Are you a winner and don’t even know it? That forgotten lottery ticket tucked inside your wallet might be worth more—or less—than you think. Each year, millions of dollars in unclaimed prizes expire simply because players miss the deadline. So, what’s the timeline for cashing in on winnings? The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) and state lottery agencies enforce strict timelines for redeeming winnings, often ranging from 90 days to one year. Whether you buy scratch-offs or Powerball, knowing how expiration rules work can prevent you from losing a potential windfall. Here are ten essential facts about lottery ticket deadlines every player should know.
