Victorian lotto winners and lucky TAB punters have failed to claim $567 million in winnings, new figures reveal

It’s time to check your bottom drawer, glove box and down the back of the couch. Victorians have left more than half a billion dollars in lotto, scratchie and TAB winnings unclaimed. Here’s how you can check if you’re owed money.

Punters who have won lotto, scratchie or TAB cash are missing out on more than half a billion dollars in unclaimed money.

The State Revenue Office revealed $567,598,670 is being held from wins dating back to 1997.

Frustratingly, the majority of the mystery prize pool will likely remain unrecovered with winners needing to provide the winning ticket or some kind of proof to get paid.

It is believed scores of lotto winners who lost or misplaced tickets are missing out along with punters celebrating Melbourne Cup Day wins, who may have had too many drinks to remember to collect their prize money.

Punters enjoying themselves after the running of the Melbourne Cup. Picture: AAP

In 2018 a lotto win of $2,047,344 was handed over to the SRO, however, it was later claimed back in a lucky twist.

After 167 days a Berwick man produced the winning ticket, which he had been carrying around in his wallet, oblivious to how much it was worth.

Tabcorp spokeswoman Bronwyn Spencer urged Victorians to check their old tickets.

“Winners have told us they’ve found old tickets in the bottom of their shopping bags, in the glove box of their car or right in front of their nose on the fridge,” she said.

“So if anyone out there has an unchecked lottery ticket we encourage them to check their ticket because they could be the winner we are searching for.”

More than half a billion dollars in lotto, scratchie and TAB winnings is unclaimed in Victoria.

There is currently one outstanding division one winning entry in Victoria — worth $1,018,499.24 from Tattslotto draw 3905 drawn on December 22 — which will be handed over to the SRO if not claimed soon.

MORE: OZ LOTTO JACKPOTS TO $40 MILLION

MELBOURNE MAN SCORES $3.3M IN MULTIPLE LOTTO WINS

$1M LOTTO TICKET BOUGHT IN COBURG UNCLAIMED

Under Victorian law all winnings which are unclaimed after six months go into the pile, where $27 million was added in 2018.

Treasurer Tim Pallas encouraged Victorians to check the unclaimed money database to ensure they are not owed any traceable funds.

“An easy check on the State Revenue Office website could reveal a win for some Victorians, it only takes a moment.

“Someone out there hasn’t realised they won more than $2 million last year, and I’d be very happy to hear they were united with their win after a quick check with the SRO.”

[e-mail]