An undocumented mother from the San Francisco Bay Area, Ruby Reyes, claims her uncle has withheld her $2 million lottery prize. Reyes says she handed the winning ticket to him nearly two years ago out of fear of deportation. Despite assurances he would claim the lottery prize on her behalf, due to concerns about her immigration status, the prize money is still with him, she alleges.
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Lottery Claim Delays and Legal Steps
Reyes told N+ Univision 14 San Francisco she purchased the $10 Instant Prize Crossword scratch-off at MD Liquor & Food in Santa Rosa in late 2024. She trusted her uncle, who had the necessary documentation, to claim the winnings and return the funds to her. Recently, she initiated legal proceedings, arguing that sufficient evidence exists to prove her ownership of the ticket. Reyes has appealed to her uncle to return the money, although attempts by Univision to contact him went unanswered. “I am telling the truth, and nothing but the truth, and I have sufficient evidence to win this case,” she stated.
Immigration Status and Lottery Claims
Undocumented immigrants aren’t specifically prohibited from winning or claiming lottery prizes in California—or anywhere else in the U.S. However, the lack of proper tax documentation can lead to increased federal tax withholding. Previous cases have shown similar issues: in 2011, Jose Antonio Cua-Toc, an immigrant in Georgia, secured his lottery win in court after a dispute with his employer over ownership of the ticket.
Potential Risks for Undocumented Winners
The fear of deportation still looms for many undocumented individuals, even when the law allows them to claim lottery prizes. Historically, there have been instances where public figures have faced scrutiny from immigration authorities following major wins. In one case, Jose Caballero faced deportation risk after winning a California lottery prize in 1985, illustrating the challenges undocumented winners may face despite their legal entitlements.
Next Steps in the Legal Battle
Reyes is preparing for a court battle to reclaim her lottery winnings. And the outcome will likely depend on the evidence she presents and whether it can be substantiated in legal proceedings. As her case progresses, it could set a precedent for others in similar situations, with a court decision expected in the coming months.
Eri Gaitu leads the news desk at Best in Slot, tracking breaking developments across the gambling world in real time. From exclusive bonus offers and casino launches to licensing updates and regulatory shifts, Eri ensures readers are always first to know about the changes that matter to their gaming experience.
