Lottery officials in South Dakota are actively searching for the holder of a winning Powerball ticket worth $2 million. The individual has until February 19, 2026 to claim their prize, as the clock ticks down on the 180-day claim period. This urgency arises as the Powerball jackpot continues to grow, currently standing at an impressive $750 million.
The winning ticket was purchased at a Gas N More station located in the Morbridge area of Sioux Falls. During the drawing held last Saturday, the player matched all five white balls along with the Power Play, which significantly increased the payout.
Every year, lottery officials report a significant number of unclaimed prizes, leading to millions of dollars left unclaimed. Players often fail to come forward for various reasons, leaving lottery officials in a position of uncertainty as they hope to connect with the mystery winners.
In South Dakota, the deadline for claiming lottery prizes is standard across numerous states, giving players a span of 180 days from the date the numbers are drawn. This means that the winner of the $2 million ticket must act quickly to secure their funds before the deadline passes.
Powerball Jackpot Continues to Climb
As the search for the $2 million winner continues, the Powerball jackpot is making headlines for its staggering amount. The current jackpot is now the tenth largest in the history of the game. If no one matches the winning numbers in the upcoming drawing on Monday, the jackpot will only continue to rise, increasing excitement among players nationwide.
Lottery systems across the United States vary in terms of claim deadlines. Most states allow a window of 180 days to a year for winners to present their tickets. In South Dakota, players are reminded of the urgency to claim their winnings. The following states also follow the 180-day claim rule: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Recent Mega Millions Winner
In a related note, another significant lottery win was reported recently in Virginia. A player won a remarkable $348 million Mega Millions jackpot, marking the largest victory in the state’s history. The winning ticket, drawn on June 27, featured the correct numbers: 18, 21, 29, 42, 50, and the Mega Ball number 2.
It took four weeks for the winner to step forward, eventually claiming the prize at the Virginia Lottery headquarters in Richmond. The player opted for a cash payment option, receiving approximately $155.6 million after taxes.
As the excitement builds around both the Powerball and Mega Millions, officials encourage all players to check their tickets and claim their prizes promptly. With significant sums of money on the line, the stakes are higher than ever, urging winners to act swiftly before their opportunities slip away.
