A winning Mega Millions ticket worth $197.5 million is set to expire this weekend, the California Lottery says.
Lottery players are urged to check for the ticket, which was one of two Mega Millions jackpot winners from December 2023 sold at the exact same Chevron gas station in Encino.
The winning numbers from the Dec. 8, 2023, drawing were 21, 26, 53, 66, 70, and Mega Ball 13.
One of the tickets was already redeemed, but the other expires on Saturday, and the California Lottery has no way to contact that person unless they come forward to claim the prize.
“We have no way of knowing who has the second jackpot-winning ticket from that incredible night,” said Carolyn Becker from the California Lottery.
The ticket holder has until 11:59 p.m. Saturday to claim the prize at one of the California Lottery’s nine district offices or mail a completed claim form to its headquarters in Sacramento postmarked before the expiration date.
If unclaimed, the prize money will be allocated to public education in California, in accordance with state lottery regulations.
“While it’s a shame for potential winners to see any winning ticket expire, it does give a helpful boost to California public schools,” said Becker. “We can still feel good about it at the end of the day.”
The current Mega Millions jackpot is climbing, with Friday’s grand prize estimated at around $579 million. Officials said every $2 sold contributes about 80 cents to California’s public schools.
For more information on claiming lottery prizes or details about the current jackpot, visit the California Lottery website.
