Montana Millionaire 2024: Tickets Sell Out in Record Time!

Montana Millionaire 2024: Tickets Sell Out in Record Time!

Tickets for the 2024 Montana Millionaire raffle went on sale early Friday morning, November 1, at 5:30 a.m., and if you didn’t get yours in time, you’re out of luck! In just under three hours, all 500,000 tickets sold out, showing just how popular this annual lottery has become across the state.

An Early Morning Rush for Montana Millionaire Tickets

People eager to buy their tickets lined up as early as 5:30 a.m., crowding into convenience stores and lottery retailers. Social media buzzed with photos showing lines that stretched through store aisles and sometimes even out the doors. The rush for tickets was strong right from the start; as of 6 a.m., around 100,000 tickets had been sold. That number shot up to 250,000 by 6:49 a.m., and by 7:30 a.m., nearly 392,000 tickets were gone. Finally, at 8:24 a.m., Montana Lottery officials confirmed that all 500,000 tickets had been purchased, marking one of the quickest sell-outs in the raffle’s history.

“We hope everyone got their ticket in time and wish everyone good luck in the upcoming draws!” the Montana Lottery announced.

Changes in 2024: More Prizes, More Chances to Win

This year’s Montana Millionaire raffle came with some exciting changes to enhance the experience. For one, there are now four $1 million grand prizes, up from three last year. This means more Montanans have a shot at a major prize this holiday season.

Additionally, the number of tickets available increased to 500,000, compared to last year’s 380,000. Despite this increase, tickets sold even faster than last year’s five-hour window. The tickets are priced at $20 each, making it an affordable chance at life-changing winnings.

Another highlight this year is the introduction of "Quarter-Million Monday." This special drawing will take place on Monday, December 2, and offers a $250,000 prize, replacing last year’s Early Bird draw. Plus, there are more instant win opportunities: 2,300 tickets carry a $500 instant prize, and 4,500 tickets come with a $100 instant win. These changes give players more opportunities to win right at the time of purchase.

Community Excitement: A Local Win Brings Hope

Blair Michel from the Heidelberg Lounge in Great Falls, where a million-dollar winning ticket was sold last year, shared his excitement, saying, “I think having a local winner makes it feel more within reach for people here.” The lounge opened bright and early at 5:30 a.m. on Friday to serve coffee and donuts, giving everyone a warm start to their early morning ticket-buying adventure. The parking lot was already packed as people gathered in hopes of securing their chance at one of the big prizes.

Grand Prize Draws and Previous Winners

If you’re one of the lucky ticket holders, mark your calendar for Thursday, December 26, 2024, when the grand prize drawing will be held. It’s a day of anticipation and excitement for thousands across Montana.

In 2023, the three million-dollar tickets were sold at Town Pump in Kalispell, Town & Country Supply in Billings, and the Heidelberg Lounge in Great Falls. Over the years, million-dollar winners have come from cities and towns across the state, including Butte, Columbia Falls, East Helena, and Laurel, just to name a few. And in 2022, one of the two big prizes went unclaimed, which meant the funds were transferred to the state’s general fund.

Where Montana Lottery Funds Go

The Montana Lottery plays a significant role in generating revenue for the state. After prize payouts and operational costs, the first $2.25 million of lottery earnings each year is directed toward the Montana STEM/Healthcare Scholarship Program. This program, managed by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, supports students through the Montana University System. Any remaining funds go to the state’s general fund, where it’s allocated as per the state legislature’s discretion.

How to Contact the Montana Lottery

Have questions or feedback? The Montana Lottery team is happy to help! Here’s how you can reach out:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 406-444-5825

Address: Montana Lottery, 2525 North Montana Avenue, Helena, Montana, 59601-0598

With the excitement of the Montana Millionaire in full swing, Montanans are looking forward to seeing if they hold one of the winning tickets in their hands. This year’s updates make it an even more thrilling experience, and with so many grand prizes on the line, it’s no wonder people lined up so early. Here’s hoping for a big win in Big Sky Country this December!