Check out the luckiest states in the lottery
USA TODAY’s Fernando Cervantes takes a look at the states with the most Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots.
Texas Lottery officials say $78 million worth of Texas Lottery tickets were claimed days before the jackpot was set to expire.
The Texas Lottery announced that the Jury Trust Agreement Trident Trust Company, Inc. claimed the Lotto Texas jackpot prize on May 8, just six days before the May 14 deadline for winning tickets.
The winning ticket matched all six numbers (7-17-23-28-39-48) drawn on November 15, 2025. Tickets were purchased at Gordon’s Bait and Tackle in Brownsville, Texas.
Lottery officials report that the estimated annuity value of the jackpot was $78 million, but the applicant chose the cash value option at the time of purchase and received $43,757,223.10 before taxes.
The jackpot was claimed through a trust based in South Dakota. Texas Lottery rules allow legal entities such as trusts, partnerships, and corporations to claim prizes, but supporting legal documents must be verified before a payout is made.
180 days left to win lottery ticket in Texas
Texas Lottery rules allow winners to claim their lottery game prizes within 180 days of the drawing date. If the jackpot is not claimed, the money is forfeited and redirected to a state program authorized by the Texas Legislature.
The near-deadline claim ends months of speculation over one of the biggest prizes in Lotto Texas history. In April, Texas Lottery officials publicly warned players that the deadline to claim their winnings was approaching and urged ticket holders to come forward.
The jackpot began as a $5 million prize advertised on February 19, 2025, and was won over a record 116 consecutive draws before being finally won in November. At $78 million, it ranked as the sixth-largest jackpot in Loto Texas history.
What is Lotto Texas?
The Texas Lottery describes Loto Texas as a lottery game where players select six numbers from 1 to 54 for a chance to win a multi-million dollar jackpot.
Drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:12pm (Central Time). Players can also purchase extras! Add-on features for an additional $1 give you the chance to increase your non-jackpot winnings by up to $10,000.
Where can I buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased directly at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online in the following US states through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to choose your lottery games and numbers, place your order, check your tickets, and claim your winnings, all using your phone or home computer.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on Twitter @athompsonUSAT.
