Montana Millionaire Raffle Winners Announced
On December 26, 2023, the Montana Lottery announced the three grand-prize winning tickets for its annual Montana Millionaire raffle. Each of the three winning tickets is worth $1 million, making this a life-changing event for the lucky winners. The ticket numbers and their sale locations are as follows: Ticket #346589 was initially reported to be sold in Stanford but was later corrected to Great Falls due to human error.
Record-Breaking Ticket Sales
This year, the Montana Lottery sold a total of 380,000 eligible tickets on November 1st at $20 each. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, which had only 280,000 tickets available. The tickets sold out within just five hours, highlighting the immense popularity of the Montana Millionaire raffle. This year’s event featured three grand prize tickets instead of two, adding more excitement for participants.
Additional Prizes and Early Bird Drawings
Besides the grand prizes, there were a total of 4,100 “instant win” tickets worth either $100 or $500 each. Additionally, two “early bird” drawings took place. The first drawing on November 24 awarded $25,000 to ticket #172886 sold at Albertsons on Grand Avenue in Billings. The second drawing on December 15 awarded $100,000 to ticket #274028 sold at Albertsons on Third Street NW in Great Falls.
Previous Winners and Lottery Popularity
Previous million-dollar winners include individuals from Butte (3), Great Falls (2), Billings (4), Columbia Falls (2), Winnett (1), East Helena (1), and Laurel (1). The Montana Millionaire raffle is notably popular compared to other states that struggle to sell out their raffle games. This year’s quick sell-out is a testament to the raffle’s success and the enthusiasm of Montana residents.
Revenue Usage and State Benefits
Revenue generated from the lottery goes towards paying prizes and operational costs. The remaining funds are allocated based on state legislative action. Currently, the first $2.25 million goes to the Montana STEM/Healthcare Scholarship Program operated by the Office Of The Commissioner Of Higher Education and the Montana University System. Any remaining funds go into the state’s general fund, benefiting various state programs and services.
Unclaimed Prizes and Verification Process
Last year, one of the two Montana Millionaire prizes went unclaimed and thus reverted back into the State General Fund. The lottery can verify transactions based on where and when they occurred and what numbers were printed on the ticket. This ensures that all winners are accurately identified and awarded their prizes.
Claiming Prizes and Eligibility
Winners have six months to claim their prize either in person or via mail. Ticket purchasers did not need to be Montana residents but had to be within state boundaries when purchasing tickets. This inclusivity allows more people to participate and potentially win big.
Public Feedback and Adjustments
Montana Lottery Director Scott Sales mentioned that public feedback influenced their decision to increase the number of tickets and add another $1 million grand prize due to high demand from Montanans who love playing Montana Millionaire. This responsiveness to public interest has contributed to the raffle’s ongoing success and popularity.
Legislation Change Regarding Winner Disclosure
Due to a change in legislation, the Montana Lottery can no longer release names of Montana Millionaire winners unless they have given consent. This change aims to protect the privacy of winners while still maintaining transparency in the lottery process.
Conclusion
The recent lottery winners in Montana have much to celebrate, with three new millionaires joining the ranks of previous winners. The Montana Millionaire raffle continues to be a highly anticipated event, drawing in participants from across the state. With its record-breaking ticket sales, additional prizes, and significant contributions to state programs, the Montana Lottery remains a beloved institution for many Montanans.
