Lottery officials urge players to check numbers after $1 million Mega Millions winner still remains...

A LUCKY Lotto winner has scooped a whopping million-dollar jackpot but has yet to come forward. The Missouri Lottery Mega Millions prize was won by somebody in the December 27 draw - but the player is still unaware and the prize sits unclaimed. 1The player has until June this year to cash in the prizeNow, Missouri officials are trying to find the winner and are urging players to check their tickets in case they have the magic numbers.The winning ticket was bought at Town & Country Supermarket, located at 719 E. Main St., Willow Springs. The draw happened less than one week ago, so there's still plenty of time for the winner to come forward. The five white balls drawn were three, seven, 49 and 55.read more lotto news And the golden Mega Ball was six.Only one lucky ticket matches all five white balls and the golden ball, earning the owner the jackpot $ 1 million prize.The deadline to claim the prize is June 25, 2025 - so the winner has almost six months to come forward.But players are advised to check their numbers as soon as possible to avoid missing out.You can go to the MoLottery website now to check your numbers against the winning balls. It was a busy festive period for the Mega Millions - as another $1 million was won by someone else just three days earlier on Christmas Eve.I won a $4m lottery jackpot but walked away with less than half – after my grandkids’ share there’s not much left for meThis cash lump is also waiting to be claimed - so there is double the reason to check your numbers.This ticket was purchased in Cosentino’s Brookside Market on 62nd Terrace, Kansas City.In fact, there are a total of four unclaimed million-dollar prizes that have been won on Mega Millions.The longer the prizes are left unclaimed, the less likely it is that the winner will eventually come forward. Lottery winnings: lump sum or annuity?Players who win big on lottery tickets typically have a choice to make: lump sum or annuity?The two payout methods can impact how much money you get from your prize.Annuities pay out slowly in increments, often over 30 years.Lump sums pay all at once but in a smaller amount, as taxes are withheld in one go. That means 24% of your prize goes to Uncle Sam right away. Many states tax winnings as well.Annuities can provide winners time to set up the financial infrastructure required to take in a life-changing amount of money, but lump sums have the benefit of being taxed only once.Inflation is also worth considering when making a choice, as payouts do not adjust with the value of a dollar. That means that you'll likely be getting less valuable money towards the end of an annuity.Each state and game pays out prizes differently, so it’s best to check with your state’s lottery to confirm payment policies. A financial advisor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.Experts have varying opinions on whether to take the lump sum or take the annuity.