Close call for winner: $25,000-a-year prize claimed at last minute

A Massachusetts retirement trust just avoided missing out on a life-changing prize. The Retirement Trust of Natick claimed a winning Lucky for Life ticket worth $25,000 a year for life three days before it was set to expire.

The winning ticket, purchased in May 2023, matched the first five numbers in the Lucky for Life drawing. The trust, represented by Luke Bean, claimed the prize on May 14, 2024, opting for a one-time lump sum payment of $390,000 (before taxes).

This close call highlights the importance of checking lottery tickets regularly. Many prizes go unclaimed each year simply because winners are unaware they hold a winning ticket. Make it a habit to check your tickets after every drawing, or set up a reminder on your phone.

Keeping it confidential

Massachusetts Lottery winners can choose to claim their prizes through a trust, keeping their identities private. In this case, Luke Bean, the trustee, will have his picture displayed on the lottery website, not the true winner. This option allows winners to celebrate privately and avoid unwanted attention.

Lucky for Life: More than just daily drawings

Lucky for Life offers a unique prize structure compared to traditional lottery games. While it doesn't offer a massive jackpot, the $25,000-a-year-for-life prize provides financial security for the winner. With daily drawings, Lucky for Life offers more chances to win than other lottery games.

Here's how to play:

• Select your numbers: Choose five numbers between 1 and 48 and one Lucky Ball number between 1 and 18. You can pick them yourself or opt for a Quic Pic, where the Lottery computer randomly selects your numbers for you. Each play costs just $2.
• Pick your drawings: Want to play the same numbers for multiple drawings? No problem! Mark the number of drawings you want on your playslip. This applies to all your plays for that ticket.
• Get your ticket: Give your completed playslip to a Lottery Sales Agent or simply ask for a Quic Pic. They will hand you your ticket. Remember, all sales are final. Double-check your ticket for accuracy and sign the back for ownership.
• Wait and see! Lucky for Life drawings are held daily at 10:38 PM. So, tune in or check the results to see if you're a winner.

During each drawing, five winning numbers are drawn from a pool of 48, and one lucky Lucky Ball is drawn from a pool of 18. Match the winning numbers and the Lucky Ball on your ticket, and you win a prize according to the prize chart available at the Lottery website or retailers.

Funding Massachusetts communities

The Massachusetts State Lottery contributes significantly to the state. Each year, a large portion of lottery profits goes directly to cities and towns. These funds are used for essential services like public safety, education, and infrastructure improvements. So, when you play the lottery, you're not just playing for yourself; you're contributing to your community. Every dollar spent on lottery tickets in Massachusetts distributes 19 cents to local aid programs.