Millionaire wanted: time is running out to claim a $1 million Mega Millions prize

Among everyone who played Mega Millions in recent weeks, there’s a millionaire who either doesn’t know it yet or is taking their time to claim their prize. According to the MOLottery website, there’s an unclaimed prize of $1 million.

The winning ticket corresponds to the Friday, October 25 drawing. If you bought a ticket and haven’t checked it yet, find it and double-check – it could be life-changing without you even realizing it! The winning numbers for that day were: 23, 26, 35, 41, 43, and a Mega Ball of 07. Since the prize is $1 million, the winner missed the jackpot by just one number.

According to Missouri Lottery officials, the winning ticket was purchased at an Alta Convenience in Creve Coeur, about 14 miles west of downtown St. Louis.

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What’s the deadline to claim the prize?

Many people don’t realize there’s a limited time period to submit a winning ticket and claim your Mega Millions prize. The duration of this period depends on the state where the winning ticket was sold.

In this case, the state of Missouri has a 180-day limit. If the winner hasn’t come forward by April 23, 2025, they will be considered to have forfeited the prize.

Where does unclaimed money go? Once again, each state uses unclaimed winnings differently. In the case of Missouri, the funds will go to benefit Missouri public education.

How much tax is owed on that prize?

In all lottery prizes, the amount the winner actually receives is not the full sum. There’s a percentage of tax that must be paid, which varies by state.

In this case, the Missouri Lottery withholds a 4 percent Missouri state tax on prizes of $600.01 or more, along with a 24% federal tax for prizes over $5,000.

Therefore, the total estimated tax the winner must pay is $280,000. This means they would take home $720,000. That’s nothing to sneeze at, either.

When are the Mega Millions draws and how do you play?

Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. PT/10:00 p.m. CT). This lottery is available in almost every state in the country except Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. It can also be played in the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. It is not available in Puerto Rico.

To enter the drawing, players must purchase a ticket in one of the 47 jurisdictions where Mega Millions is available. Participants must choose six numbers: five numbers from one to 70 and one number from 1 to 25.

To win the jackpot, you must match all six numbers that appear on the white balls and the gold ball in the corresponding draw. However, players with fewer numbers can receive anywhere from $2 to $1 million.

READ ALSO: Mega Millions jackpot: How much do you get if you have 1, 2 or 3 numbers?

*This article was written in Spanish and translated with the help of AI.