California Powerball prize worth $1.5 million remains unclaimed

A Powerball prize worth $1,532,761 remains unclaimed following the expiration of its 180-day claim window on August 20, 2026. The winning ticket was sold at Varso Gas in Escondido, California, for the February 21, 2026, drawing. The ticket matched five white balls but missed the Powerball number.

Under California state law, if such prizes are not claimed within the designated timeframe, the funds are redirected to California public schools. Since 1985, unclaimed lottery prizes have contributed more than $1.1 billion to education funding. Regardless of whether a winner is identified, the retailer, Varso Gas, is entitled to a 0.5% bonus, amounting to approximately $7,500.