A LOTTERY winner has yet to be identified exactly a week after Powerball numbers were announced for a life-changing windfall – a jackpot numbering in the millions.
The winning Powerball numbers announced on July 14 were 8, 12, 45, 46, and 63, with a Powerball of 24.
The lucky winner must step forward to grab their earnings before the deadline[/caption]
The earnings initially totaled at $1 million – but in a bit of a lottery plot twist, that week’s Power Plus play number doubled it to a whopping $2 million.
The winning ticket was purchased at a car wash located in Arizona, according to the state lottery’s official website.
However, both the winner and the ticket remained unaccounted for.
IS IT TOO LATE TO CLAIM?
As of Monday, the winner has yet to come forward.
But if or possibly when they do, is there a chance it might be too late?
In Arizona, it’s definitely possible.
Generally speaking, jackpot winners, or those with a prize worth $600 or more, have up to 180 days after the ticket’s date of purchase to pick up their proverbial pot o’ gold at an official Arizona Lottery Office.
Alternatively, winners can also fill out a claim form and mail it in, but only via traditional post.
Retailers like gas stations or convenience stores can redeem winnings up to $599.
If a ticket is not redeemed within that 180-day timeframe, the winner virtually has no recourse, even if it’s accidentally lost or misplaced.
This means the deadline to claim is January 10, 2026.
Per the Arizona Lottery rules, the majority of unclaimed Arizona lottery winnings are reabsorbed into the state’s prize fund.
Additionally, a certain percentage of uncollected prize money is allocated to legally mandated programs within the state.
While the uncollected $2 million prize is a pretty hefty sum, as of this writing it’s small peanuts compared to the next expected Powerball: $308 million.
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.
UNCLAIMED LOTTO PRIZES AREN’T A RARITY
While some might startle at the prospect of letting lotto winnings collect figurative dust, it’s not exactly an anomaly.
Last June, a ticket worth nearly $800,000 sold at a supermarket in Pennsylvania seemingly disappeared into the ether after no claimant came forward, despite pleas from lottery officials. A similar event occurred in Illinois this previous March.
Even so, there’s still a chance these winners might eventually come around to collect.
In both states, ticket holders have up to a year to redeem their winnings via a visit to an official lottery claim office or by submitting a claim form.
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.
