ALLWYN, operator of The National Lottery, has today confirmed that it has received a claim for the £1,000,000 Lotto prize from a ticket matching 5 main numbers and the Bonus Ball, and bought in Sefton for the Lotto draw on:- 7 December 2024. 
 
In the Lotto draw that night 1 lucky ticket-holder matched all 6 numbers to scoop the £7.3M jackpot on offer, while 3 players, including this lucky winner in Sefton, matched 5 main numbers and the Bonus Ball to each win £1M.  
 
News of this latest National Lottery millionaire in Sefton comes as January has already seen a ‘Lotto’ millionaires made. 3 Lotto jackpots have already been won by single ticket-holders – £7.5M on 4 January 2025 and 2 £4M jackpots on 11 and 18 January 2025 respectively – and a total of 8 ticket-holders have won £1M each across this month’s Lotto draws, having each matched 5 main numbers and the Bonus Ball.  
 
Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, said:- “Wow, we’re delighted that this incredible Lotto prize has finally been claimed.  Winning a million pounds is well and truly life-changing, and it means that this ticket-holder can now start to turn some of their dreams into reality. Our focus is now on supporting the Sefton ticket-holder through the process so they can start celebrating their win as soon as possible." 

Last year was a stellar year of winning, with a staggering 383 millionaires made across all National Lottery games. This year is shaping up to be another fabulous year of winning as, just on 1 National Lottery game, Lotto, 11 millionaires have already been made so far in January 2025.  
 
As with all major prizes, the Sefton claim will now go through the process of validation, which includes checks to ensure the Games Rules Terms and Conditions are adhered to and the integrity of The National Lottery is protected. Subject to validation* the prize will then be paid at an appointment with one of The National Lottery’s Winners’ Advisers. 
 
Once the ticket has been validated and paid, the ticket-holder will then decide whether or not to go public and share their news. There will be no information on whether they are an individual or syndicate winner, or where the ticket was purchased, unless the ticket-holder decides to go public. 
 
Players can buy and check their tickets online by downloading the National Lottery app or at the official website. Players can also buy and check tickets in retail. Playing online via the app or website means that your ticket is checked, and you get an email notification if you win a prize. You can also scan your retail tickets on the National Lottery app to check if you're a winner. 
 
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. 
 
Anyone concerned about lost or unchecked tickets may like to consider either setting up a National Lottery Direct Debit or playing online. Numbers can be entered in advance and lucky winners are notified online if their numbers come up. For further information call:- 0333 234 4433 or visit this website.  
 
Playing any National Lottery game is more than just a chance to win; it's a way to contribute to something much bigger. Each week, players help generate around £30M for National Lottery-funded projects. With over 700,000 grants awarded to date, this funding touches every part of 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.