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A MEGA Millions winner still has not claimed a life-changing prize pot.
The player must come forward soon to collect the money before time runs out.
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They purchased the life-changing ticket for the August 23 drawing in Abilene, Texas, just over two hours west of Fort Worth, per Abilene Reporter-News.
Texas Lottery officials told the outlet that the ticket was bought at a DK convenience store and gas station.
Numbers for the Mega Millions drawing that day were confirmed as 28, 30, 44, 66, 69, and a Mega Ball of 2 with a Megaplier of 3X.
The player matched the five white balls but narrowly missed the Mega Ball and the jackpot at the time of $627 million.
Still, the matched five balls resulted in a $1 million payday.
A 5% sales commission was also awarded to the DK convenience store, but Texas Lottery officials said the retailer wouldn’t get a bonus for the sale.
For that, a jackpot win must be made.
“The Texas Lottery retailer bonus program only awards retailer bonuses for jackpot-winning tickets sold for Powerball and Mega Millions,” a spokesperson told Abilene Reporter-News.
MOVE FAST
The unidentified Mega Millions winner must claim their $1 million prize within 180 days of the drawing results, according to Texas Lottery rules.
That would be February 19, 2025.
If the player doesn’t make it, the cash will be forfeited and re-distributed to several state programs, including the Foundation School Fund, Fund for Veterans’ Assistance, and others, per NBC affiliate KXAN.
Assuming they make it in time, the player would first need to sign the back of the ticket and verify it at a certified lottery retailer, such as the DK convenience store and gas station.
Given that the winning amount is well over $600, the player must also take their ticket in person to a Texas Lottery claim center or submit specific forms by mail.
They’d then face the most crucial part of the lottery winning process — how to accept the money.
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.
TAXED OUT
Players are always given the option of a one-time lump sum distribution or annuity payments.
The lump sum sees the player get the entire prize pot up front, while the annuity payments are split over several years.
While controversial, many players elect the lump sum, which would see significant taxes taken out of the $1 million Mega Millions win.
The federal government imposes a 24% tax on all lottery winnings above $5,000, and states decide their own rates.
Fortunately for the unidentified player, Texas doesn’t tax lottery winnings, meaning only 24% is deducted.
So, instead of walking away with $1 million, the player would take home about $760,000.
Lottery prizes worth considerable amounts also remain unclaimed in other states.
A $7.8 million win purchased at a grocery store is still unclaimed in Arizona and the unidentified player has only 60 days to make a decision.
Colorado Lottery officials are also searching for a $500,000 Powerball winner.
