01-07-2025
2 $1 million lottery prizes go unclaimed in Virginia, Idaho
Winning the lottery is a dream scenario for many, apparently, except for two lucky ticket holders who didn't claim their jackpots and missed their chance to become millionaires.
Officials with the Idaho Lottery and the Virginia Lottery confirmed to USA TODAY that two $1 million prizes went unclaimed with their claiming period expiring on Monday, June 30.
The ticket in Virginia won the state's New Year's Millionaire Raffle drawing on Jan. 1, 2025, while the ticket in Idaho is from last winter's Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle. The unclaimed prize in Idaho became the fourth $1 million winning draw ticket in the state's lottery history to go unclaimed and the first in more than a decade.
Now that the prizes have gone unclaimed, Idaho officials said the funds will go toward the state's public schools and the 'State of Idaho's permanent buildings – like those on our college campuses.'
In Virginia, the money will go into the state's Literary Fund, which officials said provides low-interest loans to cities for 'public school construction, renovations and technology upgrades.'
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800- GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms:
Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse/ USA TODAY
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
