Urgent Powerball warning as 2 $100k tickets go unclaimed in same state & they were purchased just miles from each other

TWO lucky lottery players from the same state have yet to step forward and claim their chunk of change.

Both winners scored big playing Powerball and are fast running out of time until their prize money expires.

The two Powerball tickets were purchased in Colorado and amount to $200,000.

The first, a $150,000 Powerball ticket was purchased at a Circle K in Highlands Ranch and was drawn on March 30.

The lucky winner has until August 30 to scoop their prize.

Meanwhile, a second victor bagged a mammoth $50,000 in the April 10 draw at a 7-Eleven in Aurora.

They will need to hand in their winning stub by September 10 if they want to redeem the cash.

OTHER PRIZES REMAIN UNCLAIMED

There are several winners who have yet to claim their prizes.

A player who bought a ticket at a convenience store in Massachusetts still has not claimed their $1 million prize.

Meanwhile, a player in Colorado has also not yet claimed their $500,000 Powerball prize.

These winners can use the mail-in prize claim system to get their money.

Lottery officials, however, reminded them to sign the tickets before placing them in the mail.

Processing claims by mail is still a safe and efficient option, according to officials said.

It's safe unless the mail gets lost, in which case authorities said it is out of their hands.

"The Lottery is not responsible for any ticket that is lost in the mail, misdelivered, or received beyond the last date to redeem," officials added.

Lottery winnings: lump sum or annuity?

Players who win big on lottery tickets typically have a choice to make: lump sum or annuity?

The two payout methods can impact how much money you get from your prize.

Annuities pay out slowly in increments, often over 30 years.

Lump sums pay all at once but in a smaller amount, as taxes are withheld in one go. That means 24% of your prize goes to Uncle Sam right away. Many states tax winnings as well.

Annuities can provide winners time to set up the financial infrastructure required to take in a life-changing amount of money, but lump sums have the benefit of being taxed only once.

Inflation is also worth considering when making a choice, as payouts do not adjust with the value of a dollar. That means that you'll likely be getting less valuable money towards the end of an annuity.

Each state and game pays out prizes differently, so it’s best to check with your state’s lottery to confirm payment policies. A financial advisor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Experts have varying opinions on whether to take the lump sum or take the annuity.

How you choose to receive the prize money can get you less than what you initially won, a lesson that a Kroger shopper learned the hard way.

The U.S. Sun has an exclusive on tried and tested strategies to win $1,000 prizes.

Meanwhile, five unclaimed tickets in Delaware have left $300,000 waiting.

Over half a million dollars is still unclaimed after a ticket was bought at a 7-Eleven.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed

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If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling online.