So far nobody has come forward to claim the $35-million-dollar LottoMax prize after a winning ticket was sold in Kamloops.

It’s not as simple as getting the big cardboard cheque in front of news cameras. When a winner comes forward, a lot happens, according to BC Lottery Corporation spokesperson Lara Gerrits.

“The first thing we really need to do is make sure the person who comes forward with the ticket is the rightful owner of that ticket.”

And there’s a team of in-house investigators for that, with player services teams in Kamloops and Vancouver.

“Their whole job is to process lottery prize winners and make sure the process is really streamlined and a pleasant one for them. And I think they have such a big role to play in celebrating the win, but also setting those winners up for success once they leave our office.”

That means with big-dollar amounts, they are advised to consult with a lawyer or financial manager.

“And… make any changes in their life that they may wish to make before they actually start the process with us.”

Gerrits says once a winner comes forward, they will be named because its a condition of playing the lotto.

“It’s really about demostrating that transparency and celebrating the winner as well.”

The winning lottery ticket was drawn on Tuesday night, for the largest lottery draw in Canadian history. Two people matched all seven numbers on the $70 million dollar draw, meaning they will spilt the grand prize. Those tickets were bought in Kamloops and in Toronto.