Montana Millionaire Raffle Winners Announced
The Montana Lottery recently announced the grand-prize winners of the annual Montana Millionaire raffle. On December 26, 2023, three lucky ticket holders each won $1 million. This year, the lottery sold 380,000 tickets, an increase of 100,000 from the previous year. Tickets were sold at $20 each, starting on November 1st, and sold out within five hours.
Winning Tickets and Locations
The winning tickets were drawn from a pool of 380,000 eligible tickets. Initially, there was an error in reporting the location of one winning ticket. Ticket number 346589 was first said to be sold in Stanford but was actually sold in Great Falls. Lottery officials apologized for the mistake, attributing it to human error. The other two winning tickets were also sold in different locations across the state.
Additional Prizes and Early Bird Drawings
Besides the three grand prizes, the Montana Millionaire raffle also featured 4,100 “instant win” tickets worth either $100 or $500 each. Additionally, there were two “early bird” drawings. The first early bird drawing, worth $25,000, took place on November 24. The winning ticket, number 172886, was sold at an Albertsons store on Grand Avenue in Billings. The second early bird drawing, worth $100,000, was held on December 15. The winning ticket, number 274028, was sold at an Albertsons store on Third Street NW in Great Falls.
Previous Million-Dollar Winners
Over the years, the Montana Millionaire raffle has made several Montanans millionaires. Previous winners include individuals from Butte (3), Great Falls (2), Billings (4), Columbia Falls (2), Winnett (1), East Helena (1), and Laurel (1). This year’s winners add to the growing list of lucky Montanans who have struck it rich through the state’s popular raffle game.
Lottery Popularity and Operations
The Montana Millionaire raffle is notably popular compared to other states’ raffle games, which often struggle to sell out. According to Dan Iverson, Montana Lottery content manager, no two raffles have been exactly the same due to variations in ticket numbers or prize amounts. This year, the addition of a third million-dollar prize and the increase in ticket numbers reflect the game’s growing popularity.
Revenue Usage and State Benefits
Revenue generated from lottery sales 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 as dictated by legislation.
Unclaimed Prizes and Verification Process
Last year, one of the two Montana Millionaire prizes went unclaimed and reverted to the State General Fund. The lottery can verify transactions based on where and when they occurred and what numbers were printed on a ticket. This ensures that all winners are accurately identified and awarded their prizes.
Claiming Prizes and Public Feedback
Winners have six months to claim their prize either in person or via mail. Public feedback has played a significant role in shaping the Montana Millionaire raffle. Scott Sales, Montana Lottery Director, mentioned that Montanans love the raffle and want every opportunity to play. This year’s changes, including the increase in ticket numbers and the addition of another million-dollar prize, were influenced by public demand.
Conclusion
The recent announcement of the Montana Millionaire raffle winners has brought joy to several Montanans. With three new millionaires and thousands of instant win prizes, the raffle continues to be a beloved tradition in the state. The revenue generated supports important state programs, making the lottery a win-win for both players and the community.
