Check Your MEGA Millions Tickets, There May Be an Unsuspecting Millionaire out There; Second Tier Prize of $1.4 Million Sold in Los Angeles

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 11, 2005--Lottery officials today announced that the second tier prize for MEGA Millions that was won for the August 9, 2005 draw is still unclaimed. The ticket, worth $1.4 million in cash (before taxes), was sold at Seven Kings Liquor in Los Angeles. This is the tenth time a player has won in this category; previously, nine players had won an average of approximately $200,000 in this category.

"We look forward to hearing from the first California MEGA Millions millionaire, but so far no one has come forward to claim this ticket worth $1.4 million," said Lottery Acting Director Chon Gutierrez. "There are several reasons our winners have for not coming forward right away: Some seek legal or financial advice before coming forward, some want to claim as a family and have to wait for everyone to gather from different places; but, most are just regular working people and have to request a day off before they can come in and claim their prize."

“We look forward to hearing from the first California MEGA Millions millionaire, but so far no one has come forward to claim this ticket worth $1.4 million”

Since MEGA Millions was introduced more than $9 million in prizes has been awarded to winners.

MEGA Millions can be played at approximately 18,000 retail locations throughout California. The MEGA Millions draw takes place each Tuesday and Friday night at 7:58 p.m. Players may purchase tickets until 7:45 p.m. on the night of the draw. Undecided what lotto game to play? Try a "California Combo." This option gives players the option of purchasing 5 MEGA Millions plays and 5 SuperLOTTO Plus(R) plays in one transaction.

For additional information on the California State Lottery, please visit www.calottery.com.