POWERBALL players have been urged to double-check their tickets as the $1 million prize has not yet been claimed.
The Illinois Lottery revealed that the winning coupon was purchased at the Jewel Food Store in Melrose Park, 60160.
1
Ticket purchased before the December 21, 2024 draw.
The lucky gambler will be able to get a whopping sum of $1 million, if he claims it in time.
The clock is starting to tick as they have until December 21, 2025 to come forward and claim their winnings.
If you think you have the winning ticket, use the Illinois Lottery app's ticket scanner or scan your ticket in store.
Strong forces on
Powerball is very popular across the country and is played in 48 lottery jurisdictions in the United States.
The length of time players have to claim prizes varies by state, from 90 days to a full year – as is the case in Michigan.
Tickets cost $2 and can be entered into drawings held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Players choose five numbers on the white balls between 1 and 69, and then one number for the red Powerball, between 1 and 26.
In Powerball, the jackpot increases until it is won, so some winners win more money than others, depending on how long the prize pool has been increased.
The largest jackpot so far is $2.04 billion won in California in 2022, according to the Powerball website.
Top lottery winners in usa
Millions dream of winning the lottery and finding fame and fortune. These are the biggest winners in the history of the American lottery.
- Edwin Castro – $2.04 billion, Powerball, November 8, 2022, in California.
- Theodoros Struyk – $1.765 billion, Powerball, October 11, 2023, in California.
- Unknown winner – $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, August 8, 2023, in Florida.
- Marvin and Mae Acosta of Los Angeles, California, John and Lisa Robinson of Munford, Tennessee, and Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt of Melbourne Beach, Florida – $1.586 billion, Powerball, January 13, 2016.
- Unknown Winner – $1.537 Billion, Mega Millions, October 23, 2018, from South Carolina.
- Unknown Winner – Sued Mother of His Child to Hide His Identity – $1.348 Billion, Mega Millions, January 13, 2023, from Maine.
- Unknown Winner – $1.337 Billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022, from Illinois.
- Cheng, Duanbin Saifan and Lisa Lim Chow – $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 7, 2024, from Oregon.
- Yanira Alvarez – $1.08 Billion Powerball, July 19, 2023 in California.
- Wolverine FLL Lottery Club – $1.05 Billion, Mega Millions, January 22, 2021, from Michigan.
- Unknown Winner – $842.4 million Powerball, January 1, 2024, from Michigan.
Jackpot winners can choose to receive their money as a lump sum or as an annuity over 29 years.
This latest Illinois lottery winner isn't the only one who hasn't claimed his prize.
Another $1 million is currently unclaimed in Missouri from November's Mega Millions drawing.
While in Florida, the Mega Millions winner is set to become $5 million richer when he claims his prize in the December 10 drawing.
Responsible gambling
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Sets time and financial limits before playing
- Only gamble with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- He does not gamble if he is upset, angry, or depressed
- National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
To get help with problem gambling, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat
Lottery winnings: lump sum or annuity?
Players who win large sums of money on lottery tickets usually have a choice: lump sum or annuity?
Both payment methods can affect the amount of money you get from your prize.
Annuities are paid out slowly in increments, often over 30 years.
Lump sums are paid all at once but in a smaller amount, as taxes are withheld in one lump sum. This means that 24% of your prize goes to Uncle Sam immediately. Many states tax gains as well.
Pensions can buy winners time to build the financial infrastructure needed to receive a life-changing sum of money, but lump sums have the advantage of being taxed only once.
Inflation is also worth taking into consideration when making a decision, as payments do not adjust to the value of the dollar. This means you'll likely have less money back at the end of the annuity.
Each state and game pays prizes differently, so it's best to check your state's lottery to confirm payout policies. A financial advisor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Experts have varying opinions on whether you should take a lump sum or take an annuity.
