Why one Southeast Texan could be an instant millionaire and not even know it

SOUTHEAST TEXAS — Someone in Southeast Texas is holding a lottery ticket worth a staggering $14.3 million in cash — and they may not even know it yet.

The winning ticket for Monday night’s Lotto Texas drawing was sold at Murphy USA 5695 at 1803 N. Velasco St. in Angleton, according to the Texas Lottery.

The Quick Pick ticket matched all six winning numbers: 15, 16, 25, 28, 38 and 53.

The jackpot was an estimated $26.75 million if taken as an annuity, but the winner selected the cash option and will receive $14,303,717.61 before taxes.

And there’s one huge catch:

The winner hasn’t claimed the prize.

CHECK THOSE TICKETS!

Lottery officials are urging players to check their tickets — and if you have the winning ticket, sign it immediately and keep it somewhere safe.

“What a night for our newest Lotto Texas jackpot winner,” said Courtney Arbour, executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees the Texas Lottery.

“If that ticket is sitting on your counter, sign it right away, keep it safe, and consider reaching out to a financial advisor before coming to claim your prize. We can’t wait to celebrate this huge win with you.”

The winner has 180 days from the Aug. 10 drawing date to claim the jackpot.

48 DRAWINGS — THEN SOMEBODY HIT IT

The massive jackpot had been building since April 22, when it started at an advertised $5 million.

It rolled through 48 consecutive drawings before finally being hit Monday night.

The jackpot now resets to an estimated $5 million for Wednesday night’s Lotto Texas drawing.

There were also 42,663 winning Lotto Texas tickets in Monday night’s drawing, with prizes ranging from $2 to $14,327.

The Angleton retailer that sold the jackpot-winning ticket could also be eligible for a $25,000 retailer bonus through the Texas Lottery’s Retailer Bonus Program.

WINNING NUMBERS

15 — 16 — 25 — 28 — 38 — 53

Lotto Texas drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:12 p.m. CT.

Players select six numbers from 1 through 54. The Extra! feature can be added for $1 more per play for a chance to win additional money on non-jackpot prizes.

And if you bought a Lotto Texas ticket in Angleton for Monday night’s drawing, you might want to check it — twice.

That little piece of paper could be worth more than $14 million.

Players must be 18 or older to purchase lottery tickets. Play responsibly.