The jackpot had rolled over for more than a year before the big win for a ticket from Lodi, and then another long wait ensued for the lucky player to make a claim for the nine-figure fortune. However, lottery operator Sisal has now confirmed that the winner came forward earlier this week.
They have decided to remain anonymous rather than go public, sending a banking delegate on their behalf to finalise the collection of the prize. No more information will now be revealed about the winner.
All SuperEnalotto winners have 90 days from the date of a draw to claim prizes, so the big winner only had until 14th November. The lack of news over the last couple of months had sparked intense speculation and fears that the player could miss out on their money.
Bar Owner Hits Back At Rumours
Marisa Caserini, co-owner of the Marino bar where the winning ticket was sold, also found herself at the centre of rumours. One recent story suggested that a camera was in place at the desk where players bought their entries, while another commented that there was soon to be a change of management at the bar.
Caserini said: “Even if I knew who won, I wouldn’t say. I know of all these rumours, and I don’t know how anyone can say so much nonsense. We tobacconists, we do not know either the day or time of the play.
“With regard to the cameras, there is the law on privacy. There are criminal responsibilities. So I don't know anything. But even if I knew I wouldn't say it. I only know, as we have always said, that the bar has no percentage on the winnings: everything goes to the winner and that's it. Moreover, the stupidity that is running around the fact that I would be closing, this is absolutely not true. And anyway, in any case, I would also be free to close when I want.”
Big SuperEnalotto Jackpots
The Lodi win went straight to the top of the biggest jackpots to have ever been paid out in SuperEnalotto, surpassing the €177 million that went to a syndicate of 70 players back in 2010. The record jackpot went to someone who spent just €2 on their ticket, making it more likely to belong to an individual than a group.
The SuperEnalotto jackpot was won again just a few weeks later, by a ticket holder from Parma. They landed €66 million on Tuesday 17th September and actually beat the Lodi winner to make their claim, visiting the Sisal office in Milan just a week after the draw. They also decided to remain anonymous.
The jackpot dropped to €5.7 million after the win in Parma but has already climbed back up to more than €16 million. You can take part online or by going to any authorised retailer, with draws taking place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.