THE owner of the million-pound lottery ticket in St Helens has just days to claim their winnings - but why can't the search be narrowed down?

With a lottery ticket worth a million pounds bought in the St Helens borough in July 2023, the search for the winner has been going on for six months but to no avail.

As the EuroMillions ticket owner only has until Wednesday, January 24, to claim their winnings, many Star readers have questioned why the search can't be narrowed down and the winning shop named.

However, the National Lottery has confirmed that it is "not possible to narrow down the area further" due to its "licence as operators".

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Why the search can't be narrowed down

A National Lottery spokesperson explained its decision: "It's impossible to narrow down the area further.

"Under our licence as operators we have a duty of care to protect the right of the ticket-holder (as and when they come forward) as to whether they choose to take publicity or remain anonymous.

"Therefore, we are only able to release an area description that in no way compromises this choice (the area must conform to a population size of no less than 75,000).

"Obviously, if a shop or narrower area were to be released it may well compromise this choice.

"There will only ever have been further, more specific details released as and when a ticket-holder has come forward and has signed an agreement to take publicity."

What to do if you think you have the winning ticket

Customers are being urged to check EuroMillions tickets that were bought in St Helens on July 28, 2023, with the winning Millionaire Maker code printed on the ticket as MSJS 96560.

Lottery players can check their tickets online by downloading the National Lottery app or at the National Lottery website here. Players can also check tickets in retail shops.

Playing online via the app or website means that your ticket is automatically 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.

What happens to the money if no one comes forward?

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 £30 million generated through National Lottery tickets each week, the money raised helps to fund projects across the country, with more than £48billion raised for charities and good causes. 

What can I do if I have lost my ticket?

Players who may have lost their winning physical tickets can submit a claim to the National Lottery within 30 days of the relevant draw.

The National Lottery will then investigate the claims and consider their validity

This means that, unfortunately, the winner is unlikely to receive any prize money if they have lost their ticket in St Helens, as this 30-day deadline has passed.

Further assistance can be given by contacting the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 or email help@national-lottery.co.uk