Unclaimed Million Dalla Jackpot Leaves $100K for Charity

Back in December, the Belize Government Lotteries Limited announced that nine Belizeans had struck it lucky in the Million Dalla Jackpot draw. Eight of those winners quietly came forward and claimed their prizes. But one ticket holder never showed up. And because the thirty‑day redemption window has now closed, more than a hundred thousand dollars has officially gone unclaimed. So, what happens to all that money? We reached out to Managing Director Janel Espat, who explained that the rules, printed right on the back of every ticket, are clear: if a prize isn’t claimed within thirty days, it automatically reverts to the company. Espat says sales from this year’s jackpot didn’t generate profits, but the Board of Directors has still decided to donate the unclaimed winnings to charity. The beneficiary, or beneficiaries, will be chosen at the next board meeting in mid‑February. The company also noted that forfeited winnings aren’t unusual, especially when tickets are bought through sub‑agents rather than the app or website. And in this case, the unclaimed ticket wasn’t purchased digitally, so the would‑be winner remains completely anonymous.