‘Just in the nick of time”: $78 million Lotto Texas jackpot claimed days before expiring

AUSTIN — In a dramatic, last-minute move, a South Dakota trust has claimed a massive Lotto Texas jackpot—just six days before the winning ticket would have expired.

The prize, tied to the Nov. 15, 2025 drawing, was secured by Jua-Ri Trust Agreement, Trident Trust Company Inc. of Sioux Falls, which stepped forward to claim the windfall on May 8, narrowly beating the May 14 deadline. Under Texas Lottery rules, winners have 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize—or lose it forever.

The lucky ticket matched all six numbers—7, 17, 23, 28, 39, 48—and was purchased at Gordon’s Bait & Tackle in Brownsville. The player opted for the lump-sum cash payout, walking away with $43.76 million before taxes from the estimated $78 million annuitized jackpot.

This wasn’t just any win—it capped off a historic run. The jackpot began at $5 million back in February 2025 and rolled over an eye-popping 116 consecutive drawings before finally being hit, making it the sixth-largest jackpot in Lotto Texas history.

How Lotto Texas Works

Players choose six numbers from 1 to 54 for a shot at multimillion-dollar jackpots. Drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:12 p.m. CT. For an extra dollar, the “Extra!” add-on boosts non-jackpot prizes by up to $10,000.