The Lotto Matrix: Unclaimed Billions, IGT Expands Reach, Lotto.com Milestone and More

A weekly review of lottery news from around the U.S. shows another big deal for IGT and several new millionaires across the country.

By Erik Gibbs

Last updated: July 12, 2024

3 min

Welcome to this week’s “Lotto Matrix,” a weekly Friday compilation of the lottery industry’s most significant, interesting, or absurd happenings.

Unclaimed Billions

The quest for a mystery millionaire continues in New Jersey. The winner of a staggering $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot purchased in March 2024 has yet to claim their prize, according to New Jersey Lottery officials.

The winning ticket was sold at a ShopRite Liquors store on Route 66 in Neptune Township, Monmouth County. The lucky numbers drawn on March 26th were 7, 11, 22, 29, and 38, with a Mega Ball of 4. This jackpot was the fifth-largest in Mega Millions history and the biggest ever won in New Jersey.

Lottery officials are urging residents to double-check any tickets they might have from the March 26th drawing. The winner has until March 26, 2025, to claim their prize. If the ticket remains unclaimed, the money will be redirected to educational programs and other public purposes in the state.

Colorado Lottery Inks Long-Term Deal for Tech Upgrades with IGT

IGT Global Solutions, a leading lottery technology provider, announced a new partnership with the Colorado Lottery. The seven-year agreement, signed this month with the option for extensions, aims to modernize the lottery’s infrastructure and enhance the player experience.

The centerpiece of the deal is IGT’s Aurora central system, replacing Colorado’s existing system. Part of IGT’s Omnia suite, Aurora offers valuable data insights through a unified player view. This will empower the lottery to develop targeted marketing campaigns, optimize product offerings, and gain a deeper understanding of player behavior.

Beyond the central system upgrade, the agreement includes a complete overhaul of lottery retailer equipment across Colorado. Players can expect faster and more reliable terminals for purchasing tickets and claiming prizes.

Additionally, IGT will introduce a new mobile app featuring a scan-and-redeem function. This allows players to scan draw-based tickets or instant scratch-offs with the app to redeem winnings directly into their linked bank accounts.

Pennsylvania Woman Beats Cancer, Wins the Lottery

A Pennsylvania woman celebrating the end of her breast cancer treatment is also celebrating a life-changing $5 million lottery win. Donna Osborne, 75, purchased a winning scratch-off ticket while waiting at an airport with her daughter, according to a Pennsylvania Lottery news release. Their flight to Florida for a family visit had been delayed, leading Osborne to the fortuitous purchase.

“I could not believe my eyes!” Osborne said upon discovering her win. The bittersweet victory came just in time for her birthday, the release added.

Osborne, a public servant who has spent the past 10 years providing transportation for the Amish community, has no plans to retire despite her newfound fortune.

Lottery officials did not disclose the specific game that delivered Osborne her windfall. However, the Pennsylvania Lottery offers a variety of scratch-off tickets with top prizes ranging from a few thousand dollars to millions.

Lotto.com Surpasses Two Million Customers in Record Time

Lotto.com, an online lottery courier or official state lottery tickets, has achieved a significant milestone: surpassing two million customers. This feat comes in record time, with Lotto.com doubling its customer base in less than a year since reaching one million users in July 2023.

Lotto.com’s rapid growth can be attributed to its focus on convenience and security. The platform allows users to purchase lottery tickets for various state draws and scratch-off games digitally, eliminating the need to visit physical retailers. Lotto.com emphasizes secure transactions and ensures players have a safe and legal way to participate in state lotteries.

The Million-dollar Birthday

A birthday gift turned into a life-changing windfall for a Massachusetts resident. The Merjon Tangovan Nominee Trust of Boston, represented by trustee Greg Racki, claimed the first-ever $1 million-a-year for life grand prize in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s “Lifetime Millions” game.

While the winner’s identity remains confidential due to the trust structure, the impact of the win is undeniable. Choosing the lump-sum option, the trust received a payout of $15.4 million before taxes.

“My client received the winning ticket as a birthday gift,” Racki revealed, calling it the “best birthday present ever.” While specific details haven’t been disclosed, Racki did share that the winner will use the new-found fortune to help his family and do a little traveling.

The lucky ticket was purchased at Northside Market & Liquors in Bedford. The store will also benefit from this win, receiving $50,000 for selling the winning ticket.

The “Lifetime Millions” game offers players the chance to win a life-changing sum. The top prize grants the winner $1 million annually for life, with a guaranteed minimum of 20 years of payments. Alternatively, players can choose a one-time cash option, as the trust did in this instance.