A lottery winner in France has yet to claim a €13 million [1] Super Loto jackpot won in the Orne department.
The situation is rare for the Française des Jeux (FDJ), as the winner must present the physical ticket before a statutory deadline to receive the funds. If the ticket remains unclaimed, the prize money will be returned to the game pool for a new draw [1], [2], [3].
The jackpot-winning ticket was sold in the Orne department, located within the Normandy region [1], [2], [3]. Reports on the exact date of the draw vary between sources; TF1 Info said the draw occurred on April 26, 2026 [1], while Lavoix du Nord said it took place on April 24, 2026 [2].
FDJ officials said the unidentified winner should come forward. The winner has until Monday, June 22, 2026, at 23:59 to present the ticket [1].
Lottery winners often delay claiming prizes due to shock or loss of the ticket, but the strict deadline ensures that funds are eventually redistributed to other players if the original winner cannot be identified [2], [3].
“The winner must present the ticket to the Française des Jeux (FDJ) or the prize will be re‑allocated.”
This incident highlights the critical role of the physical ticket as the sole legal proof of ownership in French lotteries. Because FDJ cannot identify winners through digital means for these specific draws, the expiration of the claim window results in a mandatory redistribution of funds, effectively turning a private windfall back into a public prize pool.
