For many Idahoans, the holiday season brings with it a familiar burst of excitement—and this year, that excitement reached fever pitch as the Idaho Lottery’s 19th annual $1,000,000 Raffle once again captured the public’s imagination. In a remarkable show of enthusiasm, all 500,000 tickets for the 2025 raffle were snapped up in just 52 days, marking the eleventh time the game has sold out before Christmas, according to KIFI Local News 8 and an official press release from the Idaho Lottery.
On December 29, 2025, at precisely 5:59 p.m. Mountain Time, the anticipation reached its peak as the winning numbers were drawn. Two lucky ticket holders are now set to claim the coveted $1 million prizes, while a host of other prizes—including one $100,000 prize, one $50,000 prize, and more than 21,500 additional cash awards—await their winners. This year’s raffle boasted the largest prize pool in its history, a fact that did not go unnoticed by eager participants across the state.
The Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle has become something of a winter tradition, drawing crowds to authorized retailers and sparking dreams of sudden fortune. This year, the game’s popularity was evident as tickets vanished from shelves in record time. “It’s always incredible to see the community rally around the raffle,” said a spokesperson for the Idaho Lottery, as reported by KIFI Local News 8. “Selling out before Christmas for the eleventh time just shows how much Idahoans love this event.”
For those who participated, the next step is all about checking those precious ticket numbers. The Idaho Lottery has made it easy for players to see if they’re among the winners. Results are available online at idaholottery.com, through the official Lottery app, by calling the Winning Numbers Hotline at 208-334-4656, or by visiting any authorized lottery retailer. The winning numbers for the two $1 million prizes are posted on the Raffle Results banner on the website, and a downloadable list of all winning tickets is available for those eager to comb through the possibilities.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at the million-dollar mark. Hundreds of $100 prizes, thousands of prizes ranging from $15 to $50, and multiple $1,000 promotional prizes—many of which were awarded throughout the sales period—mean that thousands of Idahoans have reason to celebrate. According to the Idaho Lottery, more than 21,500 prizes are up for grabs this year, making it the most generous raffle yet.
There’s a practical side to the fun, too. All raffle prizes of $1,000 or more must be claimed at the Idaho Lottery offices in Boise, either in person or by mail. Winners have 180 days from the December 29 drawing to present their winning tickets, so there’s no need to panic if you haven’t checked your numbers yet. However, officials are urging players to act promptly, especially with the holidays behind and the New Year underway. The Lottery offices are open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding state holidays, providing ample opportunity for winners to claim their prizes.
Interestingly, some $1,000 prizes from earlier raffles remain unclaimed, a reminder to players to double-check those tickets tucked away in drawers or wallets. The unclaimed ticket numbers include 035429, 099040, 122908, 149710, 158289, 173160, 192289, and 450000. “We always encourage players to check every ticket, even if they think they missed the big one,” a Lottery official noted in the press release. “There are still thousands of winners out there.”
Beyond the thrill of winning, the Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle serves a greater purpose. This year’s game generated more than $1.7 million in dividend revenue, which will directly benefit Idaho public schools and public buildings. It’s a point of pride for both the Lottery and the state, as the funds help support education and infrastructure across Idaho. “Every ticket sold is a win for our schools and our communities,” the spokesperson emphasized, highlighting the broader impact of the annual tradition.
The process for claiming prizes is straightforward. All winners of $1,000 or more must visit the Lottery offices in Boise to verify their tickets and complete the necessary paperwork. For those unable to make the trip, claims can also be submitted by mail. The 180-day window—counting from December 29, 2025—gives winners until late June 2026 to come forward. But as history has shown, the sooner the better; unclaimed prizes eventually revert to the state, underscoring the importance of timely action.
For smaller prizes, winners can visit any authorized retailer to redeem their tickets. The Idaho Lottery has worked to ensure that the process is as accessible as possible, providing multiple avenues for players to check their numbers and claim their winnings. Whether through the website, mobile app, hotline, or in person, the goal is to make the experience both exciting and efficient.
It’s worth noting that the annual raffle has become a fixture in Idaho’s gaming calendar, with each year bringing new stories of surprise, joy, and community spirit. The rapid sell-out of tickets this year speaks not only to the allure of the million-dollar prizes but also to the sense of tradition that the raffle has fostered. For many, buying a ticket is as much about supporting local schools and public projects as it is about chasing a dream.
As the dust settles on another successful raffle, attention now turns to the winners—both those who have already stepped forward and those who may still be holding a golden ticket. The Idaho Lottery’s advice is simple: check your numbers, claim your prize, and remember that every ticket contributes to something bigger than just a potential windfall.
For those still clutching their tickets, hope springs eternal. Maybe this year, your number’s up—and if not, there’s always next time. After all, in Idaho, the $1,000,000 Raffle is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of community, chance, and giving back.
