LOTTS AT STAKE
Lotto bosses issue 3-step warning as anonymous Powerball player still sitting on $50k ticket sold at a gas station
The ticket holder will be hit with at least two deductions when they come forward
LOTTERY players have been urged to double-check any tickets they may have in their homes after a slip, now worth $50,000, hasn’t been cashed in.
But bosses have issued a warning to the ticket holder before coming forward.
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The player, whose identity remains a mystery, matched four numbers and the Powerball on Saturday night.
This meant they shattered odds of one in around 913,000 to land the impressive feat.
And, they agonizingly just missed out on the jackpot by one number.
This meant the player just missed out on an estimated prize of $89 million.
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Officials have warned the ticket holder to take three steps before coming forward, as reported by the Fox affiliate WXIN-TV.
The player should ensure their ticket is kept in a safe place.
Secondly, they have been encouraged to meet with financial advisers, who can help them deal with such a large amount.
And, they should make a call to the Indiana Lottery customer service desk to get more information about collecting their prize.
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Indiana lotto bosses revealed the slip was bought from a Murphy USA gas station in Martinsville - around 37 miles from Indianapolis.
In the state, players have 180 days from the date of the draw to come forward and take home their prize.
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But, officials have warned the ticket holder will face at least two types of deductions when they come forward.
Winners who pocket more than $5,000 must pay 24% to the Internal Revenue Service in tax.
This means the player will lose just shy of $12,500.
But gamblers in Indiana must pay 3.15% tax to the state on winnings that are more than $1,200.
Top lottery winners in the US
Millions dream of winning the lottery and finding fame and fortune. These are the biggest winners in US lottery 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.
- Rosemary Casarotti - $1.22 billion, Mega Millions, December 27 2024, from California
- Unknown winner - $1.13 billion, Mega Millions, March 26, from New Jersey
When a player wants to collect their prize, they must take another form of identification with them, per The Hoosier Lottery.
Because the prize is worth $50,000, an appointment must be arranged to collect the prize in person.
The ticket holder will not have to make a decision that jackpot winners face.
They will be issued a check worth $50,000, but jackpot winners must decide how they want to receive their prize.
Winners can either take the lump sum, which means they receive one check.
Or, they can take the annuity, which means they'll pocket smaller payments over 30 years.
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Lotto lawyers and accountants have warned about the risks of taking the lump sum.
Lawyer Andrew Stoltmann said taking the lump sum is a mistake around 90% of winners make.
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.
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