GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences.
These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site.
This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site.
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information.
it’s possible for you to read more about oureditorial guidelinesand our products and servicesreview methodology.
After all, some of those jackpots are life-changing amounts.
But you might imagineletting millions of dollars slip through your fingers?
Thats exactly what happens across the United States.
Those amounts include scratchers and the draw games.
If youre wondering how it happens, there are two usual suspects.
First, the person doesnt realize they won.
Second, theyve lost the ticket and cant check it.
Money Goes to the State
Lets say you fail to claim your money.
So, what happens to that prize?
The unclaimed money is given back to the participating states.
You may be able to take some comfort in knowing that the money is helping your neighbors.
States will often use the money they make from their games to improve public education, homelessness and infrastructure.
Of course, part of that prize pool pays for retailer commissions and vendor fees.
