A POWERBALL player is still sitting on a massive $1 million ticket that could change their life – and we have no idea who has it.
The anonymous would-be millionaire bought the slip at a popular grocery store, but time is running out for them to claim their cash.
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It was sold at a Jewel-Osco location in the suburban area of Melrose Park, Illinois, per NBC Chicago.
As per Powerball lottery rules, players have one year to come forward and nab their cash.
According to the official website, the slip was bought on December 21, 2024.
So while the player has months left to grab the money, given how large the amount is, they are being encouraged to come forward as quickly as possible.
That isn’t the only $1 million ticket sold recently that stands to transform someone’s life.
In the Mega Millions, a slip purchased Tony’s Fresh Market, located in the 4600 block of West Belmont Illinois, won the massive prize, officials have said.
There’s even a price bigger than that which hasn’t found an owner yet.
According to the Illinois Lottery’s website, a whopping $1.1 million prize was won from a Miska’s Liquor store.
It was bought on September 8, 2024, and is another jackpot yet to be taken home.
There are also a couple of smaller games that are still active.
A $100,000 prize has ten days left before expiration in the Powerball.
It was purchased on March 23, 2024 at a Huck’s location in Centralia.
As always, players are urged to show themselves as soon as they can so they can take what they’ve won.
The US Sun also reported on an eye-watering $30 million sum that is still unclaimed.
The fortunate person grabbed the ticket at My Goods Market, on the Gravenstein Highway in Cotati, California.
This hopefully soon-to-be multi-millionaire has the choice to receive their money all at once or in instalments.
Lottery winnings: lump sum or annuity?
Players who win big on lottery tickets typically have a choice to make: lump sum or annuity?
The two payout methods can impact how much money you get from your prize.
Annuities pay out slowly in increments, often over 30 years.
Lump sums pay all at once but in a smaller amount, as taxes are withheld in one go. That means 24% of your prize goes to Uncle Sam right away. Many states tax winnings as well.
Annuities can provide winners time to set up the financial infrastructure required to take in a life-changing amount of money, but lump sums have the benefit of being taxed only once.
Inflation is also worth considering when making a choice, as payouts do not adjust with the value of a dollar. That means that you’ll likely be getting less valuable money towards the end of an annuity.
Each state and game pays out prizes differently, so it’s best to check with your state’s lottery to confirm payment policies. A financial advisor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Experts have varying opinions on whether to take the lump sum or take the annuity.
The California State Lottery website says the most efficient way to get hold of your prize is by heading down to a Lottery District Office.
It states: “The fastest way to claim prizes $600 and over is at a Lottery District Office.
“Lottery District Offices are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accept claim forms.
“No appointments are required. The current processing time for error-free claims is 4 to 6 weeks.”
Those who take home a smaller prize can head to the lottery offices for same-day processing.
This is typically for jackpots of lower than $1,000.
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