Lottery officials are urging players to check their tickets as a $1 million Mega Millions prize remains unclaimed—and time is running out.
A lucky ticket holder matched five white balls in the November 15, 2024 drawing but has yet to come forward to claim their winnings. If they don’t act soon, the massive prize will expire.
Winning Ticket Details
According to the Missouri Lottery, the ticket was purchased at a QuikTrip gas station in Kansas City. The winning numbers for that drawing were 5, 17, 35, 55, 69, with a gold Mega Ball of 19.
Since the player correctly picked all five white balls but missed the Mega Ball, they secured the game’s $1 million second-tier prize. However, if the ticket remains unclaimed by May 14, 2025, the winnings will be forfeited and directed toward Missouri public education programs.
Frequent QuikTrip shoppers who purchased Mega Millions tickets in November should double-check old slips—they could unknowingly be holding a life-changing sum.
How to Claim the Prize
If the winner realizes they have the golden ticket, they must follow the Missouri Lottery’s claiming process, as the prize amount exceeds $600.
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To officially claim their winnings, the ticket holder must:
- Sign the back of the ticket to establish ownership.
- Schedule an appointment at a Missouri Lottery office or mail in the ticket.
Failure to act before the May deadline means the money disappears forever.
Choosing a Payout Option
Should the winner step forward, they’ll need to decide how they’d like to receive their prize—either as a lump sum or annuity payments.
- Annuity Payments: The winner would receive 30 annual payments, with each year’s installment increasing by 5% to adjust for inflation.
- Lump Sum: This option provides immediate access to the full amount, though taxes significantly reduce the total payout.
Tax Deductions on Winnings
While $1 million is a substantial amount, choosing a lump sum means the winner won’t take home the full figure.
- The federal government withholds 24% immediately, with a final tax bracket of around 37%, reducing the total by approximately $370,000.
- Missouri’s state tax on lottery winnings is 4%, deducting another $40,000.
After taxes, the lump sum payout would amount to roughly $590,000—a significant cut from the original prize.
Other Unclaimed Lottery Prizes
Missouri isn’t the only state with an unclaimed fortune.
- In Delaware, a $2 million Mega Millions prize is still waiting to be claimed by a lucky winner who purchased the ticket at a popular grocery store.
- Meanwhile, in Florida, a Powerball player has yet to step forward to collect a $1 million prize.
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Gamble Responsibly
For those who enjoy playing the lottery, it’s essential to gamble responsibly and set limits. Remember:
✅ Only play with money you can afford to lose.
✅ Don’t chase losses or make impulsive bets.
✅ Avoid gambling when feeling upset, stressed, or angry.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, resources are available:
📞 National Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
💻 National Council on Problem Gambling: ncpgambling.org
💻 Gamble Aware: begambleaware.org
With just a few months left to claim the prize, time is ticking for Missouri’s mystery Mega Millions winner. Could it be you?
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