Did you win the $300 million Powerball jackpot? Check your numbers
AUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) -- Did you win the big prize? We can think of no holiday gift greater than going into 2018 as Houston's newest millionaire.
Saturday's Powerball drawing was worth $300 million, and here's a look at the winning numbers:
Mega Millions jackpot is also getting bigger next week. Tuesday's drawing is estimated to be $277 million.
A few thing Texas winners need to know:
- In Texas, individual winners can claim any jackpot over $1 million anonymously.
- Several big winners in Texas have had a trustee claim the prize for them in the past.
- If you win, you must go to Austin to collect your winnings.
- You have 180 days or about six months to claim the prize.
If you win the big Powerball jackpot, here are five things you should consider:
Sign the back of your tickets
Every ticket you purchase should have your own signature and address. This will verify that you and only you can claim your tickets in case they get misplaced. You'll also need two forms of identification to collect your winnings.
Be cautious about joining lottery pools
While lottery pools are fun to participate in with friends and coworkers, they can also be rife grounds for lawsuits and broken relationships. Make sure that your pool makes photocopies of all group tickets and distributes them to each member of the drawing. If you purchase any tickets outside of the pool, make sure your pool players know before the drawing in case you win.
If you win, be careful who you tell, if anyone
While you may be tempted to tell friends and family that you're now a millionaire, Alexa von Tobel, CEO of financial planning site LearnVest.com, suggests winners be discreet to avoid any personal conflicts or larger problems.
"We've seen everything from robberies to even murders of people who have won lotteries," von Tobel told ABC News. "A lot of your social dynamics around you change if people are aware of your status."
Texas isn't the only state where you can remain anonymous if you hit a large jackpot. Claiming winnings anonymously is also allowed in at least six other states: Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio and South Carolina. Another way to preserve your identity when claiming your winnings is by starting an LLC or non-profit to accept the money on your behalf.
Choose a smart and trustworthy management team
Spend a lot of time researching and assembling a smart, reliable and trustworthy financial team before you claim your winnings. Von Tobel suggests that winners find a certified financial planner, estate planner and accountant before cashing in and waiting six months or even a year before spending their winnings. The new cars and houses can wait, making sure that you have a strong plan before spending cannot.
Have fun
Your chances of winning the Powerball jackpot are 292,201,338 to 1, so you're probably not going to win. Don't spend large amounts of money on lottery tickets, just purchase one or a few and have fun fantasizing about what you might do if you won $1.4 billion. If you do know someone who may be playing the lottery irresponsibly, call 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website to learn how you or a loved one can receive help.
