Calif. man knew he won $1M but lost the lottery ticket

Mar 13, 2015, 2:32 pm (115 comments)

Powerball

By Todd Northrop

A California Lottery winner lost out on the opportunity to claim his $1 million Powerball prize after he misplaced his ticket.

The man saw news reports about himself buying the ticket in Rosemead and came forward, saying he was the winner, KABC-TV reported.  But, he said, he lost his ticket.

Because Powerball rules require the winner to produce the actual winning ticket, he was ineligible to collect his winnings, California Lottery spokesman Alex Traverso said.

"We believe the man who came forward yesterday was the actual guy in the surveillance footage," Traverso said," but unfortunately, in Powerball rules, you have to have a physical ticket to win."

Traverso said they had been searching for the winner of the prize money since the drawing Sept. 13, 2014.

It turns out the only winner will be the California education system.

By law, all unclaimed prize money automatically goes to California public schools.

Lottery officials had tried to identify the man and distributed surveillance video footage in the hopes of finding the winner of the winning lottery ticket worth $1,098,624.

The winning ticket was purchased Sept. 13 at Rosemead Supermarket in the 8800 block of East Valley Boulevard back in September. The ticket had all five numbers (1, 6, 16, 37, and 53), but not the Powerball number 27.

The winner had 180 days to claim the ticket, and Thursday was the last day.

The Rosemead Supermarket was still allowed to collect a $5,493 bonus for selling the winning ticket, officials said.

The California Lottery said nearly $800 million in prize money has gone unclaimed in the organization's 30-year history, with $20 million going unclaimed in the 2013-14 fiscal year.

News story photo(Click to display full-size in gallery)

Lottery Post Staff

Comments

Original Bey's avatarOriginal Bey

Worst Case Scenario = Publicity + No Prize! Bang Head

ThatScaryChick's avatarThatScaryChick

Yikes, that's got to hurt. Dead But people need to start putting their tickets in safe places and treat them as if they could be worth a lot of money.

lothob's avatarlothob

Quote: Originally posted by Original Bey on Mar 13, 2015

Worst Case Scenario = Publicity + No Prize! Bang Head

True - though no one will be trying to rub up against him for good luck, lol

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Perhaps in their search for the winner the store should have added a note.  *Unless you have the winning ticket, don't waste your time coming forward.

Rudeboy805

Sad that everyone knows he bought the winning ticket but PB won't pay him.

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

WOW that suxs.

Saylorgirl's avatarSaylorgirl

That makes things so much worse with them showing the video.  They should only put up signs in the store and advertise that a ticket bought at so and so is going to expire.  I feel bad for the guy it is bad enough losing the ticket without everyone knowing it.l

maximumfun's avatarmaximumfun

Quote: Originally posted by Original Bey on Mar 13, 2015

Worst Case Scenario = Publicity + No Prize! Bang Head

wow

haymaker's avatarhaymaker

I would rather never know it,

in this case ignorance really would be bliss !

Redd55

So, what happens if your house with the ticket burns down? Or your wallet with the ticket is stolen and the prize never claimed by the thief? Doesnt sound fair.

Droptop6969's avatarDroptop6969

That will haunt him the rest of his life

pickone4me's avatarpickone4me

Even though it is in california,  I wouldn't want to be in that situation either.  Dude better tear the place apart looking for the ticket,  or start looking for something else and usually what you're looking for will show up.

angelsky31's avatarangelsky31

Wow! What a great loss.

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

This is worse than playing consistently all your life and never winning. It must hurt like Hell

sweetie7398's avatarsweetie7398

That's terrible.

Saylorgirl's avatarSaylorgirl

Quote: Originally posted by pickone4me on Mar 13, 2015

Even though it is in california,  I wouldn't want to be in that situation either.  Dude better tear the place apart looking for the ticket,  or start looking for something else and usually what you're looking for will show up.

It's too late now the deadline has passed.

hearsetrax's avatarhearsetrax

Quote: Originally posted by Droptop6969 on Mar 13, 2015

That will haunt him the rest of his life

No Pity!  < smallest violin

IPlayWeekly's avatarIPlayWeekly

I can't imagine, it would drive me crazy

Redd55

I imagine the lottery has the rule to avoid being entangled in litigation with multiple claims over one ticket.  Or the do it to screw winners. Maybe both. 

 

How do other states handle it?

mrbg's avatarmrbg

Wow. I would be sick to my stomach.

mypiemaster's avatarmypiemaster

Always check your tickets, simple as that. Frown

MsNumberDreamer's avatarMsNumberDreamer

That would truly suck!  Especially if he works a crappy job he hates going to every morning.  It would be a very long time before I'd come out of that depression.  POOR GUY!  That is awful being known as a person that won a million FINALLY but missed out on the chance to actually get it.

MsNumberDreamer's avatarMsNumberDreamer

Quote: Originally posted by mypiemaster on Mar 13, 2015

Always check your tickets, simple as that. Frown

So true!  I always check mine very next day and I always put it in an easily accessible place.

myturn's avatarmyturn

The California Lottery could learn a thing or two from the state lottery of Western Australia

 

Lotterywest Player’s Card  -  We want to make it easy for you to collect your prize.

A Lotterywest Player’s Card can:

  • make it easy to receive any prizes you win
  • store your favourite numbers
  • provide you with some protection if you lose your ticket

 

Lost or stolen tickets and Player's Cards

If you lose a ticket you have registered on your Player’s Card, please contact Lotterywest Customer Services as soon as possible. You will need to provide them with your details plus any specific information on when and where you bought your ticket plus what game and type of ticket it was.  If the ticket is a winner and providing it hasn’t already been claimed, we can ensure that the winnings are not claimed by anyone else.

If you lose your Player’s Card, please call Lotterywest Customer Services  as soon as possible and we will arrange for a new card for you.

lottolaughs's avatarlottolaughs

From now on when he buys a ticket he should glue it to his forehead until after the draw just to make sure.

fwlawrence's avatarfwlawrence

First he lost the ticket, then he really lost it!

Cruzincat

They know he bought the ticket, by way of the video.  Since he came forward, why can't they wait until the day after the deadline, and if no one has come forward with a ticket to claim the prize, give it to him.  Remember the case (in Texas?) where a lottery employee was in the video buying the ticket and someone else tried to claim the prize for him?  Didn't they end up charging fraud?

It all comes down to the greed of the people running the lottery.

Suzy-Dittlenose

Quote: Originally posted by Cruzincat on Mar 13, 2015

They know he bought the ticket, by way of the video.  Since he came forward, why can't they wait until the day after the deadline, and if no one has come forward with a ticket to claim the prize, give it to him.  Remember the case (in Texas?) where a lottery employee was in the video buying the ticket and someone else tried to claim the prize for him?  Didn't they end up charging fraud?

It all comes down to the greed of the people running the lottery.

This is awful, but "you snooze you lose."  I've been taking my clothes to the dry cleaners for many years and even they tell me "No ticky, no washy."  You must present the ticket to claim your item.  No exceptions....Unhappy

basil19

A winner becomes  an involuntary donor by accident, must be painstaking but a wonderful story to learn from .Winner don't feel bad this lessen is  more valuable than monetary value, you will now become the most watchful and careful person in the world. 800 million unclaimed is nothing compared too anyone who could have been a winner buying a ticket after or before a winner, same location, same town. There was a young girl in Florida behind Gloria Mackenzie which the media thought could have been the only winner  and another person ahead  in line which no one ever mentioned,as if winning have anything to do with being there early. Just being there at the right time is all it takes. He had a ticket lost it same as loosing but a California wining lost is not actually a lost feel great that it went to students.So if you ever win you don't have to donate.

rcbbuckeye's avatarrcbbuckeye

Quote: Originally posted by basil19 on Mar 13, 2015

A winner becomes  an involuntary donor by accident, must be painstaking but a wonderful story to learn from .Winner don't feel bad this lessen is  more valuable than monetary value, you will now become the most watchful and careful person in the world. 800 million unclaimed is nothing compared too anyone who could have been a winner buying a ticket after or before a winner, same location, same town. There was a young girl in Florida behind Gloria Mackenzie which the media thought could have been the only winner  and another person ahead  in line which no one ever mentioned,as if winning have anything to do with being there early. Just being there at the right time is all it takes. He had a ticket lost it same as loosing but a California wining lost is not actually a lost feel great that it went to students.So if you ever win you don't have to donate.

Huh???

grwurston's avatargrwurston

Oh well. Easy come, easy go...  Banana   Sad

Groppo's avatarGroppo

Quote: Originally posted by angelsky31 on Mar 13, 2015

Wow! What a great loss.

Yes, I imagine it to be the coldest possible feeling one can stand.  I feel badly or him, because
I imagine it happening to me, some day. But worse than his case, is if I should forget to play, and
my numbers come up.

 

They should have one of those phone booths you used to see in the mall.    Every time you buy a ticket,
the lotto commission should document your purchase with a clear photo, of the buyer.

savagegoose's avatarsavagegoose

they should add a rule, if someone comes forward and they're pretty sute its the same person they get an extra year to find the ticket.

also 2 words   P L A Y E R  C A R D S

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

Very sad situation.  My heart aches for his loss and chronic suffering! Disapprove

Lynn-Lynn's avatarLynn-Lynn

Wow what a  heart break to know you had the winning ticket and to miss place it.

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

This

is why you don't wait to check your ticket

and why you don't wait to claim your prize

 

Hit With Stick

noise-gate

He probably knew he had the longest of odds in collecting that money and deep down he knows he only has himself to blame.Come on - you have 6 months to collect...

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by Lynn-Lynn on Mar 13, 2015

Wow what a  heart break to know you had the winning ticket and to miss place it.

I've misplaced winning tickets but nothing ever worth more than $10 but even that hurts when you've brought so many tickets worth absolutely nothing. 

Apparently as many prizes that unclaimed every year a lot of players do the same thing and never know.

majestic1070's avatarmajestic1070

I feel pretty bad for the guy because no one expects to win the lottery (especially powerball) I threw away a ticket that was worth over $2,000 before and I can't even imagine what he must be going thru.

myturn's avatarmyturn

The answer is, play by subscription, I play the Massachusetts Megabucks Doubler, by subscription. If win a jackpot or large prize, they will contact me. The down side is, Massachusetts does not allow winners to remain anonymous. I hope they work on that and change the policy.

majestic1070's avatarmajestic1070

Even if he finds the ticket it's already expired.

myturn's avatarmyturn

Looking on the bright side.......

 

Unclaimed prizes remaining after the claim period expires always go to supporting California’s public schools. As of the end of FY 2013-14, a total of $793.5 million in unclaimed prizes have been awarded to education.

 

At least the money didn't go to waste!

myturn's avatarmyturn

Quote: Originally posted by myturn on Mar 14, 2015

Looking on the bright side.......

 

Unclaimed prizes remaining after the claim period expires always go to supporting California’s public schools. As of the end of FY 2013-14, a total of $793.5 million in unclaimed prizes have been awarded to education.

 

At least the money didn't go to waste!

Which is the reason for lotteries in the first place!

KY Floyd's avatarKY Floyd

Quote: Originally posted by Redd55 on Mar 13, 2015

So, what happens if your house with the ticket burns down? Or your wallet with the ticket is stolen and the prize never claimed by the thief? Doesnt sound fair.

The same thing that happens if your house burns down or your wallet is stolen when you don't have a lottery ticket that's worth a lot of money. It's your property, and it's up to you to keep it safe.

If this guy is lucky he might have a homeowners policy that includes "mysterious disappearance" in which case he might be able to get something from  the insurance coverage. He'd have to prove that he  owned the ticket, but it sounds like the CA lottery should be willing to say that they believe he purchased the ticket. It's also very unlikely that  he's got enough coverage for the full value, but even 100 to 200k is a lot more than nothing, and as reimbursement for a loss it may be tax exempt.

RedStang's avatarRedStang

Good thing they don't have power play or he might have lost 3mill.

FlamingoGirl's avatarFlamingoGirl

OMG, that hurts and its not even me! lol! That's why when you buy it always put it in a safe place and consistently check the #'s. That's what I do. If we can consistently show up to work for someone, then we should make every effort to make this a part of our life. I know somoene that participates in the games, but hardly ever checks them. Before that, I swear the person never checked them! I dont even know why the person bothers even buying them if they aren't going to consistently check the #'s.  If the person doesn't they're gonna end up like this dude.

dr65's avatardr65

My gosh. It's even too late to check the trash. If this guy knew they were his numbers, why hadn't he approached anyone

on it earlier? Was he looking for the ticket? HOW did he know they were his numbers? Did he have no access to winning number

results or didn't he care to check? If I had a set of numbers I always play and know what I play, I know when I win BUT I

know where my ticket is too though. I don't get it, you only remember your numbers when they splash your face on the

news?

Time to get a new set of numbers and try again. Fat chance he'll be struck by lightning twice but hey, anyone can win.

Sick story.

CDanaT's avatarCDanaT

My heart goes out to this poor guy but what a great reminder to all ticket purchasers. I know I would have a real sick feeling in my stomach for a day or two. Glad I only have 2 spots where my tix would be. As we all know, this isn't the first time this has happened and it won't be the last. I truly enjoy reading about the people who left their ticket "someplace" and found it or forgot to check their ticket and turned it in just in time.
    Hopefully in the future, someone will win a large amount/jackpot, tell their story to include," I remember hearing about that guy who lost a million dollars in California" and say how they learned from his blunder to be exact in where they leave their ticket.

sully16's avatarsully16

Ouch! That's got to sting. Hope he gets a lottery envelope.

OldSchoolPa's avatarOldSchoolPa

Quote: Originally posted by Redd55 on Mar 13, 2015

So, what happens if your house with the ticket burns down? Or your wallet with the ticket is stolen and the prize never claimed by the thief? Doesnt sound fair.

I carry my tickets in my wallet in my front pocket just so I can never be pick pocketed. For advance draw tickets, I put them in a fireproof safe in my house. I will never lose a winning ticket.

IPlayWeekly's avatarIPlayWeekly

My mom is one of those people that buys a bunch of tickets then doesn't check them.  She mails them to me to check.

myturn's avatarmyturn

Quote: Originally posted by HaveABall on Mar 13, 2015

Very sad situation.  My heart aches for his loss and chronic suffering! Disapprove

You can't buy happyness!

myturn's avatarmyturn

Quote: Originally posted by IPlayWeekly on Mar 14, 2015

My mom is one of those people that buys a bunch of tickets then doesn't check them.  She mails them to me to check.

Buy her a subscription for her birthday!

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by IPlayWeekly on Mar 14, 2015

My mom is one of those people that buys a bunch of tickets then doesn't check them.  She mails them to me to check.

Why don't you suggest she just mail you the money to buy them and then you could buy and check them and return any winnings she had coming.  Save her some time too.

MsNumberDreamer's avatarMsNumberDreamer

Quote: Originally posted by IPlayWeekly on Mar 14, 2015

My mom is one of those people that buys a bunch of tickets then doesn't check them.  She mails them to me to check.

That is dangerous as well.  Mail gets lost all the time.  We have  PO Box at work and we get other people's mail all the time even though it clearly has an address on it.  At home I received someone tax return.  I could imagine someone getting an envelope full of lottery tickets.  They would look at it as a sign from GOD and check them immediately!  And if one happens to be a huge winner your mom is completely out of luck.  She wouldn't even know it was her ticket that won.

noise-gate

Had this guy made copies of his ticket * back & front -way back when- would that have been enough to claim his prize? 

..Just asking. ..

pickone4me's avatarpickone4me

Quote: Originally posted by Saylorgirl on Mar 13, 2015

It's too late now the deadline has passed.

Yep,  it would be better not to find it at that point.

uprrman's avataruprrman

Quote: Originally posted by pickone4me on Mar 14, 2015

Yep,  it would be better not to find it at that point.

anyone know if he's on suiside watchWhat?

sad ,sad indeed

BellasBMWLucki

LOL @ comment by OriginalBey.

i can't even fathom WHO would allow this to happen....Thumbs Down

I've always check mine in 1 day,or same night right after it come on in my area 10:59 p.m.eastern.

 

I'm not sure if you recall that someone lost almost 60 MILLION!(never claim his or her winnings) SMDH

In Cali or Indiana a whopping $ 57 MILLION dollar ticket NEVER was claimed.

1 SINGLE winner..

How sad.smh.

Happened several years ago.

 

adios...

Goteki54's avatarGoteki54

The guy should have just went to a liquor store, buy some 100 proof alcohol, go sit in a corner andjust drink!!CoffeeCrying

MaximumMillions

Quote: Originally posted by BellasBMWLucki on Mar 14, 2015

LOL @ comment by OriginalBey.

i can't even fathom WHO would allow this to happen....Thumbs Down

I've always check mine in 1 day,or same night right after it come on in my area 10:59 p.m.eastern.

 

I'm not sure if you recall that someone lost almost 60 MILLION!(never claim his or her winnings) SMDH

In Cali or Indiana a whopping $ 57 MILLION dollar ticket NEVER was claimed.

1 SINGLE winner..

How sad.smh.

Happened several years ago.

 

adios...

Somebody in NY didn't claim a 130 million $ Powerball win last year.Thud

IPlayWeekly's avatarIPlayWeekly

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on Mar 14, 2015

Why don't you suggest she just mail you the money to buy them and then you could buy and check them and return any winnings she had coming.  Save her some time too.

Yeah, that's a good idea and it would save a stamp

noise-gate

Quote: Originally posted by MaximumMillions on Mar 14, 2015

Somebody in NY didn't claim a 130 million $ Powerball win last year.Thud

In 2014 : A $130 mil unclaimed lottery ticket from NY- where did you read this? 

KY Floyd's avatarKY Floyd

Quote: Originally posted by OldSchoolPa on Mar 14, 2015

I carry my tickets in my wallet in my front pocket just so I can never be pick pocketed. For advance draw tickets, I put them in a fireproof safe in my house. I will never lose a winning ticket.

This guy has a different opinion:

C0w Pi3

Quote: Originally posted by noise-gate on Mar 14, 2015

In 2014 : A $130 mil unclaimed lottery ticket from NY- where did you read this? 

It was in 2013 it just says pending on the powerball website. I don't know if that was claimed or not.

noise-gate

Quote: Originally posted by C0w Pi3 on Mar 14, 2015

It was in 2013 it just says pending on the powerball website. I don't know if that was claimed or not.

l think the winner came forward- if not, l can see someone jumping from a Skyscraper.

Missing out on a Million- ** no biggie- but $130 mil?

That's a" Prepare to meet thy Doom" moment!

MaximumMillions

If it was claimed wouldn't it say so? The claim period ended November 2014.

noise-gate

Quote: Originally posted by MaximumMillions on Mar 14, 2015

If it was claimed wouldn't it say so? The claim period ended November 2014.

True- it could have said "Unclaimed", which it doesn't.  Pending could be anyone's guess. 

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by Goteki54 on Mar 14, 2015

The guy should have just went to a liquor store, buy some 100 proof alcohol, go sit in a corner andjust drink!!CoffeeCrying

Until he found out he could have won a million dollars he probably thought the most he lost was the price of the ticket which wasn't that much. Unhappy

hearsetrax's avatarhearsetrax

Quote: Originally posted by KY Floyd on Mar 14, 2015

This guy has a different opinion:

http://www.apollorobbins.com/ gotta love this guy

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on Mar 15, 2015

Until he found out he could have won a million dollars he probably thought the most he lost was the price of the ticket which wasn't that much. Unhappy

I'm just the opposite, I treat my tickets as if they could be worth millions until after I've checked them and know they aren't for sure. Wink

MrProgrammer's avatarMrProgrammer

What a bumper.

Saylorgirl's avatarSaylorgirl

Quote: Originally posted by OldSchoolPa on Mar 14, 2015

I carry my tickets in my wallet in my front pocket just so I can never be pick pocketed. For advance draw tickets, I put them in a fireproof safe in my house. I will never lose a winning ticket.

We were pickpocketed in Greece a few years ago in a front pocket that was even secured.  They were so good!  Be careful and never say never.

noise-gate

Quote: Originally posted by Saylorgirl on Mar 15, 2015

We were pickpocketed in Greece a few years ago in a front pocket that was even secured.  They were so good!  Be careful and never say never.

We visited South Africa about 6 years ago and noticed that many of the African women carried their purses in their bra's.We thought it funny  - but l think that spot is " pickpocket" proof SG.Unless the person is surrounded by other PP who could box that person in & pick them clean. 

timmer's avatartimmer

I've won the jackpot too, but I keep losing 6the ticket!!  And those <snip> lottery officials will not take my bet slip as proof! :(

Bottom line, no ticket no win!!  End of story  - millions of people lost their tickets!!

 

This post has been automatically changed by the Lottery Post computer system to remove inappropriate content and/or spam.

Saylorgirl's avatarSaylorgirl

Quote: Originally posted by noise-gate on Mar 15, 2015

We visited South Africa about 6 years ago and noticed that many of the African women carried their purses in their bra's.We thought it funny  - but l think that spot is " pickpocket" proof SG.Unless the person is surrounded by other PP who could box that person in & pick them clean. 

Noise-gate that is the best place for a women to carry her money!  I actually cut a slit into my bra and tucked my money and credit cards they were safe.  It was my 6'2" partner that they got.  He was stunned he is very cautious and had taken precautions, we didn't even realize it had happened until we got to the cruise ship terminal.  They weren't able to get it all some bills and one credit card.  But we beefed up our security from that point on.  We had traveled in Europe many times before this so perhaps we had let down our guard somewhat. 

Hearsetrax - that was a great video you posted.  I don't think many people realize how good they can be, you never feel a thing.

idonothaveaname

Quote: Originally posted by noise-gate on Mar 14, 2015

l think the winner came forward- if not, l can see someone jumping from a Skyscraper.

Missing out on a Million- ** no biggie- but $130 mil?

That's a" Prepare to meet thy Doom" moment!

noise-gate is right. Unfortunately, this website warned me when I tried to post a link to the story at the New York Lottery's official website, so I'll just copy and paste it below. It looks like the official Powerball website needs to be updated. What a shocker.

 

Brooklyn Man Wins $130.3M Powerball Jackpot Prize

 

Maksim Nikolayev of Brooklyn has claimed a $130,300,000 New York Lottery jackpot prize from the November 16, 2013 Powerball drawing.

 

Nikolayev is a regular player of the New York Lottery’s jackpot games. He plays twice a week regardless of the size of the jackpot. Nikolayev purchased his jackpot winning ticket on Thursday, November 14, 2013. The store he usually buys his tickets was closed, so he decided to go to the Brighton Beach Bakery Deli at 117 Brighton Beach Avenue in Brooklyn instead.

 

The Sunday after the November 16 drawing, Nikolayev went to his regular store to check his ticket in the ticket scanner. The readout said “Big winner. See retailer.” Nikolayev said he quietly left the store and went home. Nikolayev then went about his normal routine at home, and about an hour later he decided to check the winning numbers on the Internet.

 

After checking several times, Nikolayev said he wasn’t convinced. “I kept saying something is wrong. I’m looking at the wrong date or the wrong game. This can’t be right,” he said.

 

When he finally realized he had won the $130,300,000 jackpot prize, Nikolayev said, “I was shocked. That’s all I can say. I was shocked.”

 

Nikolayev claimed his prize on December 17, 2013 at the Lottery’s Plainview Customer Service Center.

 

Nikolayev chose to receive his $130,300,000 prize in one lump sum totaling $45,704,140 after required withholdings. He said his plans for the prize money are to save for the future.

 

Nikolayev is the 141st New Yorker to claim a New York Lottery prize of $1,000,000 or more so far in 2013.

grwurston's avatargrwurston

Quote: Originally posted by KY Floyd on Mar 14, 2015

This guy has a different opinion:

This guy is good.

gatorsrok

Although it sucks for his guy, the rule is in place for a reason, even if the result can come across as inequitable.

For example, what if the guy who bought the winning ticket sold the ticket to someone else for $500,000 and then claims he lost the ticket.  If the lottery commission pays the first guy, they could be on the hook when the second guy who bought the ticket also comes forward to claim the prize.  Treat the tickets like cash.

VenomV12

This is BS, if you are clearly identifiable as the person that bought the ticket and the winner, you should get the money. This should be a good test case for a lawsuit against the lotteries. There are many scenarios where you could lose the ticket through no fault of your own, theft of your wallet, house fire, theft of your car etc. I believe that guy that won in Canada and did not know was notified by the lottery that he won because they had some sort of registration system which is good. 

KY Floyd's avatarKY Floyd

"There are many scenarios where you could lose the ticket through no fault of your own"

There are about zero scenarios where you could lose a ticket through the fault of the lottery. If you don't like the rules nobody will force you to play the game.

mypiemaster's avatarmypiemaster

Quote: Originally posted by VenomV12 on Mar 15, 2015

This is BS, if you are clearly identifiable as the person that bought the ticket and the winner, you should get the money. This should be a good test case for a lawsuit against the lotteries. There are many scenarios where you could lose the ticket through no fault of your own, theft of your wallet, house fire, theft of your car etc. I believe that guy that won in Canada and did not know was notified by the lottery that he won because they had some sort of registration system which is good. 

These are exactly some of the reasons why I always make copies of my tickets. Takes just a few minutes to scan and upload them to the cloud as well as my cell phone. I feel better about fighting the lottery with a real copy of the ticket because the bar codes can still be read instead of having nothing at all to show them.

SoleWinner21

Quote: Originally posted by mypiemaster on Mar 16, 2015

These are exactly some of the reasons why I always make copies of my tickets. Takes just a few minutes to scan and upload them to the cloud as well as my cell phone. I feel better about fighting the lottery with a real copy of the ticket because the bar codes can still be read instead of having nothing at all to show them.

Would the lotto officials even accept copies of a winning ticket that is not the original. I somehow doubt it. Plus cloud service can get hacked or corrupted. They are not 100 % foolproof. And phones get stolen and lost all the time. The best option to protect a winning ticket is putting it in a fireproof/ waterproof box that is well hidden in your house. Or a safe deposit box at a bank, if you trust them.

Get paid's avatarGet paid

Word of advice,when you buy a lottery ticket always think you have the winning ticket. And guard it with ur life.lol

VenomV12

Whatever you wrote there, literally makes no sense. Also, they are people like yourself in life that rollover and die and there are others that fight and effect change. These lotteries are not a charitable organization, they are a business that is run based on customers buying their product with their money, without customers, they go out of business. A good example of this recently was the Monopoly Millionaires game. If everything in life was ironclad and final just by you writing it down and saying it is so, then attorneys would be out of business, but as you can see, that is not so. If you can prove within a reasonable amount of doubt that you did purchase the ticket and it seems that the lottery even admits it is likely this man was the purchaser, if no one else comes forward with the winning ticket by the deadline I don't see why he should not get the money? The lottery should also account for the fact that the scenarios I mentioned that can happen, do exist and have some sort of system that does not cheat players out of their winnings. The system records a time stamp and location down the the second of when a ticket is bought, if everything matches up under investigation, then that should be sufficient. 

What they should do is have a system like any basic department store rewards system, have a scanner where you scan your card before purchasing tickets and it would record the tickets you buy and their numbers, date, time, location, etc. The reason that they don't have a simple system like this is for one reason and one reason only, they are counting on people losing or not checking their tickets so they don't have to payout the money. 

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by VenomV12 on Mar 16, 2015

Whatever you wrote there, literally makes no sense. Also, they are people like yourself in life that rollover and die and there are others that fight and effect change. These lotteries are not a charitable organization, they are a business that is run based on customers buying their product with their money, without customers, they go out of business. A good example of this recently was the Monopoly Millionaires game. If everything in life was ironclad and final just by you writing it down and saying it is so, then attorneys would be out of business, but as you can see, that is not so. If you can prove within a reasonable amount of doubt that you did purchase the ticket and it seems that the lottery even admits it is likely this man was the purchaser, if no one else comes forward with the winning ticket by the deadline I don't see why he should not get the money? The lottery should also account for the fact that the scenarios I mentioned that can happen, do exist and have some sort of system that does not cheat players out of their winnings. The system records a time stamp and location down the the second of when a ticket is bought, if everything matches up under investigation, then that should be sufficient. 

What they should do is have a system like any basic department store rewards system, have a scanner where you scan your card before purchasing tickets and it would record the tickets you buy and their numbers, date, time, location, etc. The reason that they don't have a simple system like this is for one reason and one reason only, they are counting on people losing or not checking their tickets so they don't have to payout the money. 

Sounds like something the stores could offer ticket buyers for a fee, like the extended warranties offered by retailer on TV's, computers and stuff.

noise-gate

Quote: Originally posted by Saylorgirl on Mar 15, 2015

Noise-gate that is the best place for a women to carry her money!  I actually cut a slit into my bra and tucked my money and credit cards they were safe.  It was my 6'2" partner that they got.  He was stunned he is very cautious and had taken precautions, we didn't even realize it had happened until we got to the cruise ship terminal.  They weren't able to get it all some bills and one credit card.  But we beefed up our security from that point on.  We had traveled in Europe many times before this so perhaps we had let down our guard somewhat. 

Hearsetrax - that was a great video you posted.  I don't think many people realize how good they can be, you never feel a thing.

I Agree!- My Wife & sisters started doing the same when we got back. My Sisters call it a " Bra Safe".

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

Quote: Originally posted by VenomV12 on Mar 15, 2015

This is BS, if you are clearly identifiable as the person that bought the ticket and the winner, you should get the money. This should be a good test case for a lawsuit against the lotteries. There are many scenarios where you could lose the ticket through no fault of your own, theft of your wallet, house fire, theft of your car etc. I believe that guy that won in Canada and did not know was notified by the lottery that he won because they had some sort of registration system which is good. 

I agree with you. The person should sue. I hope he does. The California lottery released the video/picture and that is something a lawyer can use to get his client that money.  It's an admission that the man is the rightful winner. I mean they already use camera evidence to convict criminals, no? Why not use it to give the guy his money?

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Mar 16, 2015

I agree with you. The person should sue. I hope he does. The California lottery released the video/picture and that is something a lawyer can use to get his client that money.  It's an admission that the man is the rightful winner. I mean they already use camera evidence to convict criminals, no? Why not use it to give the guy his money?

Since he never made any attempt to cash it within the time allowed he not only doesn't have the ticket but he also ran out of time.  I doubt if he would have a winnable case now even if he proved he was the one who brought the ticket.

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on Mar 16, 2015

Since he never made any attempt to cash it within the time allowed he not only doesn't have the ticket but he also ran out of time.  I doubt if he would have a winnable case now even if he proved he was the one who brought the ticket.

"We believe the man who came forward yesterday was the actual guy in the surveillance footage," Traverso said," but unfortunately, in Powerball rules, you have to have a physical ticket to win.

He actually made an attempt to collect but was denied. 

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Mar 16, 2015

"We believe the man who came forward yesterday was the actual guy in the surveillance footage," Traverso said," but unfortunately, in Powerball rules, you have to have a physical ticket to win.

He actually made an attempt to collect but was denied. 

Rules are rules, he should have read them and acted accordingly.  He's not the first to lose out and he won't be the last.  Others should learn from his experience.

hearsetrax's avatarhearsetrax

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on Mar 16, 2015

Rules are rules, he should have read them and acted accordingly.  He's not the first to lose out and he won't be the last.  Others should learn from his experience.

I Agree!

My ticket/s never leave my wallet nore the picture frame in my bedroom and get checked first thing in the morning

rcbbuckeye's avatarrcbbuckeye

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Mar 16, 2015

I agree with you. The person should sue. I hope he does. The California lottery released the video/picture and that is something a lawyer can use to get his client that money.  It's an admission that the man is the rightful winner. I mean they already use camera evidence to convict criminals, no? Why not use it to give the guy his money?

Because he doesn't have a ticket, and he waited too long to try to claim. Double whammy. Better luck (common sense) next time.

noise-gate

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Mar 16, 2015

"We believe the man who came forward yesterday was the actual guy in the surveillance footage," Traverso said," but unfortunately, in Powerball rules, you have to have a physical ticket to win.

He actually made an attempt to collect but was denied. 

l take it by this remark from the Lottery Official that if one was part of a pool or solo player  and " copies" were made of all the tickets purchased- However the Original ticket was LOST, the Pool / self  are " up a creek" so to speak. 

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on Mar 16, 2015

Rules are rules, he should have read them and acted accordingly.  He's not the first to lose out and he won't be the last.  Others should learn from his experience.

Rules are rules but the court decides which rules are valid. McDonalds got successfully sued for not printing the word "caution, hot liquid inside" when everybody assumed it's common sense. I hope the man sues. It might bring some changes that might benefit the rest of us Thumbs Up

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

Quote: Originally posted by rcbbuckeye on Mar 17, 2015

Because he doesn't have a ticket, and he waited too long to try to claim. Double whammy. Better luck (common sense) next time.

From the article it says he tried to claim before the deadline but was turned back because "rules are rules." He can try to challenge these rules in court. He might get a sympathetic judge and get paid.

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

Quote: Originally posted by noise-gate on Mar 17, 2015

l take it by this remark from the Lottery Official that if one was part of a pool or solo player  and " copies" were made of all the tickets purchased- However the Original ticket was LOST, the Pool / self  are " up a creek" so to speak. 

They use video evidence to convict criminals. Maybe a court can use this video evidence to get the guy paid

Kola's avatarKola

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Mar 17, 2015

From the article it says he tried to claim before the deadline but was turned back because "rules are rules." He can try to challenge these rules in court. He might get a sympathetic judge and get paid.

If it were a private lottery, I'd prefer if a judge not get invloved with the interpretation of the rules in this particular case, but being that this is a multi-state run lottery, I'd support the man's court challenge to "rules are rules". Essentially, the state lotteries will fight for the judge to interpret the rule in accordance with the Letter of the Law and the man will fight for the Spirit of the Law.  As we know, the Letter of the Law refers to the "literal interpretation" of the lottery rule and the Spirit of the Law refers to the "intent" of the lottery rule. 

I agree with following the Letter of the Law when it comes to most of the Powerball rules, but in this individual's particular case, I wish the Spirit of the Law had been applied. The lottery rule is that you need to present the ticket before the deadline in order to receive payment, because seemingly the intent of this rule is to show proof of purchase and ownership to merit a payment. In has been stated that he came before the deadline, and that Proof of Ownership had been established through video, so the "intent" of the rule has been fulfilled. So yes maringoman, he may get a sympathetic judge whose lottery ruling will mirror the constitutional trend over the past 200 years to rule in favor of the "spirit of the law" as opposed to the "letter of the law".

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

Quote: Originally posted by Kola on Mar 17, 2015

If it were a private lottery, I'd prefer if a judge not get invloved with the interpretation of the rules in this particular case, but being that this is a multi-state run lottery, I'd support the man's court challenge to "rules are rules". Essentially, the state lotteries will fight for the judge to interpret the rule in accordance with the Letter of the Law and the man will fight for the Spirit of the Law.  As we know, the Letter of the Law refers to the "literal interpretation" of the lottery rule and the Spirit of the Law refers to the "intent" of the lottery rule. 

I agree with following the Letter of the Law when it comes to most of the Powerball rules, but in this individual's particular case, I wish the Spirit of the Law had been applied. The lottery rule is that you need to present the ticket before the deadline in order to receive payment, because seemingly the intent of this rule is to show proof of purchase and ownership to merit a payment. In has been stated that he came before the deadline, and that Proof of Ownership had been established through video, so the "intent" of the rule has been fulfilled. So yes maringoman, he may get a sympathetic judge whose lottery ruling will mirror the constitutional trend over the past 200 years to rule in favor of the "spirit of the law" as opposed to the "letter of the law".

To be honest, I had no idea of the concept of "spirit of the law" and now I do. I just think that this guy should give it a try in the courts of law because the lottery already released an image of him believing him to be the winner.

majestic1070's avatarmajestic1070

What if the guy actually had the ticket and sold the ticket to another person for $500,000 ..and then sees his picture on television and comes forward by your own scenario the lotto actually pays the guy that means he would have had 1million plus the $500,000 ..I understand to a certain point where you are coming from but they have this law for a reason.

Suzy-Dittlenose

When I purchase my lottery tickets I'll sometimes ask my landlord if he wants me to pick some up for him, he's 80 and doesn't get out much and plays when the jackpot is in the triple digits.  I always buy his at the local convenient store, with his money, and I never buy my tickets at this same location to avoid conflicts if there's a win.  What if one day I buy his tickets at this store, hand them over to him before the drawing, and he wins but doesn't know or checks his tickets (remember he's up there in age).  Times goes by and still he doesn't check his tickets.  The video will show me buying the tickets (if there is a camera system in place).  Does that mean I am the winner?  I think not.  No matter how greedy I may be tempted to become, my landlord is a good guy.  If the ticket cannot be presented, everyone loses....except the lottery. Coffee

Kola's avatarKola

Quote: Originally posted by Suzy-Dittlenose on Mar 17, 2015

When I purchase my lottery tickets I'll sometimes ask my landlord if he wants me to pick some up for him, he's 80 and doesn't get out much and plays when the jackpot is in the triple digits.  I always buy his at the local convenient store, with his money, and I never buy my tickets at this same location to avoid conflicts if there's a win.  What if one day I buy his tickets at this store, hand them over to him before the drawing, and he wins but doesn't know or checks his tickets (remember he's up there in age).  Times goes by and still he doesn't check his tickets.  The video will show me buying the tickets (if there is a camera system in place).  Does that mean I am the winner?  I think not.  No matter how greedy I may be tempted to become, my landlord is a good guy.  If the ticket cannot be presented, everyone loses....except the lottery. Coffee

The points you and the poster majestic1070 bring up are well taken. Thanks!

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Some people buy tickets and if they don't hear in the news someone local won a big prize they figure what they won if anything isn't worth the trouble of checking.  I've seen people come in stores with a sack of old tickets from previous drawings trying to get clerks to check them because they don't have the time.

noise-gate

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Mar 17, 2015

To be honest, I had no idea of the concept of "spirit of the law" and now I do. I just think that this guy should give it a try in the courts of law because the lottery already released an image of him believing him to be the winner.

M- A few years ago California released a picture of the winner 45 days after the jackpot drawing.The winner had 365 days in which to come forward and claim, but apparently that was too much of a wait for the lottery Officials, so what did they do? They showed up at the convenience store, demanded that the store Owner supply them with the video of the winner coming into the store and they put his face out there on TV.. with the " Hey, where are you, we want you to come forward and claim your $52 mil". This action on their part led to this guy being hounded out of the city because before he even claimed his money * it takes 6-8 weeks to get your check out here.. People were lining up outside his apartment, bringing gifts, flowers, letters begging for money. All because of their actions. They changed their tactics of "outing a winner". What the CA Lottery is attempting to do nowadays is "reach out to the winner" they say: before the ticket expires.They expected this person to show up " with the ticket"- enough said. 

***Remember that scene in one of the Indiana Jones movies where he throws the Nazi Officer from at least 40 feet onto luggage below the Zeppelin for having " No Ticket "..same difference.

MaximumMillions

Quote: Originally posted by noise-gate on Mar 17, 2015

M- A few years ago California released a picture of the winner 45 days after the jackpot drawing.The winner had 365 days in which to come forward and claim, but apparently that was too much of a wait for the lottery Officials, so what did they do? They showed up at the convenience store, demanded that the store Owner supply them with the video of the winner coming into the store and they put his face out there on TV.. with the " Hey, where are you, we want you to come forward and claim your $52 mil". This action on their part led to this guy being hounded out of the city because before he even claimed his money * it takes 6-8 weeks to get your check out here.. People were lining up outside his apartment, bringing gifts, flowers, letters begging for money. All because of their actions. They changed their tactics of "outing a winner". What the CA Lottery is attempting to do nowadays is "reach out to the winner" they say: before the ticket expires.They expected this person to show up " with the ticket"- enough said. 

***Remember that scene in one of the Indiana Jones movies where he throws the Nazi Officer from at least 40 feet onto luggage below the Zeppelin for having " No Ticket "..same difference.

Can you give me an article/press release on that? I've tried teh Google before but no success.

Suzy-Dittlenose

Quote: Originally posted by MaximumMillions on Mar 18, 2015

Can you give me an article/press release on that? I've tried teh Google before but no success.

I remember that incident.  We were all sitting at the dinner table watching the news and couldn't believe our eyes/ears.Scared  This $52M winner was being plastered all over the media endangering his safety just a few weeks after winning. What wreckless action by the CA lottery. No No   Do a Google search and use the words "CA $52 million winner." 

noise-gate

PRESS RELEASE ( CA-LOTTERY)

August 31, 2012

See more press releases:

August, 2012 | Winners Stories | Northern California

Mystery $52 Million MEGA Millions Winner Revealed!

Sacramento – Chalk this one up to the power of the media.  Mere hours after Lottery officials released a photo to the media asking for help in identifying a potential $52 million Lottery winner did that person walk into the Lottery’s Sacramento District Office to claim their colossal prize.

The winning ticket was for the MEGA Millions draw on July 27. Marita and Bladimir Agnite of Fremont said they didn’t know that they had hit the jackpot until a relative called Bladimir to tell him that they thought they had seen his picture on the news. The picture was a snapshot image taken from surveillance video from Kwik Stop located at 3157 Walnut Avenue in Fremont, which is where the winning ticket had been sold. Lottery officials released the image after noting that someone had checked the ticket multiple times at area Raley’s and Safeway stores, but had failed to claim the win.

“I scanned it multiple times. 'See the clerk'. We didn’t see the amount, just 'see the clerk'. We didn’t know,” said Bladimir explaining why they had waited over a month to come forward. He heeded the advice from his in-laws to go on the Lottery’s website to see the photo image for himself. Once he saw himself on the screen he immediately got his wife out of bed to share the news. “He said, ‘We’re wanted!’” said Marita who added that she was also floored when she saw the picture too. “My stomach started … I started crying. He hugged me and we just cried and cried,” said Marita.

noise-gate

It does not matter whether this individual scanned his winning ticket 100 times- he had a Year to collect. Something the CA lottery failed to comprehend.

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by noise-gate on Mar 18, 2015

It does not matter whether this individual scanned his winning ticket 100 times- he had a Year to collect. Something the CA lottery failed to comprehend.

Maybe they thought he was trying to send a message by scanning it so many times and they wanted him to know message received.

noise-gate

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on Mar 18, 2015

Maybe they thought he was trying to send a message by scanning it so many times and they wanted him to know message received.

I think you got it right RJ- that was funny nonetheless Big Smile

KY Floyd's avatarKY Floyd

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Mar 17, 2015

They use video evidence to convict criminals. Maybe a court can use this video evidence to get the guy paid

You can't convict somebody of a crime simply because a video shows that they were at some particular location. The video needs to show them committing the crime, and it probably needs to appear to have been filmed at the correct time.

The video of this guy may offer convincing evidence that he bought a lottery ticket(s), and it may purport to show that happening at the time the winning ticket was sold, but that's not an absolute guarantee. Maybe the equipment was set for the wrong time and he's shown an hour before or after the time at which the winning ticket was sold. Even if he  was definitely there and bought a ticket at the right time, how can you be positive that he didn't buy a ticket that had been printed 6 hours earlier? Maybe there's video that clearly shows a clerk handing him a ticket directly from the machine, but I can't even make out a lottery terminal in the picture that accompanies the story.

Either way, the rules say that you have to produce the actual ticket. Not a copy of the ticket. Not proof that you bought the ticket.  Today's story about the guy from Connecticut should  make it clear that lottery rules aren't going to be struck down by the courts when those rules are reasonable.

Bleudog101

Hey KY Floyd:

 

Did you see on KY lottery website that Lucky 4 Life will start on 26 MAR 15?  The big self service lottery machines still have Monopoly Millionaire's Club on them, would think they'd upgrade these all week long.

I can hardly wait!

BellasBMWLucki

Scary Chick good evening ..y' si.chica...(yes) you're right on that.

 

however you would be surprise as how many on net,even anonymously concede to the fact,they have either:

 

1.)mis-place a prior pick 4 or other winning tickets! smh 

 

2.)simply lost it then later find it, "much later"by then it's too late smh.

 

I feel sorry for the man who would have been living so comfortably-rich

compare to many others,yet his fault. My father goes,"He is stupid so he deserve to lose it.)

 

But i feel kinda bad for this guy, still.

 

I read online several who simply"never "rush to check em,at tims for months or a year."i do not get it.i really don't.What?

 

adios...

Noche.

cbr$'s avatarcbr$

I am going to think of this in a positive light. It automatically goes to California public school. It go to help a lot of children.

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