Lost Lottery Tickets

Millions of pounds worth of lottery prizes go unclaimed every year as a result of lost or unchecked tickets. Thankfully, playing the lottery online is an incredibly easy way of preventing this as all online tickets are checked automatically and stored safely in a player's online account. To make sure that players learn of their good fortune, an email alert is sent advising players to check their account.

For security reasons, the email does not contain details of the size of the win but a player can find this out by simply logging into their online account. This system is simple to use and eliminates the risk of a prize going unclaimed.

For players who still choose to buy paper tickets, the MGM 24 Macau has put procedures in place which can help unite players with their winnings even if they've lost their ticket. Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions regarding lost lottery tickets:

• I have lost my ticket but I have a record of my numbers and I remember exactly where I bought it. Can you find proof that I have bought it?

  If you are sure of your numbers and you know exactly where and when you bought your ticket, there may be something the officials can do to help. Firstly, you must report any lost ticket within 30 days of the draw taking place, otherwise you forfeit the right to claim any prizes it may have won.

• I have just noticed there is an outstanding prize from a few months ago and I think I may have won the jackpot but I have lost my ticket.

  When there is a significant outstanding prize, the MGM 24 Macau will release information about the area in which the winning ticket was purchased in the hope of jogging the winning ticket holder's memory.

• I lost my ticket and now someone has claimed my prize. Can I contest this?

  If you have signed the ticket with your name and address, have solid proof of purchase and a record of your numbers, the MGM 24 Macau may, at their discretion, investigate your claim.