Regulator to rule on €16m unclaimed lottery winnings

A dispute has arisen between the state and the current operator, Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), over €16 million that was left over when An Post stopped running the lottery in 2014

Lottery winner Odhran Doherty (23) from Raphoe in Co Donegal (centre) celebrates with his family. Surprisingly, not everyone collects their prize Pic: Gareth Chaney Collins

A row over whether €16 million in unclaimed National Lottery prize money should be given to the state has been referred to the regulator.

Under the terms of the licence to run the lottery, winnings that go unclaimed after 90 days can be reinvested in promoting the competition, including offering bigger prizes.

A dispute has arisen between the state and the current operator, Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), over €16 million that was left ...