Belize’s Million Dollar Jackpot has Nine Winners  

The Belize Government Lotteries Limited has officially closed its Million Dollar Jackpot draw, and nine fortunate players are walking away with hefty cash prizes. This year-end special has grown into one of the most eagerly awaited highlights of the festive season. Ticket sales kicked off in early November, giving hopefuls the chance to choose their four-digit combinations for just five dollars. As thousands tried their luck for a piece of that million-dollar jackpot, excitement swept across the country leading up to Saturday’s big draw. Managing Director Janel Espat says winners are already lining up to collect their tax-free rewards.

 

On the Phone: Janel Espat, Managing Director, Belize Government Lotteries Ltd.

“So we held the drawing for the million dollar jackpot on Saturday, December 20th. The winning number was 4,4, 8, 5, and we had a total of nine winning tickets. So each of those winners will be taking home $111, sorry, $111,000, 111 and 11 cents. The tickets are valid for 30 days. So they have 30 days to visit the office in Belmont, Penn and present their tickets for payment.”

 

 Shane Williams, Reporter

“And if someone does not collect in that time, what happens?”

 

Janel Espat

“Based on the Lotteries Act, the tickets are no longer valid after 30 days. In the event that somebody does not collect their winnings, then those winnings become unclaimed and just become part of the revenue of the Belief Government Lodges Limited.”

 

Shane Williams

“Now, can you tell us about last year’s winners? Have everyone collected in the 30 days from last year?”

 

Janel Espat

“Oh yes. They collected within, most of them collected the day after, the first Monday after. And I think we had a couple that were a little bit later, but within one week, all 14 winners last year had collected. Alright. And actually for this morning, we’ve already paid out to four of the winners already for this morning.”