For one lucky person it could have meant starting 2022 as a millionaire.
But today the operator of The National Lottery announced that the time limit has finally run out to claim an outstanding £1m UK Millionaire Maker prize from earlier this summer.
The life-changing amount, which originated from a special EuroMillions draw on July 2, should have gone to someone in the Isle of Anglesey and Gwynedd.
Read more: The contrasting fortunes of Wales' biggest lottery winners
However, after remaining unclaimed for more than 180 days - the deadline for which was midnight last night - the money will instead be allocated across various UK-based National Lottery-funded projects.
"Unfortunately, I can confirm that the ticket-holder did not come forward within the deadline to claim their prize and has now sadly missed out on this substantial amount of money," said Camelot’s Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at The National Lottery.
"However, the money will now add to the more than £30M raised each week for National Lottery-funded projects across the UK.
"We’re encouraging everyone to check their tickets online at national-lottery.co.uk or by downloading the National Lottery app.
"You can also buy and check your tickets in retail. Playing online via the website or app means that your ticket is 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."
Anyone who has any queries or who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 or email help@national-lottery.co.uk.
To get the latest email updates from WalesOnline click here.
