Mega Millions Winner Sues Over Missing Jackpot Ticket, Tries To Claim Two Prizes
Customer claims, a full year after drawing, that he lost the second ticket but should be entitled to both halves of the prize
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There’s still a missing Mega Millions ticket in California, one of two that won shares of a $394 million prize a year ago. Now, the man who already came forward with the first winning ticket is suing the California Lottery for the second half of the prize.
Faramarz Lahijani claimed $197 million from one ticket back in June, six months after the December 2023 drawing. Media outlet KTLA reports that he now asserts that he is also the rightful owner of the second ticket, which expired last Sunday.
That Dec. 8, 2023 drawing yielded two winning tickets, both purchased at the same gas station. Lahijani says he bought both Mega Millions tickets in separate transactions but lost the second.
The winning numbers for the drawing were reportedly chosen by Lahijani’s children and have been used by him for decades. He filed a claim for the second ticket last Wednesday, just days before the expiration deadline. However, without the physical ticket, his claim remains unverified, which prompted him to file a breach of contract lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
The Mega Millions drawing was notable for its unprecedented outcome of two jackpot-winning tickets being sold at the same location. California Lottery officials had previously stated that matching tickets could only be purchased in separate transactions.
Lahijani’s lawsuit hinges on his assertion that his purchase records and long-standing use of the winning numbers prove he is the rightful owner of the missing ticket.
The lawsuit seeks the remaining $197 million of the advertised jackpot, alleging sufficient evidence to support Lahijani’s claim. If successful, it would grant him the full $394 million jackpot (before taxes, if paid out as a 30-year annuity), making him the sole winner of one of the most unusual lotteries in history.
All eyes on the California Lottery
The California Lottery released a statement to KTLA declining comment, citing its policy to protect the integrity of active litigation. However, the organization faces scrutiny over its processes, particularly regarding the verification of claims without physical tickets.
It has also faced scrutiny for the length of time it sometimes takes to verify claims.
Spokesperson Carolyn Becker emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality during ongoing legal proceedings.
The case also raises questions about what happens if Lahijani’s claim is found invalid. If another individual holds the rightful claim to the second half of the jackpot but failed to come forward by the Dec. 8 deadline, the unclaimed prize would revert to the state for public funding purposes.
California Lottery regulations emphasize that it is the responsibility of the ticket holder to safeguard their ticket and present it when claiming a prize. However, in rare cases, claims involving lost or damaged tickets may be considered — but this typically requires substantial evidence.
Lahijani’s suit will challenge this requirement, arguing that circumstantial evidence should suffice if the ticket is lost. However, courts generally defer to lottery regulations unless specific legal or contractual violations are proven.
