Lottery officials issue three-step warning as $100,000 Powerball prize still unclaimed – slip was bought at Speedway

A LOTTO player in Illinois is sitting on a life-changing Powerball prize – and they might not even know it.

Lottery officials have issued a three-step warning urging the winner to come forward before it’s too late.

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The lucky ticket was purchased at Speedway #5036, located at 110 Arrowhead Dr, Hampshire, IL, for the Powerball drawing on March 12, 2025.

But with the prize still unclaimed, officials are reminding players to check their tickets and follow the necessary steps to secure their winnings.

First, winners should sign the back of their ticket immediately to ensure no one else can claim it.

Second, they must follow the correct claim process based on the prize amount.

For a $100,000 win, the prize can be claimed at a Lottery Claim Center, by mail, or via an e-Claim.

Finally, winners need to act fast as Powerball prizes must be claimed within one year of the draw date.

Those opting for a lump sum payment must claim within 60 days, or they will be locked into annuity payments.

Lottery officials stress that claimants should use only one method to avoid delays.

Players with multiple winning tickets can redeem them in a single Claim Center appointment.

Online players will have winnings under $600 automatically credited to their accounts, but larger prizes must be claimed in person or through the designated claim process.

This isn’t the first time a life-changing jackpot has gone unclaimed.

There are at least another nine unclaimed winning tickets in Illinois that were purchased at various locations.

In Chicago, a Lucky Day Lotto ticket worth $1,100,000 was sold at Miska’s Liquor, 6410 W. 63rd St., for the September 8, 2024, drawing.

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.

Another unclaimed $1,000,000 Mega Millions ticket was sold at Tony’s Fresh Market, 4608 W. Belmont Ave., for the February 25 drawing.

Meanwhile, in Dolton, a Powerball ticket worth $200,000 was sold at Cito, 44 E. Sibley Blvd., for the November 30, 2024, drawing.

Just last month, a $433,000 Palmetto Cash 5 ticket purchased in South Carolina was still waiting for its rightful owner.

Elsewhere, an $83.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot-winning ticket bought in Austin remains unclaimed.

And in California, a Mega Millions player has yet to step forward for a $1.5 million prize.

Lottery officials are urging players to dig through their wallets, coat pockets, and old receipts to find any forgotten tickets before the deadlines hit.