No one has claimed $1 million Powerball ticket. What happens to unclaimed Texas lottery money?
A winning lottery ticket sold Oct. 22, 2022, in the North Texas town of Paris for $1 million has yet to be claimed. Under Texas law, the winner has until April 20 to claim their winnings.
The ticket holder forfeits their claim to a prize after the expiration of the 180th day after the drawing date.
A convenience store in Round Rock sold a winning lottery ticket in December 2022 for a $1 million second-tier Mega Millions prize, with the winner coming forward three months later.
What happens to unclaimed winnings?
During fiscal 2022, the Texas Lottery transferred $62.6 million in unclaimed prize funds from all scratch tickets and draw games to the state of Texas.
Where does the money go, and who does it benefit?
According to the Texas Lottery Commission, if unclaimed, the money reverts to the state for programs authorized by the Legislature, such as the Foundation School Fund and Fund for Veterans’ Assistance, which are the primary beneficiaries of the Texas Lottery.
As the primary source of state funding for Texas school districts, the Foundation School Fund ensures that all school districts, regardless of property wealth, receive equal access to similar revenue per student at similar tax efforts.
Since 1997, the Texas Lottery has contributed $27.8 billion to the Foundation School Fund.
More: A look back at some of the biggest lottery wins of 2022
The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance awards reimbursement grants to eligible charitable organizations, local government agencies, and veterans service organizations that provide direct services to Texas veterans and their families.
Initially launched in 2009, the Texas Lottery has contributed more than $167 million to programs supporting Texas veterans through their veteran-themed scratch ticket game.
Since its establishment in 1992, the Texas Lottery has generated $33.7 billion in revenue for the state and distributed $71 billion in prizes to lottery players.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What happens to Texas lottery money if winner doesn't claim a prize?
