LOTTERY lovers might find themselves in luck if they check their numbers for an unclaimed $50,000 prize.
The lucky Powerball player is sitting on a hefty win but it will expire.
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Lottery players in Minnesota are being encouraged to check their tickets.
A whopping $50,000 prize has yet to be claimed.
The winning ticket was sold at a Hy-Vee grocery store.
It dates back to a January 27 drawing.
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The game was a Match 4 plusPowerballwin which happens when a player can correctly guess four numbers and the Powerball.
Winning numbers for the drawing include 07-38-65-66-68 and the Powerball number 21.
But don't worry, there's still time to get your bag.
Players have until January 27, 2025 to claim their prize.
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That's 230 days.
Like most states, Minnesota players have exactly a year from the drawing date to claim their cash.
Historic $560 Million Mega Millions Jackpot won
There is a one in 931,129 chance of winning the Match 4 Powerball lottery.
PLAYING THE POWERBALL
Powerball drawings happen three times a week.
With nine different ways to win, players must pick five numbers from 1–69 and one Powerball number from 1–26, per the Minnesota Lottery.
It costs an additional dollar to play thePowerPlay which can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times.
If you match five white balls and the Powerball for the jackpot, it's a one in 292,201,338 odds.
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.
If you match five white balls, you can win $1 million, at a one in 11,688,053.52 odds.
For a prize like the aforementioned $50,000, winning chances are one in 913,129.18 odds.
Match four white balls and you win $100, for a one in 36,525.17 odds.
If you guess three white balls and the Powerball correctly, you will score the same $100 amount for one in 14,494.11 odds.
Players can win $7 if they match three white balls for one in 579.76 odds and the same amount if they match two white balls and the Powerball.
Matching one white ball and the Powerball will get you $4 and matching only the Powerball will earn you the same.
Powerball jackpots begin at $20million and continue to get bigger until someone wins.
Tickets are good for up to 14 draws.
If players choose to play more than one draw, your ticket will include a drawing date range instead of a single drawing date.
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A$450,000 prize is set to expirein a few weeks if the winner does not come forward.
Plus, California officials are advising players tocheck their Powerball ticketsfrom the drawing on June 5.
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.
