, and a variety of instant win opportunities, the raffle has solidified its place as a favorite among lottery enthusiasts. As the grand prize drawing approaches, anticipation is high, and many Montanans are eagerly awaiting the chance to become the next big winner.
