News writer, Interviewer
The Oregon Lottery's annual Raffle is nearly sold out, with only 23,000 tickets remaining as of yesterday. Players seeking the coveted 1-in-250,000 chance at the $1 million top prize should act quickly before all tickets disappear.
Time is running out for Oregon Lottery's popular annual game
Last year's tickets were gone by March 8, and this year's supply is expected to vanish even faster. Since joining the Oregon Lottery portfolio in 2009, the Raffle has consistently sold out every year except in 2019, when extended ice storms and power outages disrupted sales.
Winners will be announced Friday, March 14, with prizes including:
- One $1 million top prize
- 300 prizes of $500
- 1,500 prizes of $100
- Various additional prizes totaling 1,801 rewards
Players can check results through the Oregon Lottery's mobile app, website, or at participating retail locations.
How to claim your prize
Winners of $500 and $100 prizes can redeem their tickets at any Oregon Lottery retail location or claim by mail. The $1 million winner must schedule an appointment at either the Salem or Wilsonville Oregon Lottery office by calling 1-800-766-6789.
The Oregon Lottery reminds all players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchase.
Last year's winner: from Tupperware container to millionaire
Portland resident Leslie Carr, 52, claimed last year's $1 million prize after discovering her winning ticket in a Tupperware container filled with unchecked lottery tickets.
"I had no idea I was the winner," said Carr, a medical receptionist. "If it weren't for the billion-dollar Powerball winner making news, I would have forgot. We don't check our tickets."
After scanning dozens of tickets at her local Fred Meyer in Happy Valley, Carr discovered her Raffle ticket had won. "When the machine came up with a message that I needed to go to an Oregon Lottery office, I asked a staff member to double-check," she explained. "That's when I started getting butterflies."
Carr planned to use her winnings to pay off her mortgage, replace her truck (which has a broken windshield), and take a vacation to Hawaii.
Best odds for a big win
The annual Raffle offers the best odds of any Oregon Lottery game to win the $1 million prize. At 1 in 250,000, these odds far surpass other lottery games, with overall odds of winning any prize at 1 in 138.8.
This popularity explains why the game sells out quickly each year. The consistent demand has made the Raffle a highlight of Oregon Lottery's annual calendar, with players eagerly awaiting their chance at the life-changing top prize.
The Oregon Lottery advises all jackpot winners to consult with a trusted financial advisor before claiming their prize, ensuring winners make the most of their unexpected windfall.
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