POWERBALL players are urged to check their tickets as time is running out for one unclaimed prize.
Someone is $100,000 richer after buying a lottery ticket almost a year ago — and he doesn't even know it.
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The ticket was purchased at a gas station in Illinois for the Powerball drawing that took place on March 23 of last year.
Under lottery rules, this means the winner has only weeks to claim the money before it is forfeited to the state.
Lotto bosses revealed the ticket was purchased from Hucks on East Calumet Street in Centralia.
Get money
Any player who wins more than $10,000 must claim their prize in person at the Claims Center or fill out a claim form and submit it to the Illinois Lottery.
The winner must ensure they make an appointment before visiting any claims center to do so.
Proof of identification is required, including photo ID, Social Security card or tax return, and the winning ticket must be signed on the back.
The big prizes are paid out in either a lump sum or an annuity, but the anonymous winner has already lost out on the chance to receive a lump sum.
According to the Illinois State Lottery website, winners have only 60 days from the date of the lottery drawing to choose a lump sum.
So, if the winner applies before the deadline, they will have no other choice but to pay the annuity.
If not claimed after the March 23, 2025 deadline, the funds will be allocated to support capital projects, public education and special causes.
The $100,000 ticket isn't the only Powerball prize that has gone unclaimed so far this year.
One lucky person received a $1 million winning ticket that burned a hole in his pockets.
They were also purchased in Illinois – from the Jewel Food Store in Melrose Park – for a raffle held just before Christmas, on December 21 of last year.
Consumers can check winning tickets using the lottery app's ticket scanner or through retailers.
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 all at once. 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 to take a lump sum or take an annuity.
Again, the winner has one year from the drawing date to claim their prize.
Play power ball
This game is very popular because of its huge jackpots and is played all over the United States.
It's available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Drawings are held three times each week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and tickets cost $2 each.
Deadlines to claim prizes can vary by location from 90 days to a year to claim.
A Powerball regular in Michigan has won $1 million thanks to her special set of numbers.
Meanwhile, there is $150,000 waiting to be claimed on a winning Powerball ticket in Connecticut.
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
