In a surprising turn of events, Faramarz Lahijani, a resident of California, found himself unable to claim the entirety of his $394 million Mega Millions jackpot from the December 8, 2023, drawing. Despite his excitement, Lahijani was met with an unexpected hurdle: he could only produce one lottery ticket, even though he insists he purchased two, according to Univision.
The California Lottery system, during its verification process, identified two tickets that matched the winning numbers. Lahijani, who has consistently played the same numbers for decades, contends he bought both tickets but could only claim $197 million since the second ticket was misplaced. He stated that he purchased both tickets at a Chevron gas station in Encino using his long-standing numbers: 21, 26, 53, 66, 70, and the Mega Ball 13.
Legal Action and Lost Opportunities
Faced with this predicament, Lahijani filed a formal claim with the California Lottery Commission and subsequently launched a lawsuit before the deadline to claim the second half of the prize expired. In his legal action, he is seeking the remaining $197 million, asserting rightful ownership of the missing ticket.
The California Lottery, however, remains firm in its policy of not commenting on ongoing litigation and stated it lacks the capability to identify the holder of the unclaimed second ticket. They emphasized that, according to their rules, if a ticket is not presented by the cut-off date, the prize funds are allocated to public education programs in California.
Impact on Education and Future Changes
While the unclaimed $197 million Mega Millions prize will not be awarded to any individual, the funds will not go to waste. The California Lottery has confirmed that this money will be redirected to support educational initiatives across the state, benefiting countless students.
Moreover, starting in April 2025, the cost of lottery tickets will increase from $2 to $5. This change aims to boost jackpot sizes and enhance winning opportunities, albeit at a higher expense for participants.
Key Insights on California Lottery Regulations
What happens to unclaimed lottery prizes in California?
According to California Lottery rules, unclaimed prizes are redirected to public education programs in the state, ensuring the funds benefit the community rather than going unutilized.
Why did Faramarz Lahijani only receive half of his Mega Millions prize?
Faramarz Lahijani was able to claim only half of his winnings because he could not produce the second ticket required to claim the full amount, as per California Lottery regulations.
What legal actions has Lahijani taken regarding his lottery winnings?
Lahijani has filed a lawsuit against the California Lottery, seeking the remaining portion of his jackpot, arguing that he is the rightful owner of the lost ticket.