A Kendallville couple claimed their $1 million Powerball prize just five hours before expiration at the Hoosier Lottery Prize Payment Office in Indianapolis on December 26. The winners discovered the ticket in their vehicle on Christmas morning after an extensive search prompted by public notices about the unclaimed prize.

The winning ticket matched all five white balls (26, 51, 54, 61, and 69) from the June 29 drawing, missing only the red Powerball number 25. Had they matched the Powerball, they would have won the $115.5 million jackpot. The winners didn't purchase the $1 Power Play option, which would have doubled their prize to $2 million.

Indiana lottery law requires winners to claim prizes within 180 days of the drawing, unlike many states that allow up to one year. The Hoosier Lottery launched an awareness campaign as the deadline approached, which ultimately helped alert the winners.

The final prize amount will be reduced by a 37% federal tax and Indiana's 3.05% state tax on lottery winnings.

Unclaimed lottery prizes are a significant issue nationwide, with an estimated $3 billion in tickets going uncashed annually. Notable unclaimed jackpots include:

• $77 million Powerball (Georgia, 2011)
• $50 million Powerball (Florida, 2013)
• $68 million Mega Millions (New York, 2022)
• $46 million Mega Millions (Brooklyn, 2023)

Unclaimed prize money typically returns to state lotteries for future prizes or state-supported programs. Online lottery sales and digital ticket services help prevent lost tickets by automatically crediting wins to players' accounts.

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