CHECK YOUR TICKETS: Anonymous winner has days left to claim $2m Powerball prize bought at a convenience store or money is gone for good
According to THE SUN, The clock is ticking for an unidentified Powerball winner to claim a substantial $2 million prize. The winning ticket, purchased on April 10, 2024, will expire if not validated by the approaching deadline. Texas Lottery officials are urging the holder of this ticket to come forward and claim their life-changing winnings before the October 7 deadline.
Details of the Winning Ticket
The winning numbers from the April 10 draw were 6, 7, 12, 24, and 36, with the Powerball number being 15. The player matched all five white balls using a Quick Pick ticket and opted for the Power Play option, doubling the prize from $1 million to $2 million. The ticket was purchased at a C Mart convenience store in Austin.
Ryan Mindell, Executive Director of the Texas Lottery, has called on frequent customers of the store to check their tickets. “We encourage our Powerball players to take another look at their tickets, and if your numbers match, sign the back of the ticket before claiming your prize at a Texas Lottery claim center,” Mindell said.
Deadline and Consequences
The $2 million prize must be claimed by October 7, 2024. Failure to claim the prize by this date will result in the money being forfeited and redirected to state programs as determined by the Texas legislature. This creates a sense of urgency for the unidentified winner to act quickly.
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Choosing How to Receive the Winnings
If the winner comes forward before the deadline, they will face a choice between receiving the prize as a lump sum or through annuity payments. The lump sum provides immediate access to the majority of the funds but incurs a substantial federal tax of 24%, amounting to about $480,000. Despite this, the winner would still take home approximately $1.52 million.
On the other hand, the annuity option spreads the payments over several years, offering financial stability but potentially less immediate flexibility. Legal experts often recommend annuity payments to help ensure long-term financial security.
Unclaimed Prizes Elsewhere
The excitement is not limited to Texas. Other states are also dealing with unclaimed lottery prizes. In Illinois, a $1 million Powerball prize remains unclaimed after being purchased at a gas station in Chicago. Similarly, New York has a $50,000 prize awaiting a winner.
