Powerball players in Ohio are being urged to check their tickets, as a $100,000 prize remains unclaimed. The winning ticket was sold at a Country Foods Store in South Webster before the January 4 draw.
This prize came shortly after a $138 million Powerball jackpot went unclaimed and expired in the state. The mystery winner matched four numbers and had the Power Play option, which doubled the usual $50,000 prize to $100,000.
Players who win over $5,000 must pay a 24% federal tax on their prize. Ohio also charges a 3.5% state tax, further reducing the amount the winner will receive. The ticket holder has 180 days to come forward and claim the prize.
Powerball odds are about 1 in 292.2 million to win the jackpot, which is slightly better than Mega Millions, where the odds are over 1 in 300 million.
Mega Millions, a lottery game running for over 30 years, will see changes starting in April. The new rules will improve the odds of winning and speed up jackpot growth. The minimum jackpot amount will also increase, making prizes worth more than the cost of a ticket.
Currently, Mega Millions tickets cost $2, but the price will rise to $5 when the changes take effect.
