Published on: January 2, 2025, 12:16h.
Last updated on: January 2, 2025, 12:16h.
A lucky individual redeemed a $1 million winning Powerball ticket with the Hoosier Lottery in Indiana just five hours before it was due to expire.
During the 2024 holiday season, a heartwarming tale unfolded as a couple from Kendallville, Indiana, retrieved their winning ticket on Christmas Day, matching five white balls from the June 29 draw – 26, 51, 54, 61, and 69. Missing out on the red 25 Powerball meant they missed out on the $115.5 million jackpot.
The winning ticket in Indiana was one of two that matched all five white balls in the drawing, the other being sold in New Jersey. Neither opted for the $1 add-on Power Play, which would have doubled their winnings to $2 million.
In Indiana, winners have 180 days from the draw to claim their prize, unlike other states that grant up to a year. As the deadline approached, the Hoosier Lottery intensified efforts to alert players about the outstanding jackpot.
The fortunate couple saw news coverage and signage about the unclaimed ticket at a local gas station a month prior. Despite not frequenting the store, they searched for the ticket and eventually found it in their vehicle on Christmas morning.
Alerted again about the expiring ticket just before Christmas, the couple rummaged through their vehicle, discovering the winning $1 million ticket at 4 a.m. on Christmas Day.
The $1 million prize will be subject to a 37% federal tax, with an additional 3.05% state tax in Indiana.
Unclaimed Prizes
Casino.org estimates that over $3 billion in lottery winnings remain unclaimed annually in the U.S., with Georgia, Florida, and New York having notable unclaimed jackpots in recent years.
When Powerball and Mega Millions prizes go unclaimed, the funds are returned to the state lotteries to support their prize pools and programs.
States with online lottery sales offer consumer protections by automatically crediting wins to the player. Online courier services help prevent loss of tickets.