Oregon man finds $1 million lottery ticket 8 days before it expired

Jan 12, 2017, 5:24 pm (14 comments)

Mega Millions

An Oregon man recently discovered a year-old winning lotto ticket in his home office that he was cleaning, according to the Oregon Lottery.

Amazingly, the lucky man — Joemel Panisa — found the ticket just eight days before it expired, the Oregon Lottery said in a news release on Wednesday. The ticket was worth $1 million.

Panisa was able to claim the ticket just in the nick of time, and he is officially now the fourth Mega Millions $1 million winner from Oregon since the game was offered in the state in 2010, the Oregon State Lottery said.

Panisa purchased the winning ticket last year on Jan. 15, 2016, at a mini market along a highway in the city of Newport, Oregon.

Panisa then placed the ticket in an envelope and put it in his home office, where it was left forgotten for a whole year.

But "thanks to the snow and ice storm" that recently hit the state, Panisa was motivated to clean the office and stumbled upon the ticket again this past Monday, Jan. 9, the Oregon Lottery said. Panisa claimed it the same day, just before the ticket was set to expire on Jan. 17, 2017.

The mini market that sold the winning ticket will receive a 1 percent bonus, or $10,000, the Oregon State Lottery said.

Lottery Post Staff

Comments

lejardin's avatarlejardin

Someone was looking out for this guy!  Lucky guy.

rcbbuckeye's avatarrcbbuckeye

If I know I have a ticket worth a million I sure wouldn't put it in an envelope and forget about it.

ElinaSammy2081's avatarElinaSammy2081

Congratulations on the win new Year new wealth. I couldn't hold myself I buy a ticket I need to know as soon as the numbers are drawn. I should relax this year and check the numbers a month later maybe like that I will win more often.Embarassed

Nodda4me's avatarNodda4me

Quote: Originally posted by rcbbuckeye on Jan 12, 2017

If I know I have a ticket worth a million I sure wouldn't put it in an envelope and forget about it.

I'm sure if he knew it was a winner he wouldn't have either

Raven62's avatarRaven62

Whether you are buying a lottery ticket or scratch-card, placing a bet, playing poker or bingo, or playing on a gambling machine or casino game, Gambling Responsibly means treating the activity as just one form of entertainment in a balanced lifestyle. It also means the timely Checking of Your Tickets after the Drawing!

Slick Nick's avatarSlick Nick

Pay attention to your bets, Bash you're in it to win it!Hyper And 1 final thing (humor) I'm sure Mr. Panisa can well afford a new washing machine. He probably has to wash his shorts a few extra times. Be thankful to the Lottery spirit.Banana

Groppo's avatarGroppo

.

Having read all the responses to the article so far, I have little to add. 
I hope the winner buys several automotive toys, and such things.

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Coming forward so late probably spoiled the plans of anyone who were planning to make a false claim of losing their ticket.

noise-gate

if ever something was to be found at the last minute, it's not just money, but serious money. I hope it's Weshar75.

American Indian's avatarAmerican Indian

Quote: Originally posted by ElinaSammy2081 on Jan 12, 2017

Congratulations on the win new Year new wealth. I couldn't hold myself I buy a ticket I need to know as soon as the numbers are drawn. I should relax this year and check the numbers a month later maybe like that I will win more often.Embarassed

LOL I'm with You I can't wait to check my Tickets, I keep them In the same spot next to my chair after a draw first thing I do next a.m Is ck My Tickets!

Why buy and play If you're not going to follow through and ck them?

He was Very Lucky He ck'd them when he did, what If he had waited until the 18th?

cb75

I'm guilty of not always checking my tickets right away. Several months ago I found a 4 week old pick 3 ticket I had left on a table in the basement.  Scanned it at Sunoco and found that I'd won $350!! It was a number that I don't play regularly, so when my normal numbers didn't hit I just didn't think to check the ticket and must've forgotten that I'd played 372.

gregs241's avatargregs241

Wisconsin offers 2nd chance drawing for non winning lottery plays. Still important to scan all tickets at the retailer before mailing!! Congrats. to the Oregon player.See Ya!

ressuccess's avatarressuccess

Wow that was close!

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

I was hoping it was Weshar...

End of comments
Subscribe to this news story