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LUCKY PICK
The life-changing amount of $4 million still hasn't been claimed
- Brijiena Lovelace
AN anonymous lottery player is one step closer to becoming a multi-millionaire, they just have to check their ticket.
A $4 million Mega Millions prize is still unclaimed and officials are looking for the lucky winner before the deadline closes.
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The lottery ticket comes from the winning prize draw which was held on August 20.
The winning numbers were 5, 20, 26, 49 and 51, the Mega Ball was 24 and the Megaplier was the number 4.
Although they didn’t match the Mega Ball number, they did match the Megaplier.
The additional feature means that the winning $1 million prize pot surged to an epic $4 million.
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There is a deadline to claim the prize.
You have one year from the date of the draw to claim, this means you have until August 20, 2025.
There’s still time left of course, but it is ticking away.
The lucky winner purchased the ticket at Redner's Market in Camden, Delaware.
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It’s not necessarily a Delaware native to win either, it just means you would have bought the winning ticket in the Camden area.
Delaware Lottery officials are urging players to check their tickets, especially if they bought them on or around August 20.
Lottery warning to check tickets for unclaimed $1 million Mega Millions prize and it was the only winner in single state
If the prize isn’t claimed by the deadline in August, the $4 million prize will be returned to the state.
A quick tip for the winner and future players, sign the back of your lottery ticket to prove ownership and avoid missing out.
It’s worth checking your tickets now, you could be Delaware’s next millionaire.
HOW TO PLAY
To play Mega Millions you’ll first have to pick five numbers from 1-70 and a Mega Ball from 1-25.
An additional option to input a Megaplier from 2-5 for extra winnings is your choice.
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.
You can play the Mega Millions with drawings held twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET.
For large winnings, you’ll likely need to visit a lottery claim center or submit your claim via mail. Prizes exceeding a certain threshold may require additional documentation.
So what are you waiting for? We can think of four million good reasons to check your tickets - you never know, you could be a winner.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
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- 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.
