Montana Millionaire Tickets Go on Sale
The Montana Lottery has announced that tickets for the annual “Montana Millionaire” will be available starting at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024. This year, the lottery has introduced several changes to the event, aiming to make it more exciting for participants. The changes were first announced in March, and they include an increase in the number of grand prizes and the total number of tickets available for purchase.
Increased Prize Structure
One of the most significant changes to the Montana Millionaire is the addition of an extra million-dollar grand prize. This brings the total number of $1 million prizes to four, up from three in the previous year. The increase in grand prizes follows last year’s decision to raise the number from two to three. This change is expected to attract even more participants eager to try their luck at winning a life-changing amount of money.
More Tickets Available
To accommodate the growing interest in the lottery, the number of tickets sold will increase to 500,000, up from 380,000 in 2023. Despite the increase in ticket availability, the price remains at $20 each. Last year, all tickets sold out within five hours, highlighting the popularity of the event. With more tickets available this year, more people will have the opportunity to participate and potentially win big.
New Drawings and Instant Wins
In addition to the increased number of grand prizes, the lottery has introduced a new “Quarter Million Monday” drawing. This drawing, scheduled for Monday, December 2, will offer a $250,000 prize and replaces the former “Early Bird” drawings. Furthermore, there will be more instant win prizes available, including an additional 200 $500 instant wins and an extra 2,500 $100 instant wins. These changes are designed to provide more chances for participants to win prizes throughout the event.
Grand Prize Drawing Date
The drawing for the grand prizes is scheduled for Thursday, December 26, 2024. This date marks the culmination of the lottery event, where the lucky winners of the million-dollar prizes will be announced. Participants eagerly await this day, hoping to hear their numbers called and join the ranks of past winners who have experienced the thrill of winning big.
Past Winners and Unclaimed Prizes
Over the years, the Montana Millionaire has produced several million-dollar winners from various cities across the state. Past winners include individuals from Butte (3), Great Falls (2), Billings (4), Columbia Falls (2), Winnett (1), East Helena (1), and Laurel (1). However, in 2022, one of the two Montana Millionaire prizes went unclaimed, resulting in the money being allocated to the State General Fund. Due to legislative changes, the names of winners are no longer released without their consent, ensuring their privacy.
Contact Information for Queries
For those with questions or concerns about the lottery, the Montana Lottery provides several ways to get in touch. Interested parties can email montanalottery@mt.gov, call 406-444-5825, or visit the Montana Lottery office at 2525 North Montana Avenue, Helena, Montana, 59601-0598. The lottery staff is available to assist with any inquiries and provide information about the event.
Use of Lottery Revenue
The revenue generated by the lottery is primarily used for paying prizes and covering operational costs. Any remaining funds are returned to the state as determined by legislative action. Currently, the first $2.25 million goes to the Montana STEM/Healthcare Scholarship Program, which is operated by higher education authorities. Any leftover funds are directed into the state’s general fund, as dictated by legislation. This allocation of funds ensures that the lottery not only provides entertainment and excitement for participants but also contributes to important state programs and initiatives.
In conclusion, the Montana Millionaire lottery continues to be a popular event, offering participants the chance to win substantial prizes. With the introduction of additional grand prizes, more tickets, and new drawings, the 2024 event promises to be more exciting than ever. As the date for ticket sales approaches, hopeful participants are encouraged to secure their tickets early and join in the excitement of this annual tradition.
