Search for Aussie millionaires as $116m in lotto prizes remain unclaimed

Seven lucky Australians could be secret millionaires, and 10 others in line for a windfall, as lotto prizes worth a combined $116m remain unclaimed.

A group of Aussies could be secret millionaires as Lotto tickets worth more than $100m remain unclaimed.

Aussies have been urged to check their lotto tickets to see if they could be one of the 17 mystery winners of prizes totalling a combined $116 million.

This includes a staggering $100 million prize from the June 12 Powerball this year.

The ticket was purchased at the Bondi Junction Newsagency & Internet Cafe in NSW.

Other major prizes yet to be claimed include $4.8m from the Set for Life game on April 8, 2021, purchased at the Thistle Kiosk.

A staggering $116 million worth of Lotto prizes remains unclaimed. Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele

Another Set for Life winner is yet to claim $4.8m from the November 30, 2024 draw, the ticket bought at the Nextra Kiama.

Majority of the unclaimed prizes are from NSW, the figure sitting at about $107m followed by $5.3m in the ACT, $2.7m in Queensland, and $1m in Victoria.

A Lott spokesperson said they were eager to connect Aussies with their unclaimed cash and “help kickstart their dreams”.

“So, whether you’re digging through old receipts in preparation for tax time or deep cleaning the house, keep an eye out for any unchecked lottery tickets,” the spokesperson said.

“We’d love to pair the winners with their prize!”

Aussies have been urged to check their tickets to see if they could be one of the 17 mystery winners. Picture: NewsWire/ David Crosling

However, they warned prize claim periods vary across each state and territory.

Those in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia have only 12 months to claim their winnings, with the claim period extending to three years in the Northern Territory, six years in ACT and NSW, and seven years in Queensland.

Just last month a Wonthaggi man discovered he’d won more than $2.1m from a ticket his wife gifted him for Christmas, but had forgotten to check as “life got in the way”.

“It’s very surreal,” the man said following the discovery.

Each state and territory has different prize claim periods. Picture: NewsWire/ David Crosling

“My wife always buys a lottery ticket for everyone in the family for Christmas.

“I completely forgot about the ticket … I only thought the other day that I should check the ticket. I couldn’t believe it.

“Things like this never happen to us.”

He said he would divide the prize up between his family.

“It will help many people!” he said.

The Lott spokesperson emphasised the importance of registering entries to ensure winners can be easily identified and contacted.

Originally published as Search for Aussie millionaires as $116m in lotto prizes remain unclaimed