Lottery ticket warning as four weeks left to find North East £1m winner

The clock is ticking for a mystery ticket-holder who is still yet to claim a £1 million EuroMillions prize

Lottery players are being urged to check their old tickets as there are just four weeks left for a North East ticket-holder to receive their £1m prize. The money is yet to be claimed from a EuroMillions ticket bought in Hartlepool.

The ticket, purchased in the Unitary Authority of Hartlepool area on March 13, 2026, featured the winning Millionaire Maker code JLZG97793. But the ticket-holder only has until September 9, 2026, to claim their prize.

The EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker guarantees to create a millionaire in every draw, but the EuroMillions draw on Friday, March 13, was a particularly exciting one as there were 13 lucky Millionaire Maker winners created. However, one winner is yet to get their prize.

Andy Carter, senior winners advisor at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, said: “We’re urgently seeking our missing millionaire and asking players to double check their tickets. Did you play our special Friday 13 March EuroMillions draw?

“Think back to what you were doing in March. Talk to your family, friends, colleagues – anyone you think might have bought a ticket in the lead up to the 13 March draw could very well be the winner we’re looking for.

“Do you live in the Hartlepool area or were you passing through? Someone who bought a ticket in Hartlepool is now a millionaire and it’s our mission to unite them with their winnings, but time is ticking.”

If no-one comes forward with the winning ticket before the deadline, then the prize money, plus all the interest it has generated, will go to help National Lottery-funded projects across the UK. With all National Lottery draws, players have 180 days from the day of the draw to claim their prize if they have the winning ticket.

Anyone who has any queries or who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 or email help@national-lottery.co.uk Each week, players help generate around £33m for National Lottery-funded projects.

With over £53bn raised for good causes since launch, this funds hundreds of projects in every postcode area across the UK. From supporting the arts and sport sectors, to empowering local community groups and preserving iconic British landmarks, players’ participation makes a difference every single day.

Players can contact Allwyn by telephoning the National Lottery Line during its normal operating hours. Alternatively, players can email Allwyn to confirm they intend to claim their prize but this email must be received at help@national-lottery.co.uk no later than the end (before 12 midnight) of the 180 day claim period, and the claim must subsequently be made in person. Please see Game Rules and Procedures for full details of how to claim.

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