California Lottery officials seized surveillance footage from store that sold Powerball ticket

Comment #64

KY Floyd — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 20:39:33 GMT

Sure you do, and we're all very impressed.

Comment #63

MaximumMillions — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 16:20:37 GMT

I would have my lawyer call the lottery commission and make clear that the winning ticket is in his clients possession and he intends to claim at a later date.

Comment #62

zephbe — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 15:21:52 GMT

Do you open carry

Comment #61

dr65 — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 13:29:22 GMT

Wouldn't it be tempting with such information, that if the winner chose not to come forward right away, for them to

submit to the public eye a photo of the winner buying their ticket? Or announce: Do you know this individual?

Why give any time to claim then? If they use the excuse they are trying to locate the winner because they may have discarded

their ticket or may not know they won, I'd only take that as being forced to surface.

That is a LOT of money. Sometimes thing... [ More ]

Comment #60

camcomr — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 04:47:34 GMT

I know who the winner is she was recently in Miami over the weekend partying with friends

Comment #59

crazyjaney — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 01:31:27 GMT

That's great advice upthread about going to different stores to buy tickets wearing a hat not parking in the front etc.

Comment #58

TheGameGrl — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 01:12:27 GMT

so even if the person (s) havent claimed, the store still gets their bonus sale? 1 million? upfront

but if no one claims , money reverts back to all states ...

seems a store wins no matter what.

I agree with RL. Save the speculation, deal with rational logic.

Comment #57

crazyjaney — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 00:56:23 GMT

Could be possible. Somebody could just decide that they don't want it.

Comment #56

crazyjaney — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 00:18:25 GMT

That is exactly right!!! And issued gag orders on air traffic controllers Some of whom meant some very unfortunate accidental deaths

This sounds fishy and like an overreach of government power. It's been a week. There is no need to start seizing property.

Comment #55

KY Floyd — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 22:34:23 GMT

Every bill in your wallet is a bearer instrument, too. Do you think if you drop a 20 on the ground it belongs to me if I pick it up before you do

Comment #54

gocart1 — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 21:57:30 GMT

LMFAO

Comment #53

gocart1 — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 21:53:12 GMT

I LIKE THIS IDEA

Comment #52

gocart1 — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 21:50:51 GMT

Comment #51

dddwww — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 19:02:32 GMT

While the drawing is random, every ticket sold is logged in a database with a lot of information, including where it was sold and the date and time.

With hundreds of millions at stake it is possible that a dispute over ownership of the ticket could ensue and video of who actually purchased the ticket could be important. If someone who differed from the purchaser showed up there would likely be questions as to how that person came to possess the ticket before they would pay out the winnings.

Comment #50

dddwww — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 18:51:31 GMT

It is likely not the proper word to use in this case. The California Lottery doesn't have police powers, they do have contracts with their retailers and those contracts state that retailers must:

Provide any information requested by the Lottery, such as information about equipment, service, accessibility, records, payment, or any other information immediately upon request.

It is likely that information could include video recordings. However, a contract doesn't permit seizure, if... [ More ]

Comment #49

cbr$ — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 18:41:43 GMT

All the Tickets printed have the time purchased on them. I think it in military time.

Comment #48

ICUNod — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 18:05:15 GMT

hmmh? I find something not right with this! They, the lottery commission, stated that they would no longer look for the person if they do not come forward. Since that's the case, why seize the footage? If the draw is random, then how do they know exactly what time the ticket was sold? Interesting indeed.

Comment #47

rgse90 — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 17:32:53 GMT

Not that this is happening BUT did you ever think that the person who won decided to throw the ticket away and forget about it. It is said that Jack Whittaker, the morning he realized he won, his wife told him to throw the ticket away because they had everything they needed in life.

Hence years later, he lost his company, settled hundreds of lawsuits filed against him, his grand daughter is dead, her boyfriend is dead, his wife left him, he has no friends, and he had become for a while a... [ More ]

Comment #46

Groppo — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 16:48:57 GMT

.

Yes, but so what? They can just get alternative names for everybody, like you see them do on TV.

No, on 2nd thought, that too wouldn't be such a hot idea.

Imagine the new, rich family at the beach, in LA:

But Mommy, why do I have to be called Gertrude?

Mom: Well, you can trade names with your brother, Samantha, if you want.

(groppo, please, we don't want to have to confine you, again

Comment #45

Tony Numbers — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 16:24:00 GMT

Didnt the FBI and CIA seize all the videos after the missile hit the Pentagon

Comment #44

Groppo — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 16:23:29 GMT

Too doggone funny, man.

Either a Nixon mask , yeah, Good old Well, I'm not a crook .

Or, a gorilla suit. Yeah, that'll do it. Cuz they say Big Foot, the hoax was really just Elvis in a gorilla suit.

Thank you for that bit of comedy, though in reality, it's really not a bad idea.

(groppo, you're too much.

sit groppo, sit, good boy

Comment #43

MsBernice — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 16:21:04 GMT

I'm so glad they took the tape, because before you knew it, some employee would have had it posted all over Youtube and Facebook. It's not just the winner who is at risk, so are their family and anyone else related. After, the 900 million...I was too paranoid to even play the Powerball or Mega Millions.

Comment #42

Carly3232 — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:01:12 GMT

I heard maybe it was a Canadian truck driver but not sure because thats the rimor going around.

Maybe they are just thinking of what m to do before coming forward.

Who knows!

we shall see

Comment #41

Redd55 — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 14:43:20 GMT

I'm surprised they took a week. A store owner told me they show up the next day, take the tape, and then put up banners saying the store sold the winning ticket. Must be because so many people were coming to the store to congratulate the owner and buy more tickets, the lottery decided to wait.

Comment #40

bigbuckswede — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 14:16:28 GMT

In Sweden you must use players card when you play in stores. If you loose your winning ticket the lottery will deposit the winnings on your predefined bank account.

Comment #39

dpoly1 — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 14:02:25 GMT

The PDR California wants to seize everything

Comment #38

savagegoose — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 13:41:12 GMT

I think also media outlets may pay a good price to get that video, and the Ca lottery may not want the images out before , or at all. they get a winner claim their prize.

Comment #37

JezzVim — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 13:10:30 GMT

TWO TICKETS OUT!!!

Where are they? All the hype for the Billion Dollars and two tickets are still out? I didn't hear about the second party claiming, so I could be wrong?

But with my suspicious mind if no one comes forth for those winning tickets I think it would be fraud involved. But on the other hand, experts said to take your time and get advice and set up a situation so you and your money will be safe. Maybe these winners are the smart ones?

The saga continutes................. [ More ]

Comment #36

music* — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 12:26:26 GMT

and follow UK's example of TAX-FREE winnings.

Comment #35

myturn — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 12:09:27 GMT

US state lotteries should offer player registration cards, so players have a choice. They can use a card when they purchase a ticket, if they wish.

Comment #34

CARBOB — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 10:16:45 GMT

What are the odds the winner doesn't want someone to see his face. May have a warrant out for them, in a divorce case. There are a lot more reasons.

Comment #33

RL-RANDOMLOGIC — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 10:11:07 GMT

I think it's a good thing, there is no limit to what some will do to get the identity of a winner.

If you want to stay hidden wear a cap and don't look up when you are buying the tickets.

Also don't park near the front of the store, as cameras can record your car and license plate.

Know where the security cameras are located before hand. Buy your tickets at a place where

your not a regular customer etc... Even if you don't mind others knowing who you are, this at

least can give... [ More ]

Comment #32

zephbe — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 09:55:26 GMT

what is rush to find the winner? The ticket is not about to expire--they just won. There is something offensive about this to me. The winner will claim their prize (or not) when they are ready.

Also--what is the video about? A lottery ticket is a bearer instrument. Doesn't matter who bought it. Who signs it and turns it in is what matters.

Comment #31

pantherestates — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 09:39:42 GMT

9 times out of 10 if they R smart they're holding off and getting a team together to come forward and claim it in a trust...

Comment #30

maximumfun — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 09:28:13 GMT

I don't much like the wording seized . That just is an uncomfortable word to me.

Comment #29

Suzy-Dittlenose — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 08:55:16 GMT

I think I would take 3-5 months before contacting the lottery office. That time would be used to shop for legal direction and give me time to adjust to this sudden wealth.

Comment #28

Suzy-Dittlenose — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 08:52:41 GMT

CA does not tax lottery winnings. There is a State tax, but lottery winnings are exempt from taxation.

Comment #27

KY Floyd — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 07:29:21 GMT

This is just another example of a reporter who's clueless and/or trying to add a bunch of hype to a meaningless story about a perfectly routine administrative process. Saying the video was seized is like having a lawyer tell a jury that you slammed into his client's car after you backed into it at 2mph while parking. An accurate description would almost certainly say that somebody from the lottery arrived and politely asked for the video, and the owner, who was expecting them and knew why they w... [ More ]

Comment #26

RedStang — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 06:36:17 GMT

This is big bucks. Cali wants that tax $$$. The winner don't know it but their being hunted.

Comment #25

noise-gate — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 05:23:04 GMT

Lottery officials seized the store's security camera footage and other materials that could contain clues about the winner's identity.

l could understand that move IF 300 days had passed and the lottery desperately wanted the winner to come forward ... but 7 days after the spin? Is it not a course of wisdom to interview a number of tax attorneys, estate planners etc etc before coming forward when the winner is ready as ready gets? Is the winner supposed to have the planning done by this past... [ More ]

Comment #24

haveagreatday! — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 04:44:57 GMT

Lottery officials seized the store's security camera footage and other materials that could contain clues about the winner's identity. California Lottery spokesman Russell Lopez said that's standard procedure when somebody wins a big prize.

Does anyone here know if that's standard procedure in all the states, or just California

Comment #23

Winner$inDC — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 04:35:35 GMT

What if they found out they won and had a heart attack? I sure might have, at that point you assumed you were the only winner. ...... or maybe they're just taking their time ..... goodness it's only been like a week.

Comment #22

VenomV12 — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 04:14:19 GMT

Seizing seems a little extreme, why not just ask for the tape politely and make a copy? And they wonder why people don't trust the government. Seeing as this was the biggest jackpot in history I highly doubt anyone was careless or forgot to check their tickets, they are obviously doing the right thing unlike the other idiots that ran to come forward the next day so right off the bat I have much higher hopes for their future.

Comment #21

noise-gate — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 03:01:14 GMT

This is what is written in the CA lottery FAQ section...

**** How long do players have to claim prizes?

Players have 180 days from the date of the POWERBALL draw to claim prizes, other than the jackpot. The jackpot can be claimed for up to a year from the date of the POWERBALL draw.

Its only been 7 days, that's right. Seven days and already we reading surveillance footage seized .. just what in the world is going on up there in Sacramento? Whatever happened to abiding by your... [ More ]

Comment #20

Stack47 — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 02:59:47 GMT

Our LP jackpot collecting experts , when giving their advice forgot to mention the player with the ticket could simply call lottery headquarters. But then there would be no drama,

Comment #19

lejardin — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 02:51:53 GMT

i dont recall the whole story just that they pulled the video that showed the person buying and then asked others to help identify him. It is a double edged sword, yes remind or help the buyer but also exposes the person if they wanted to be as anonymous as possible. Cant imagine if I had purchased a ticket I would forget but stranger things have happened. If that had been me, nobody would have to remind me to check my ticket.

Comment #18

ohiopick3 — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 02:30:51 GMT

You still have to have that ticket to cash it in.

Comment #17

GoogilyMoogily — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 02:13:42 GMT

Perhaps the California lottery should be in charge of finding the FBI's most wanted

Comment #16

Mattmccl — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 02:10:09 GMT

I like the way you think, claiming prizes point break style .

Comment #15

larry3100 — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 02:09:37 GMT

Let's say that the Lottery officials didn't seize the camera video tape of that person who won that Powerball game. Would that tape be there for Lottery officials to pick up one year from now? I don't think so, gone forever. Smart move by Lottery officials.

Comment #14

music* — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 01:38:00 GMT

Listen to Lawyers Andrew Stoltsman and Jason Kurland.

Winner! You have a target on your back. You are on the list of international crime syndicates. But, the good news is you are wealthy enough to defend yourself. Security companies abound and are all over the globe.

Why the rush by the Lottery Organizations? Publicity and money. The LOVE of money is the root of many evils.

Why is Flint, Michigan in the news? Money.

Comment #13

Romancandle — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 01:02:15 GMT

Nothing creepy about this...

Comment #12

noise-gate — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 01:00:08 GMT

The California Lottery is doing the same thing they did a few years ago. Seizing footage of the winner for no apparent reason. The winner has a full freaking year before he or she decides to come forward.The Last time they ran into a firestorm for putting the winner face on TV without the winner's permission- will these people ever learn? What on earth is the hurry? I swear- if l ever won and l am told to come forward: l will, with a Nixon mask or Gorilla Suit.

Comment #11

music* — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 00:23:51 GMT

with you sirbrad about reminding the winners. But I would wait for at least three months before airing the footage. Of course, the winner can have a call made anonymously to the lottery office and stop all the speculation, rumours, etc. The winner needs only to provide the 18 digit number above the bar code on the front side of the ticket.

I hope that the winner does not live in Chino Hills,CA. Then his/her family members, friends, would have no suspicion that he/she is the winner. His/her n... [ More ]

Comment #10

BuyLow — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 00:10:34 GMT

Seized surveillance video? Welcome to the USSA

Comment #9

sirbrad — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 00:02:11 GMT

The footage could also help remind or let those know they bought the ticket. But I don't know how anyone buys a ticket for a jackpot that big and does not keep track of it. But many are first time or casual players and sometimes forget they even bought it.

Comment #8

cbr$ — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 23:58:20 GMT

May the people who purchase the winning ticket in California are get their affairs in order. Like a change of address within a week, after they claim the money.

Comment #7

JoshUK — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 23:56:55 GMT

Isn't that the guy who won $1m on the Powerball and then went to Vietnam or something for like 6 months then came back a few days before it expired and then couldn't find the ticket....

Comment #6

lejardin — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 23:54:43 GMT

Standard procedure? I dont think I have heard that before in any of the lottery wins. That is a concern for me and maybe those who want to protect themselves. If the winner doesnt come forward for several months will they pull that tape looking for that person and therefore outs them before they are ready? That was done once in California when they couldnt locate a winner. The tape came out with if you recognize this person...... . Dont know the results of that particular win.

Comment #5

sirbrad — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 23:50:18 GMT

http://www.flalottery.com/site/powerball-faq.do

At the end of the winning state's claim period (180 days in Florida), the funds to pay a jackpot that goes unclaimed will be returned to the lottery members in their proportion of sales for the jackpot rollover series. In Florida, 80 percent of all unclaimed jackpot prizes are transferred to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund to benefit education in the state. All funds for unclaimed POWERBALL non-jackpot prizes stay in the state where... [ More ]

Comment #4

JoshUK — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 23:49:24 GMT

Interesting, thanks Todd

Comment #3

Todd — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 23:45:46 GMT

If the jackpot is not claimed in a multi-state game, the proceeds are sent back to the states in the same proportions of each state's sales that contributed money to the pot. Then each state has their own rules for what is done with unclaimed prize money within the state.

Comment #2

JoshUK — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 23:40:52 GMT

What happens to the money if it isn't claimed? Does it go back in the pot or is it kept by the lottery

Comment #1

sirbrad — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 23:35:02 GMT

They should just come forward and get it over with. The longer you wait the better the chance that something can happen to that ticket. I would not feel safe until it was validated and in my bank account. But if they are assembling a team it will take longer because that team wants to be sure their cut is all in place.

They might want to let a lot of time pass to avoid attention but at the same time that would create a lot of anxiety knowing that much money ($528 million) is sitting around no... [ More ]

California Lottery officials seized surveillance footage from store that sold Powerball ticket

Lottery Post — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 23:14:08 GMT

Whoever bought the winning Powerball ticket from a Chino Hills, California, 7-Eleven remains a mystery, even to the store's owner.

Balbir Atwal, who made national news last week when the public learned that his store had sold one of the jackpot-winning tickets, said he has no idea who the winner is.

And he can't even look it up. Lottery officials seized the store's security camera footage and other materials that could contain clues about the winner's identity. California Lottery spokesman... [ More ]