Two winning tickets split the jackpot
A man who won $197.5 million in the lottery over two years ago has lost his legal attempt to claim an additional amount. Faramarz Lahijani claims to have bought two tickets with the same winning numbers, but since he lost one, the California Lottery only awarded him half of the jackpot from the December 8, 2023 drawing.
With one year to claim his prize, in December 2024, Lahijani filed a lawsuit against the California Lottery for the remaining $197.5 million to ensure all his rights to the entire December 8, 2023 Mega Millions jackpot were preserved.
The lottery’s officials and legal team stood firm, asserting that without presenting the second ticket, Lahijani had no right to the additional jackpot portion.
On Monday, Judge Rolf M. Treu ruled in favor of the California Lottery and dismissed the lawsuit. Although Lahijani was lucky with the winning numbers, his luck didn’t extend to the courtroom.
Curious purchase if true
While state lotteries know how many winning tickets are sold shortly after the draw, the winners are not identified until the tickets are redeemed. In this instance, the California lottery confirmed two winning tickets for the $395 million Mega Millions jackpot were bought in separate transactions at the same Chevron gas station. Therefore, the prize was split evenly, $197.5 million each.
Having multiple jackpot winners isn’t uncommon, but both tickets being purchased at the same place is unusual. This might suggest Lahijani bought both tickets, but without physical evidence, there’s no certainty.
One obvious question is why someone would buy two tickets with identical numbers. It’s puzzling and illogical. Only Lahijani can explain, but he hasn’t. If he indeed bought two identical tickets, that choice, deliberate or not, cost him nearly $200 million.
The unclaimed $197.5 million will benefit California’s public school system.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com