Unclaimed $78 Million Lotto Texas Jackpot

Winner has not come forward to claim prize before 180-day deadline

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:06pm

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An extreme close-up of a heavy, industrial lottery ball machine with visible gears and mechanisms, conveying the scale and power of the unclaimed $78 million jackpot.The Texas Lottery's unclaimed $78 million jackpot highlights the importance of checking tickets and claiming winnings before the deadline.Austin Today

The winner of a $78 million Lotto Texas jackpot from a drawing held on November 15, 2025, has still not come forward to claim the prize, prompting lottery officials to renew public appeals for the ticket holder to step forward before the 180-day deadline expires on May 14, 2026.

Why it matters

Unclaimed lottery jackpots of this magnitude are rare, and the funds will be returned to the state treasury for allocation to public education programs if the winner does not come forward in time. This case highlights the importance of checking lottery tickets and the need for winners to claim their prizes.

The details

The Texas Lottery Commission confirmed that the winning ticket was sold at a retail location in Austin for the November 15, 2025, drawing, matching all six numbers to claim the top prize. Lottery officials have not disclosed the exact location where the ticket was purchased, citing standard security protocols to protect the integrity of the game and avoid potential fraud attempts.

  • The winning ticket was sold on November 15, 2025.
  • The 180-day window for claiming the prize is set to expire on May 14, 2026.

The players

Texas Lottery Commission

The state agency that oversees the Texas Lottery and is responsible for managing unclaimed prizes.

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What’s next

If the winner does not come forward by the May 14, 2026 deadline, the $78 million jackpot will be returned to the state treasury for allocation to public education programs.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of checking lottery tickets and the need for winners to claim their prizes, as unclaimed jackpots of this magnitude can have a significant impact on public funding. It also underscores the Texas Lottery Commission's efforts to ensure the rightful recipient has the opportunity to claim their winnings.