Check Your Tickets! $50,000 Powerball Prize Remains Unclaimed

Lottery officials in Kentucky are calling on players to check their tickets after a $50,000 Powerball prize from the February 5 drawing remains unclaimed.

The winning ticket was purchased at a Kroger store in Nicholasville, according to the Lexington Herald Leader. The ticket holder matched four numbers plus the Powerball, securing the game’s third-highest prize.

Time Running Out to Claim the Winnings

Kentucky Lottery officials have stressed that winners must claim their prizes within 180 days of the draw. This means the lucky player has until August to step forward before the ticket expires.

Players are advised to sign the back of their tickets immediately and store them in a secure location. Experts suggest using a fireproof and waterproof storage unit to keep the ticket safe.

Additionally, lottery winners are warned to keep their winnings private—sharing pictures of the ticket or barcode online could put them at risk of fraud.

Taxes Will Reduce Take-Home Amount

Although the Powerball winner secured a $50,000 prize, the actual payout will be significantly lower after taxes:

  • 24% federal tax will be deducted for prizes exceeding $5,000.
  • 6% Kentucky state tax applies to winnings over $600.

While Kentucky’s tax rate is lower than some states, winners in New York (10.9%), Oregon, and New Jersey (8%+) face even higher deductions. Meanwhile, states like California, Florida, and Texas do not tax lottery prizes at all.

Where to Claim the Prize

The Kentucky Lottery has confirmed that the ticket holder must visit Louisville to collect their winnings.

Play Responsibly

Officials remind players to gamble responsibly by setting limits on time and spending. If gambling becomes a problem, resources such as the National Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) and the National Council on Problem Gambling are available for support.

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