Lottery officials have issued an urgent appeal as a life-changing £1 million Euromillions prize, bought in Birmingham, faces being lost forever if not claimed within the next two weeks. The National Lottery is urging all players, especially those who were in or around the Birmingham area on 15 August 2025, to thoroughly search their belongings for the winning ticket.
Time Running Out for Millionaire Maker Winner
The unclaimed ticket is part of the EuroMillions Millionaire Maker draw, with the specific winning code VLPL 28287. It was purchased in Birmingham on 15 August 2025, but the holder has yet to come forward. The deadline for claiming this substantial prize is 11 February 2026, leaving just a fortnight for the lucky individual to step forward and secure their fortune.
National Lottery's Plea to Players
Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, the operator of The National Lottery, emphasised the urgency: “Were you in or around Birmingham in the week leading up to the 15 August draw? Maybe it isn’t even a local winner – did you visit the area for the day and play Lotto – did you return home and stash it somewhere safe? Have a think back to what you were doing on that date, as I want nothing more than to unite the winner with their prize money. Tell your friends, check your pockets, check your tickets as it could be you!”
He advised players to check pockets, cars, bags, and any other places where a ticket might have been stored, as this search has been ongoing since August last year without success.
Six Major Prizes Remain Unclaimed Nationwide
This Birmingham ticket is one of six significant unclaimed prizes from The National Lottery across both Lotto and EuroMillions games. Collectively, these outstanding prizes total over £13 million, highlighting a surprising trend of winners failing to claim their rewards.
The other locations with unclaimed winning tickets include:
- Bexley
- Gloucestershire
- Bournemouth
- Powys
- Wigan
What Happens If the Prize Goes Unclaimed?
If no one comes forward with the winning ticket before the deadline, the £1 million prize money, along with any interest it has accrued, will not be retained by the lottery operator. Instead, it will be redirected to support National Lottery-funded projects across the United Kingdom, benefiting various community and charitable initiatives.
For all National Lottery draws, players have a standard 180-day period from the draw date to claim any prizes if they hold a winning ticket. This policy ensures a fair window for winners to come forward while ultimately directing unclaimed funds towards good causes.
How to Check and Claim a Prize
Anyone who believes they might have the winning ticket or has queries regarding National Lottery draws should act promptly within the 180-day deadline. They can contact the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 or send an email to help@national-lottery.co.uk for assistance and verification.
This situation serves as a crucial reminder for all lottery participants to regularly check their tickets and be aware of draw dates, as fortunes can sometimes be hiding in plain sight, waiting to be claimed before time runs out.
