West Cook News

The Illinois Lottery is searching for the owner of a $100,000 winning Powerball ticket purchased in Centralia last March. The ticket, bought for the March 23, 2024 drawing at Huck’s located at 315 E. Calumet in Centralia, remains unclaimed with less than two weeks left to claim the prize.

The deadline for claiming this prize is nearing as winners have one year from the original drawing date to collect their winnings. This particular ticket is among eleven Illinois Lottery prizes that are currently unclaimed, totaling $5.35 million.

Lottery officials urge anyone who may have bought a Powerball ticket for last year's March 23 drawing to check places where an old lottery ticket might be found. They also advise winners to write their name on the back of their winning tickets and store them safely until they are ready to claim their prize.

For further information about unclaimed jackpot prizes and how to claim winnings, individuals can visit IllinoisLottery.com.

Additionally, March marks Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Those facing gambling issues are encouraged to seek help by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or visiting AreYouReallyWinning.org. Support services include counseling and live chat options.

The Illinois Lottery has been operating since 1974 and has contributed over $25 billion to support K-12 public education in Illinois through the State’s Common School Fund since 1985. Nearly all proceeds from the Illinois Lottery go toward this fund.