Unclaimed lottery ticket worth $100K from metro-east convenience store expires soon
A Powerball ticket worth $100,000 was purchased in Centralia last year, and if the winner doesn’t come forward soon, the prize will expire in less than two weeks.
The lottery ticket was purchased for the March 23, 2024, drawing from a Huck’s convenience store at 315 E. Calumet in Centralia, Illinois Lottery officials said in a Monday press release.
Lottery officials recommend anyone who thinks they may have purchased a ticket for that day’s Powerball game to check under your couch cushions, in old coat pockets and anywhere else you may have stored it.
Winners have one year from the drawing date to claim their prize, so this $100,000 sum will expire Sunday, March 23.
If you win a lottery prize, officials recommend you sign the back of your ticket. If your prize is worth more than $10,000, you need to claim in-person or by mail.
In addition to the $100,000 Centralia win, the Illinois Lottery reports 10 more prizes are unclaimed as of Monday:
Lucky Day Lotto drawing Sept. 8, 2024, ticket worth $1.1 million purchased in Chicago
Powerball drawing Nov. 30, 2024, ticket worth $200,000 purchased in Dolton
Powerball drawing Dec. 21, 2024, ticket worth $1 million purchased in Melrose Park
Lucky Day Lotto drawing Feb. 7, 2025, ticket worth $650,000 purchased in Rockford
Powerball drawing Feb. 17, 2025, ticket worth $200,000 purchased in Rockford
Mega Millions drawing Feb. 25, 2025, ticket worth $1 million purchased in Chicago
Lucky Day Lotto Drawing March 1, 2025, ticket worth $500,000 purchased in Schaumburg
Lucky Day Lotto drawing March 5, 2025, ticket worth $450,000 purchased in Cicero
Lucky Day Lotto drawing March 6, 2025, ticket worth $150,000 purchased in Crestwood
In fiscal year 2024 (which runs July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024), here’s how Illinois Lottery proceeds were used, according to the organization:
More than $3.8 billion was paid in prizes to Illinois Lottery winners.
$884 million was used to fund “public education and good causes.”
$179 million went to Illinois Lottery retailers for commissions and selling bonuses.
$219 million was used for operating costs.
The odds of winning $50,000 in the Powerball are 1 in 913,129.18, while the odds of winning $1 million in the game are 1 in 11,688,053.52, the Powerball website reports.
If you or someone you know has a problem gambling, help is available by calling 1-800-522-4700.
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