What Happens If No One Claims the Powerball?
With Powerball on the rise, folks across the country are getting in on the fun and dreaming about the possibility of winning big. And when those lucky numbers are announced, it'll be exciting to see someone come forward to claim their enormous winnings.
But what happens if no one claims the Powerball prize? You might think, how could someone not claim what they’ve won? But it does happen. And it happens enough that states have rules about what happens to the prize money if it goes unclaimed after a certain period of time.
How long do Powerball winners have to claim their winnings?
The big question of the day is how long do you have to claim Powerball winnings? The answer is that it varies by state. Lottery lovers have anywhere from 90 days to one year to claim their prize, but it depends on the jurisdiction in which the ticket was ordered.
Your ticket may have an expiration date on the back, so don’t forget to give that a look! If not, check out the lottery website for the state where you purchased your ticket for more information on how long you have to claim your prize.
If you don’t claim the Powerball prize within the allotted time, you forfeit the prize money to the state.
Where to claim your winnings varies by the amount won. If you win less than the threshold for your state, you can claim your winnings with any local state lottery retailer to claim your prize.
(Related: How Powerball Works)
The thresholds in these state are:
Arizona - $599.99
Arkansas - $500
Colorado - $599.99
Idaho - $599.99
Massachusetts - $600
Minnesota - $599.99
Montana - $599.99
Nebraska - $499.99
New Hampshire - $599.99
New Jersey - $599.99
New Mexico - $600
New York - $600
Ohio – $599.99
Oregon - $600
Puerto Rico - $1,200
Texas - $599.99
Washington D.C. - $600
West Virginia - $600
If your winnings exceed the threshold in the state where you got your ticket, you will need to visit a lottery office or the lottery headquarters in the state where the lottery ticket was ordered. Some lotteries require appointments so always check ahead on your state lottery website.
(Related: Luckiest States for Winning Powerball)
What happens when the winner doesn't claim a Powerball prize?
You might think the prize goes back into the game to increase the prize for someone else, or there might be a second chance drawing to pick a new winner, but that isn’t the case. The prize money is funneled back into the state.
First, a little background:When you order a lottery ticket, a portion of your ticket cost goes to fund various programs in your state. What programs are funded depends upon the state in which you got your ticket and the programs they have chosen to fund with lottery proceeds. The same may or may not go for unclaimed prize money.
Many states use these proceeds to fund programs such as education, public parks, people experiencing homelessness, or veteran services, just to name a few. You can learn more about what programs your state lottery supports by visiting your state lottery website. The website will have information on where the cost of your lottery ticket goes or related beneficiaries.
When it comes to Powerball, the unclaimed prize money is distributed based on the percentage of tickets sold in each state for the lottery run. Let’s say that the Powerball continues to roll over until the prize hits $1 billion and a winning ticket is drawn. Now, let's say the $1 billion prize isn’t claimed by the deadline. In this case, every state that sells Powerball tickets will receive a percentage of the unclaimed prize money in proportion to their sales for that Powerball jackpot run. If a state (such as California) has sold 20% of the total ticket sales, it will receive 20% of the unclaimed prize money. This equates to about $200 million in unclaimed prize money that goes back to the state.
After the money is returned to the lotteries, they divide it up according to their local laws. They might put it towards other lottery games or into their jurisdiction's general fund, or wherever else state law says it should go.
This article originally appeared on Jackpocket.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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The Best Lucky Lottery Numbers Based On Your Zodiac Sign
Looking to add a little fun to your lottery ticket? Try consulting your lucky horoscope lottery numbers!
Astrology is a popular medium rooted in history, shaping the development of astronomy. Today, many people use their zodiac sign to add a little celestial flair to their everyday life, including when choosing the numbers to play for the lotto. Check out the common personality traits of your zodiac sign, lucky numbers and how to use your horoscope for the lottery!
The lottery is a game of chance, but many play the lottery by their horoscope and believe their zodiac sign holds their lucky numbers. Astrology can be a fascinating way to learn more about yourself. It’s even said that one's astrological sign can tell them more about their personality traits, life path, and fortune. Many also believe it can determine their luck. Plus, it can be a fun way to choose your lottery numbers.
Let’s review your lucky numbers for your lottery horoscope sign to learn more.
Related: 10 Biggest Mega Millions Prizes in History
Each astrological sign indicates specific characteristics about a person, including details such as their risk tolerance or how careful they are with money. Get to know the different zodiac signs and their lucky horoscope lottery numbers.
JodiJacobson/istockphoto
Symbol: Ram
Aries are all about the challenge, treating money-making like an adventure. Have you ever seen a ram charge? That's the combination of enthusiasm and confidence you get with an Aries. With their fiery nature, they'll sprint to grab those lottery tickets first. But here’s a warning: wins in the wallet of an Aries are subject to impulsive spending. Thankfully they also have a knack for finding ways to replenish their funds.
Lucky numbers: 9, 41, 47, 49, 60, 67
Symbol: Bull
Taurus folks are the slow and steady earners. Patient and hardworking, they watch their wealth grow over time. When Taurus feels luck on their side, nothing can stop them from going for a prize that catches their eye. They're cautious with cash, and likely to invest their lottery winnings for the long haul.
Lucky numbers: 14, 18, 22, 31, 37, 51
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Symbol: Twins
Geminis are the adventurous (and restless) of the bunch. They love to dabble in everything, so expect them to test out a bunch of lottery strategies. New ways to pick numbers, new games, new winnings (we hope!) The lottery prizes a Gemini pockets are destined to be spent fueling their endless curiosities.
Lucky numbers: 4, 5, 11, 19, 52, 68
Symbol: Crab
Cancers are the cautious type, but that won’t stop them from trying their lottery luck. They like to stick to their lottery routine. Every week, Cancers might enjoy playing the same special numbers on their favorite game, knowing deep down that one day the lottery stars might align. Most Cancers are known to live below their means, so winnings will likely go towards their rainy day fund.
Lucky numbers: 6, 10, 15, 28, 37, 68
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Symbol: Lion
Leos are the drama kings and queens of the zodiac. Confident and bold, they're fearless risk-takers. Getting lottery tickets is just another way Leos show the world their ambition —always striving for bigger and better. Winning? That’s business as usual for Leos. They’ll put that extra cash towards themselves and still have plenty left over to be a hero for someone else.
Lucky numbers: 2, 21, 23, 51, 61, 64
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Symbol: The Virgin (Maiden)
Meticulous planners and triple-checkers, Virgos are the most organized lottery players. They've got their lottery game down to a science, and good luck is their laboratory. Virgos love a budget, so lottery winnings will likely go towards savings after a financially responsible treat for themselves.
Lucky numbers: 5, 13, 18, 19, 21, 40
Related: Biggest Lottery Win in Every State
Symbol: Scales
Libras seek balance in all things, including the lottery. To balance their personal dream of winning BIG with increased odds of winning, Libras are often found in lottery pools. Also described as the social butterflies of the zodiac, Libras love a lottery pool because they can compare numbers with other members and share how they plan to enjoy their winnings.
Lucky numbers: 3, 9, 15, 27, 54, 64
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Symbol: Archer
Sagittarians live life on the edge. They dive into things headfirst, trusting in fate. That’s why when Lady Luck comes knocking with a large lottery win, a Sag should have financial plans in place. When a Sagittarius is prepared to win, their best qualities shine and they can focus on having fun.
Lucky numbers: 7, 11, 27, 34, 63, 65
Allexxandar/istockphoto
Symbol: Archer
Sagittarians live life on the edge. They dive into things headfirst, trusting in fate. That’s why when Lady Luck comes knocking with a large lottery win, a Sag should have financial plans in place. When a Sagittarius is prepared to win, their best qualities shine and they can focus on having fun.
Lucky numbers: 7, 11, 27, 34, 63, 65
Allexxandar/istockphoto
Symbol: Goat
Capricorns are the builders, the empire makers. Patient and determined, Capricorns love a steady lottery schedule. They’re big believers in their own luck and their determination to overcome any obstacle serves them well in life and the lottery. Expect a Capricorn to spend lottery winnings on home improvements, savings, or a little something luxurious.
Lucky numbers: 5, 8, 13, 23, 26, 51
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Symbol: The Water-Bearer
Aquarians are experimental by nature. They’ll try different lucky numbers or new lottery games each week, taking inspiration from anywhere. Aquarians tend to balance their wants, needs, and savings well, but a lottery win can really bring out their quirks. If you’re an Aquarius, learn from your Capricorn friends and get a plan in place before winning some life-changing cash.
Lucky numbers: 8, 15, 29, 31, 49, 69
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Symbol: Two Fishes
Pisceans are famous for being highly emotional. With the lottery, making decisions based on feeling rather than logic can pay off. A Pisces will trust their gut when it comes to picking numbers—and if luck strikes, they’ll spread the wealth. As much as Pisces loves to share, they’ll benefit from saving and spending a little bit on themselves to feel more relaxed.
Lucky numbers: 14, 18, 24, 33, 60, 68
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We hope your horoscope lottery numbers help to enhance your lottery experience. Aligning your zodiac sign to choose your lucky numbers is a fun, interesting way to try your luck and maybe win some extra cash.
One of the most important tips and tricks we can offer is to play responsibly. Have a budget set for weekly or monthly lottery play and stick with it. If you win a small amount, try again or put the money away for a rainy day.
This article originally appeared on Jackpocket.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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