Anonymous Mega Millions player sitting on unclaimed $1m prize – and the ticket was sold at a gas station
A $1 million prize is still up for grabs, so MEGA Millions players have been advised to check their tickets again.
The winning slip was purchased at an Ohio gas station and is related to a draw that took place in August.
Prior to the draw on August 6, the gambler purchased the ticket at a Speedway gas station in Mentor, which is about 25 miles from Cleveland.
They painfully lost out on the $358 million prize at the time, despite matching five numbers.
With a cash value of $276.6 million, the Mega Millions jackpot has already increased to an estimated $579 million.
Lotto officials in Ohio have cautioned that the player has a limited amount of time to come forward.
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Their prize will vanish forever if they don’t claim it by February 2.
Ohio lottery players have 180 days from the draw date to come forward and claim their rewards.
Most jurisdictions give Mega Millions participants 180 days to come forward, while some give them up to a year.
For example, players in New Mexico have just ninety days to pick up their winnings.
There are other unclaimed prizes in Ohio besides the Mega Millions total.
A staggering $138 million Powerball prize has gone unclaimed.
Lottery warning to check ticket for unclaimed $1 million Powerball prize and winning numbers were drawn two days ago
Prior to a draw in July, the ticket was purchased at a Huber Heights Walmart.
The player has until December 30 to come forward.
However, the two winners will have to pay two different kinds of taxes on their winnings.
Those who win more than $5,000 are subject to a 24% federal tax rate.
After then, a 5.75% state tax will be imposed on them.
Top lottery winners in the US
Millions of people hope to win the lotto and become famous and wealthy. These are the largest lottery winners in US 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.
The tax imposed on gamblers in Ohio is not the highest in the nation.
Players in New York are required to pay the state 10.9%.
However, in Florida and California, they are exempt from paying taxes on their winnings.
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One drawback of choosing the lump sum option is the amount of taxes that participants must pay.
This is due to the fact that jackpot winners will be placed in the highest tax bracket.
Lottery winnings: lump sum or annuity?
When lottery players win large sums of money, they usually have to decide between an annuity and a lump payment.
The amount of money you receive from your reward may vary depending on the two payout options.
Annuities typically pay out over a 30-year period in gradual increments.
Because taxes are withheld all at once, lump sum payments are made all at once but in smaller amounts. In other words, Uncle Sam immediately receives 24 percent of your award. Winnings are also taxed in many states.
While lump amounts have the advantage of just being taxed once, annuities can provide winners time to build up the financial infrastructure needed to receive a life-altering quantity of money.
When choosing, it’s also important to take inflation into account because distributions don’t change in value with the dollar. This implies that when an annuity comes to a conclusion, you will probably receive less valuable money.
It’s best to confirm payment terms with your state lottery as each state and game has distinct prize payout policies. You can evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each choice with the assistance of a financial expert.
There are differing views among experts over whether to take an annuity or a lump sum.
Do not forget to gamble sensibly.An individual who gambles responsibly is one who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn t gamble if they re upset, angry, or depressed
Visit the National Council on Problem Gambling online or give the National Gambling Helpline a call at 1-800-522-4700 if you or someone you know is battling with a gambling addiction.
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