CAN you imagine becoming an millionaire instantly?
Each year, hundreds of millions of people play the Powerball lottery hoping to score big.
This state hosted several lottery winners. (stock)[/caption]
One lucky player is living out everyone’s dreams.
A Circle K in Ohio sold a $1 million prize-winning ticket after the drawing on Aug. 6.
The winner is yet to be found, and the clock is ticking for the lucky winner to claim the cash.
According to state rules, winners have 180 days after the drawing to claim their prize.
Winnings that go unclaimed are transferred to a state fund that supports Ohio’s education system.
GOLDEN STATE
So how lucky do you have to be to score one million dollars from the Powerball?
The odds of matching all five white balls and winning the $1 million prize are 1 in 11,688,053.
But the state saw several winners.
Here’s a breakdown.
- $1 million prize: 1 winner
- $200 prize: 8 winners
- $100 prize: 25 winners
- $14 prize: 443 winners
- $8 prize: 5,234 winners
- $7 prize: 908 winners
- $4 prize: 10,896 winners
Still, nobody won the $449 million Powerball jackpot.
The winning numbers for the Powerball on Wednesday were 15, 27, 43, 35, 53 . The Powerball was 9 and the Power Play was 2x.
The jackpot now stands at $482 million for the next Powerball drawing on Saturday, Aug. 9.
But this isn’t the first time a large lottery winning has gone unclaimed.
An Illinois player won $200,000 but failed to claim it upon winning.
However, Illinois gives winners up to a year to claim their prize.
And another $200,000 prize was left untouched by a winner in Chicago.
Moreover, a Pennsylvania winner scratched off a $1 million ticket and didn’t claim it.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone 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
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling online.
