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MEGA Millions players have been urged to check their numbers as one gambler sits on an unclaimed $1 million fortune.
Texas lotto chiefs revealed the winning slip was bought at a grocery store on the outskirts of Austin.
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A gambler, who has not yet come forward, bought it from a H-E-B outlet ahead of Tuesday’s draw.
The lottery player came agonizingly close to hitting the jackpot – missing out by only one number.
They matched five numbers but didn’t have the mega ball.
But, they will still receive a prize of $1 million.
H-E-B stores seem to be providing a stroke of luck in recent weeks.
This is because it was the second H-E-B outlet to sell a winning slip in November, according to The San Antonio Express-News.
But, the winner will still have to pay a rate of 24% tax to the Internal Revenue Service.
They will get a reprieve on the state level, however.
Texas is one of the few states that do not tax lottery winnings.
There are no lotto taxes at the state level in California and Florida.
As no player scooped the jackpot, the prize pot has rolled over to an estimated $453 million.
It has an estimated cash option of $209.6 million.
The next Mega Millions draw will take place on Friday.
A series of changes will affect Mega Millions players starting in April 2025.
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.
Mega Millions bosses have revealed players will see their chances of winning improve.
Gamblers must defy the odds of one in 302.6 million to claim the top prize.
But officials have confirmed there will be larger pots on a more frequent basis.
Jackpots will grow faster than ever before, and players who match five balls will receive up to $10 million.
Bosses are working to ensure that wins are always worth more than the cost of the ticket.
But, the cost of a ticket will increase to $5. Right now, it costs just $2 to play the popular lottery game.
Top lottery winners in the US
Millions dream of winning the lottery and finding fame and fortune. These are the biggest winners in US lottery history.
- Edwin Castro – $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 8, 2022, in California.
- Theodorus Struyck – $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023, in California.
- Unknown winner – $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023, in Florida.
- Marvin and Mae Acosta from Los Angeles, California, John and Lisa Robinson from Munford, Tennessee, and Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt from Melbourne Beach, Florida – $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016.
- Unknown winner – $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018, from South Carolina.
- Unknown winner – he sued the mother of his child to keep his identity hidden – $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023, from Maine.
- Unknown winner – $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022, from Illinois.
- Cheng and Duanpen Saephan, and Laiza Liem Chao – $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 7, 2024, from Oregon.
- Yanira Alvarez – $1.08 billion Powerball, July 19, 2023 in California.
- Wolverine FLL Lottery Club – $1.05 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 22, 2021, from Michigan.
- Unknown winner – $842.4 million Powerball, Jan. 1, 2024, from Michigan.
