1/09/2008 - 8:53 AM

Three Powerball Prizes from Lake Charles Area Set to Expire in February

As of today, no one has stepped forward to claim any of the three large Powerball prizes won in August.  They were all purchased in the Lake Charles area and are set to expire next month.

A $20,000 winning ticket from the Aug. 8 drawing was purchased at Noni Mart on Louisiana Avenue in Lake Charles and is set to expire Feb. 4, 2008.  The winning ticket matched four of the white numbers drawn plus the red Powerball to win $10,000.  The winner also added the Power Play option for $1.  When the multiplier "2" was selected during the drawing, the winnings were doubled, for a total prize of $20,000.  The winning numbers for the Aug. 8 Powerball drawing were 9-16-21-30-52 and the Powerball was 9.

A $10,000 winning ticket from the Aug. 15 drawing was purchased at Circle K #8338 on Guillory Street in Westlake and is set to expire Feb. 11, 2008.  It matched four of the white numbers drawn plus the red Powerball.  The winning numbers for the Aug. 15 Powerball drawing were 19-22-24-38-51 and the Powerball was 9.

A $200,000 winning ticket from the Aug. 18 drawing was purchased at E-Z Mart #693 on Nelson Road in Lake Charles and is set to expire Feb. 14, 2008.  It matched all five white numbers drawn.  The winning numbers for the Aug. 18 Powerball drawing were 12-15-28-31-50 and the Powerball was 12.

The holder of each winning ticket has until 5 p.m. on the date of expiration in which to claim the prize, which is subject to applicable federal and state withholdings. Prizes greater than $600 must be claimed at any of the six regional offices located across the state.

"We look forward to the winners coming forward to claim the prizes. In the meantime, they should treat their tickets as cash," said Lottery President Rose Hudson. "It is also a good idea to sign the back of the ticket for security purposes."

Winners of the Lottery's draw-style games have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim their prize. After prizes have passed their redemption deadlines, they are deposited into the Lottery's unclaimed prize fund, which is returned to players in the form of increased payouts on scratch-off tickets and player promotions.

Ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age.  The Lottery encourages responsible play and urges anyone or friends of anyone with a gambling problem to call toll free 1-877-770-7867.