Half a BILLION dollars in Lotto and scratchie winnings have remained unclaimed

Are you a millionaire and don’t know it? Punters in just one state leave half a BILLION dollars in lotto and scratchie winnings unclaimed – as it’s revealed how to find out if you’re owed money

• A total of $567,598,670 in winnings have remained unclaimed since 1997
• Many may have forgotten to check their tickets and could claim millions in prizes
• A search of the Vic State Revenue Office database could see if you are a winner 

By Tom Place For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 16:31 BST, 2 June 2019 | Updated: 17:38 BST, 2 June 2019

Punters could be missing out on some serious winnings with more than half a billion dollars said to be unclaimed from lotto, scratchie and TAB winnings.

The Victorian State Revenue Office (SRO) announced that $567,598,670 remained unclaimed – with many punters at the Melbourne Cup losing track of their tickets in all the mayhem and adding to the prize pool. 

The unclaimed winnings also stem from forgotten prizes and those who just haven’t had the time to claim their money, according to the Herald Sun.

Even if they find the ticket however, many unlucky winners will not be able to claim their prize due to a lack of proof linking them to the sale of the ticket.

In total $567,598,670 in winnings remained unclaimed – with many punters at the Melbourne Cup losing track of their tickets in all the mayhem and adding to the prize pool

Despite this many Victorians may still be able to claim and collect their missing millions with a simple search.      

‘An easy check on the State Revenue Office website could reveal a win for some Victorians, it only takes a moment,’ Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said.

‘Someone out there hasn’t realised they won more than $2 million last year, and I’d be very happy to hear they were united with their win after a quick check with the SRO,’ he said.

The large collection of winnings that dates back to 1997 is due to a law that sees all unclaimed winnings go towards the SRO, with the department adding $27m to their pockets last year. 

Punters may not be out of luck either with $1,018,499.24 unclaimed from Tattslotto draw 3905 one on December 22.

Time is running out to claim this million dollar draw but last second snatches are not unheard of.

The man Mr Pallas spoke grabbed their $2,047,344 prize back from the SRO 167 days after the draw.

A quick search of the Victoria State Revenue Office database could see if you are a winner

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