August 12, 2026 - 9:05 am

Do you remember traveling through Escondido, California, about six months ago, stopping for gas and eyeing the Powerball agent, thinking, “Gee, as a Nevada resident, I don’t get to play a multistate lottery often. Think I’ll grab a ticket.”

Look around. And then look some more. There is a ticket worth $1.5 million somewhere, but there are precious few days to claim it.

While most of America and the United Kingdom chased a billion-dollar dream with Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing, a $1,532,761 prize from the Feb. 21 drawing remains unclaimed and is approaching its expiration deadline, the California Lottery said in a release.

The winning ticket in question matched 27, 28, 36, 48, 49 missing only the Powerball number 21, and was sold by Varso Gas, on the corner of Escondido Boulevard and Brotherton Road in Escondido.

To claim a top prize Powerball jackpot, players have up to a year from the date of the draw to claim, however for prizes like this 5-number match, players have 180 days from the date of the draw to claim their Powerball prize. If no one submits a claim by the deadline, the over $1.5 million prize will go to public schools in California, as required by statute.

If you believe you have the winning ticket:

— Visit a California Lottery District Office before the deadline.

— Bring the original ticket and a valid government-issued photo ID.

— Complete a claim form. They are available online at calottery.com or at any District Office.

The winning ticket will not be valid past Aug. 20.

By the way, Escondido is a 302-mile drive on southbound Interstate 15 from Las Vegas.

Contact Tony Garcia at tgarcia@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0307. Follow @TonyGLVNews on X.