Forgotten prizes in Caixa Lotteries reached a surprising level in 2024, with more than eight lottery prizes above R$1 million not being redeemed. It is noteworthy that the highest unclaimed prize was R$3,093,064.30, coming from a bet on Dupla-Sena in Inhapim, Minas Gerais.
Prizes not redeemed within 90 days go to the Higher Education Financing Fund (FIES). This rule is in federal law 13,756/18.
This data, obtained via the Access to Information Law, reveals that throughout the year no more than 13 million winning tickets were withdrawn. Until July, unclaimed prizes totaled an impressive R$291.2 million, surpassing even the largest individual prize paid by Mega-Sena.
Notification to winners
Even though many unredeemed prizes are of smaller values, with an average of R$13.62, the 50 largest forgotten prizes exceeded R$100,000. Thus, representing a significant loss for players.
Cities with the most unclaimed prizes include Brasília, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Furthermore, Lotofácil, known for its simplicity, is also the modality with the highest number of winning tickets not collected, with almost 8 million tickets.
Since the creation of lotteries, Caixa Econômica Federal has not been obliged to notify the winners, therefore, it is up to the players themselves to check their bets. It is recommended that bets placed on physical tickets have the identification part filled in on the back, while online bets are automatically registered on the portal or application.
About CAIXA Lotteries
Caixa Lotteries offer different modalities for players, standing out for their variety and popularity. Among the lotteries, Mega-Sena is the most famous, with draws twice a week and millionaire prizes.
Lotofácil, as the name suggests, is an option with a greater chance of winning, requiring fewer hits. Quina allows daily bets and offers accumulative prizes.
Other modalities include Lotomania, Dupla-Sena and Timemania, each with its own particularities and chances of winning. In addition to being a form of entertainment, lotteries also contribute to the financing of social programs in Brazil.
