Montana Millionaire Raffle: A Popular Event
The Montana Lottery recently held its annual Montana Millionaire raffle, a highly anticipated event that has captured the attention of many residents. This year, the raffle saw an increase in the number of tickets sold and the addition of a third million-dollar grand prize. The tickets went on sale at 5:30 a.m. on November 1 and sold out within just five hours, highlighting the popularity of this event.
Early Bird Drawings: Big Wins Before the Grand Prize
The Montana Millionaire raffle featured two early bird drawings this year. The first early bird drawing took place on November 24, awarding a $25,000 prize to the holder of ticket number 172886. This winning ticket was sold at the Albertsons store on Grand Avenue in Billings. The second early bird drawing occurred on December 15, with a $100,000 prize going to ticket number 274028, which was sold at the Albertsons on Third Street NW in Great Falls.
Grand Prize Drawing: Three Million-Dollar Winners
The grand prize drawing for the Montana Millionaire raffle was held on December 26. This year, three lucky individuals each won a million-dollar prize. The winning tickets were drawn from a pool of 380,000 tickets, which were sold at $20 each. The winning ticket numbers were 346589, 274028, and 172886. Notably, ticket number 346589 was initially reported to be sold in Stanford but was later corrected to Great Falls due to human error.
Instant Win Tickets: More Chances to Win
In addition to the grand prizes and early bird drawings, the Montana Millionaire raffle also included 4,100 instant win tickets. These tickets awarded either $100 or $500 each to the lucky winners. The inclusion of these instant win tickets provided more opportunities for participants to walk away with a prize, adding to the excitement of the event.
Public Feedback and Changes
Scott Sales, the Montana Lottery Director, mentioned that public feedback played a significant role in shaping this year’s raffle. Due to the high demand and positive feedback from Montanans, the number of tickets was increased, and an additional million-dollar grand prize was added. This approach aimed to enhance the overall experience for participants and ensure that more people had a chance to win.
Legislation and Winner Disclosure
A recent change in legislation has impacted the disclosure of winners’ names. 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 allow them to remain anonymous if they choose.
Revenue and Its Impact
The revenue generated from the Montana Millionaire raffle is used primarily for paying prizes and covering operational costs. The remaining funds are allocated 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 the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and the Montana University System. Any remaining funds are directed to the state’s general fund.
Unclaimed Prizes and Their Fate
Last year, one of the Montana Millionaire prizes went unclaimed, and the money was subsequently transferred to the State General Fund. Winners have six months to claim their prize, either in person or via mail. This ensures that the prize money is distributed fairly and that any unclaimed funds are put to good use.
Conclusion: A Successful Year for the Montana Millionaire Raffle
The 2023 Montana Millionaire raffle has been a resounding success, with increased ticket sales, additional prizes, and enthusiastic participation from residents. The event has not only provided significant financial rewards to the winners but also contributed to important state programs through its revenue. As the raffle continues to grow in popularity, it remains a highlight of the year for many Montanans, offering excitement and the chance to turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one.
