A POWERBALL winner has yet to claim their $1 million prize as lottery officials urge the mystery player to come forward.
The Tennessee winner secured the Powerball prize from the October 12 drawing with the numbers: 5, 14, 20, 41, 57, 6.
Lottery officials revealed the winning ticket was purchased in Huntingdon and sold at Huck’s Food & Fuel, 23 Veterans Drive N.
According to the Tennessee Lottery, if mailed, the ticket must be made or postmarked within 180 days after the official winning draw date.
If the mystery winner fails to do so, the ticket will expire and no money will be given.
All claim forms may be downloaded from the Tennessee Lottery website and sent via mail.
Winners may send the forms to: P.O. Box 290636 Nashville, TN 37229-0636
DON’T FORGET
Those looking to send in their form and ticket must include specific documents.
Lottery officials also need to see your signature signed on the back of your actual winning ticket as no copies will be accepted.
In addition to the completed claim form, you’ll need a copy of a valid ID and proof of Social Security number.
Valid Id’s include:
- State-Issued Driver’s License
- Voter’s Registration Identification Card
- State-Issued Identification Card
- Military Identification Card
- Passport
- Alien Registration Receipt Card
Just note that your Social Security number must be on a computer-generated document with your name and all nine digits displayed, like a Social Security card, pay stub or tax forms.
PLAYING POWERBALL
Players must be 18 or older to buy or redeem Lottery tickets.
Each online drawing has a “draw break,” a short period when tickets cannot be purchased on the day of the drawing just before the draw.
However, after the draw occurs, tickets can be purchased again.
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.
Powerball draw break begins at approximately 9 pm CT – 10 pm ET.
Double Play is a new add-on feature to the Powerball game.
For an additional $1 per play, folks get another chance to match Powerball numbers in a second-chance drawing with a top prize of $10 million.
The Double Play drawing is held after every Powerball drawing on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Keep in mind there are inherent risks involved in playing the lottery, and you should only buy a ticket if you can afford to do so.
Plus, if you or someone you know has signs of gambling addiction, call the National Gambling Hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
