Lottery officials are alerting the public about an unclaimed $1 million Mega Millions ticket that is set to expire soon. If the winner doesn’t step forward in time, they risk losing the prize.
According to Missouri Lottery officials, the ticket, which was purchased for the November 15, 2024, drawing, is eligible for the $1 million payout. The winning numbers from the draw were 5, 17, 35, 55, 69, and a Mega Ball of 19. The lucky player matched all five white balls but missed the Mega Ball by one number, securing the $1 million prize.
The ticket was bought at a QuikTrip gas station in Kansas City, Missouri. Shoppers who have purchased lottery tickets at QuikTrips in the area around that time should double-check their tickets. It could mean a $1 million win if they have the right one.
The Missouri Lottery provides a 180-day window for prize claims, meaning the winner must claim the money by May 14, 2025, or forfeit the prize. If the winner doesn’t claim it, the funds will be reallocated to Missouri public education.
To claim the prize, the winner must sign the back of the ticket and either visit a lottery office in person or mail in the ticket. Additionally, since the prize exceeds $600, the winner will need to make an appointment.
Two Options for Claiming the Prize
Upon claiming their prize, the winner will have to decide between two payout options: a lump sum or annuity payments.
With the annuity option, the prize is paid out over 30 years, with an initial payment followed by 29 annual installments that increase by 5% each year. This option is designed to keep the value of the prize in line with inflation, maintaining its purchasing power over time. Some experts recommend this option for financial stability, while others prefer the lump sum.
Impact of Taxes on the Lump Sum
If the winner opts for the lump sum, they will receive the full prize amount upfront, but the actual payout will be less than $1 million due to taxes. The federal government typically takes a 24% tax on winnings above $5,000, but lottery winnings above a certain threshold can push the winner into a higher tax bracket, leading to a deduction of around 37% for federal taxes.
That means the winner could lose roughly $240,000 to federal taxes, with an additional $130,000 deducted. Missouri’s state tax of 4% would also take a portion, which is about $40,000. In total, the winner would end up with around $590,000 after all taxes, almost half the original prize amount.
Unclaimed Prizes in Other States
This unclaimed ticket in Missouri is not the only one that could slip through the cracks. A gambler in Delaware still has a $2 million Mega Millions prize unclaimed, purchased at a local grocery store. Additionally, a Powerball winner in Florida has yet to claim their $1 million prize.
Gambling Responsibly
For those who play, it’s essential to gamble responsibly. Setting time and money limits, playing with money that you can afford to lose, and avoiding gambling when feeling upset or emotional are key principles for responsible gambling. For more help, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling or BeGambleAware. If you need assistance, the National Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-522-4700 or online at ncpgambling.org/chat.
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