Lottery Funds Not Claimed, July 17

While the $150 million winning Powerball ticket was claimed last week, there are several other Powerball prizes that have gone unclaimed. More than $1.1 million in Powerball prizes are scheduled to expire this November if players with the winning tickets don’t come forward. Prizes are good for one year from the draw date of the game. Two of the unclaimed prizes were purchased in Portland and one in Troutdale. Prizes that are not claimed are transferred to the state Economic Development Fund. The largest of the unclaimed prizes is a $1 million Powerball prize that was won last November 25. The ticket was sold in Portland and the winning numbers are 08-13-27-53-54 with a Powerball of 04. The player matched five numbers but missed the Powerball number. There are also two $50,000 Powerball prizes from the Nov. 15 drawing that are also still unclaimed. Players matched four numbers and the Powerball. The numbers for that draw are 23-32-44-48-50, “I don’t know anyone who would turn down a $50,000 prize,” said Patrick Johnson, public information specialist with the Oregon Lottery. “Anyone who purchased Powerball tickets in the Portland area back in November make sure you check your tickets. If you have a winning ticket, sign the back immediately and claim it at the Oregon Lottery.” All unclaimed prizes go into the state’s Economic Development Fund. Each year approximately $5 million goes into the fund. In fiscal year 2016, more than $5.3 million in unclaimed prizes were transferred to the fund. In fiscal year 2017, more than $5.4 million. There is also an unclaimed $50,000 Win for Life prize which was sold in Portland on Sept. 30 of 2017. Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 should contact the Lottery office to schedule an appointment to claim their prize.