Big Lotto winner from July claims prize

The winner of a $9.7 million Lotto jackpot has claimed the prize more than a month after the drawing.

The winning ticket was brought in to the Lottery's Everett regional office by a representative for A2A3A4, LLC of Seattle. The corporation opted for the cash payment, receiving $3,637,500 after taxes.

Lottery spokeswoman Jacque Coe said it was unusual that no winner came forward immediately after the July 26 drawing.

"When the jackpot gets this high, people are buying tickets, and they're checking their tickets very frequently," she said. "They're losing interest earnings within a day or two. Most people don't take a chance."

Coe also said that most winners don't claim prizes as corporations.

"It's unusual when someone claims this way," said Jacque Coe, Lotto spokeswoman. "Some people claim in this manner in an attempt to remain anonymous, but the paperwork that must be filed with the lottery is a matter of public record."

The Seattle-based LLC was formed Aug. 27, according to Washington Secretary of State public records.

Noelene Clark: 206-464-2321 or nclark@seattletimes.com