News Release: Two Raffle $1,000,000 Prizes Claimed
Two $1 Million Raffle Prizes Claimed on First Business Day after Winning Numbers Reveal
Roseville, Minn. (Jan. 3, 2025) – The two $1 million winners in the Minnesota Millionaire Raffle claimed their prizes on Jan. 2.
While both prizes were claimed anonymously, the winners did agree to share part of their stories.
The $1 million winning ticket purchased at Bill’s Superette #11 in Nowthen was claimed by a first-time Raffle player. “My grandma told me to play, and she always has good advice,” he said. While he was working in the area, he and his co-workers stopped at the store to get some Raffle tickets before they sold out. “I was the last one in line!” he said. The first-time Raffle player discovered his big win on New Year’s Day and one of the first calls he made was to his grandma. “She thought I was pulling her leg!” he said. He’s looking forward to “paying off his mortgage, investing and seeing what happens with the rest.”
The $1 million winning ticket that was sold at Casey’s General Store in Tracy was also claimed. The winner said he went to Casey’s last November to redeem a $30 winner from Progressive Print-N-Play, but when he noticed there was less than twenty-five percent of tickets remaining in the Raffle, he bought three $10 Raffle tickets instead. He checked his ticket on the lottery app on New Year’s Day. “I was curious how the app would handle this, and it did not disappoint,” he said, after receiving the $1 million winner message. He summed up his win, saying, “This is perfect.”
“Our lottery team and retailers are thrilled for the two $1 million winners who claimed their prizes from the Minnesota Millionaire Raffle,” said Adam Prock, lottery executive director. “It’s a great way to kick off the new year. We look forward to offering fun games for players and continuing to raise money for programs that positively impact the lives of Minnesotans.”
More than 15,000 additional winning numbers were also announced on New Year’s Day, including five $100,000 prizes, five $50,000 prizes and five $25,000 prizes. A complete list of winning numbers can be found at mnlottery.com.
One-third of all 15,677 Raffle prizes have already been claimed so far, including two $100,000 prizes, one $50,000 prize and two $25,000 prizes.
A total of 800,000 Minnesota Millionaire Raffle tickets went on sale Oct. 22, 2024, and sold out in a record 15 days on Nov. 5, 2024. This was the fastest sellout ever in the Minnesota Lottery’s history.
The Minnesota Millionaire Raffle which began in 2006 has become an annual tradition for many Minnesotans. Learn more from players about why they enjoy this popular game only played in Minnesota: MN Raffle Winners: 19 Stories for 19 Years - The Minnesota Lottery.
Claiming Raffle Prizes
Prizes up to $599 can be claimed at Minnesota Lottery retailers. The Minnesota Lottery encourages $50, $100, $200 and $500 Raffle winners to support their local lottery retailers by claiming prizes at their local store. Retailers earn one percent commission on prizes paid.
Prizes of $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000 can be claimed at any lottery office or by mail. The $100,000 and $1 million prizes must be claimed at the Minnesota Lottery headquarters in Roseville. The Minnesota Lottery recommends calling ahead to verify hours and make an appointment.
About the Minnesota Lottery
Playing Our Part: Since 1990, the lottery has generated more than $4 billion for programs that positively impact the lives of Minnesotans. More than $1.7 billion has helped preserve, restore and protect Minnesota’s environment through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Game and Fish Fund and the Natural Resources Fund. Another $2.3 billion has helped fund state programs, including education, public safety and health and human services. Lottery dollars also support programs to help prevent and treat problem gambling. Visit www.mnlottery.com for more information and official rules.
Contact:
Minnesota Lottery, Joan Schimml, (612) 790-2685, Joan.Schimml@mnlottery.com