Imagine walking into a gas station for a quick snack and walking out with a piece of paper worth two million bucks. It sounds like a bad movie plot, but for one person in Mobridge, South Dakota, that's exactly what went down back in August 2025. Honestly, the whole situation is kind of a wild ride because for months, nobody knew who the winner was. The ticket just sat there. Somewhere. Maybe in a glove box or tucked into a kitchen junk drawer.
The South Dakota Lottery confirmed that the winning ticket for the August 23, 2025, Powerball drawing was sold at Gas N More. It wasn't the big jackpot—that’s the billion-dollar dream everyone chases—but it was the next best thing. This player matched all five white balls. Normally, that’s a $1 million prize. But this person was smart. They spent the extra dollar on the Power Play option. Basically, that "multiplier" kicked in and doubled their prize instantly.
The Mobridge Mystery and the February Deadline
The clock is ticking. Hard. In South Dakota, you've only got 180 days to claim your prize before the money goes back into the system to fund state projects and future games. For this specific South Dakota $2 million Powerball winner, the deadline is February 19, 2026.
If you're reading this and you have a stack of old tickets in your truck, you might want to stop what you're doing. Seriously. The winning numbers were 06, 18, 33, 35, and 68. The Powerball was 24, though this winner didn't actually need that last number to hit the $2 million mark.
It’s easy to forget about these things. People buy a ticket during a road trip or while filling up the tank and then life happens. You get busy. You lose the receipt. But when two million dollars is on the line, "I forgot" is a pretty expensive mistake to make.
Why Mobridge?
Mobridge isn't exactly a massive metro hub, which makes the win even more local and personal. Gas N More, the retailer that sold the ticket, is actually eligible for a $25,000 bonus just for selling it. But here’s the kicker: the store doesn't get that bonus unless the winner actually claims the prize. So, the whole community is basically rooting for this person to come forward.
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We’ve seen this before in Yankton. Not long ago, two long-time friends, Emil Goodteacher and Donna Knodel, split a $2 million Powerball prize. They had a "pact" going back to the late 80s. They’d play, they’d split the wins, and for decades, the most they ever saw was $400. Then the August 28 drawing hit, and suddenly their routine turned into a retirement-changing event.
The "Anonymity" Factor in South Dakota
A lot of people ask if you can stay hidden if you win big in the Mount Rushmore State. The answer is... sort of.
South Dakota passed some new rules recently, specifically Senate Bill 35, which basically says the Lottery can't use your name or photo for "advertising or promotion" without your written consent. You don't have to be the face of a billboard if you don't want to.
However, there’s a catch. South Dakota has pretty robust open records laws. If someone files a formal request for the information, the Lottery is generally obligated to release the winner’s name and city of residence. You can't be a complete "ghost" winner like you can in states like Delaware or Kansas, but you can definitely avoid the media circus if you play your cards right.
What happens to the money if it’s never claimed?
If February 19 passes and no one walks into the Pierre lottery office with that Gas N More ticket, the $2 million doesn't just evaporate. It goes back to the state.
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Most people don't realize that lottery revenue in South Dakota is a huge deal for the General Fund. It pays for schools, environmental programs, and even helps with problem gambling treatment. So, while it’s a tragedy for the individual who lost the ticket, the money still does some good for the public.
Tax Reality: How much do you actually keep?
Let's talk about the math, because $2 million isn't $2 million after the government takes its slice.
First, the federal government is going to want its share. The IRS requires a mandatory 24% withholding on prizes this large right off the bat. That’s $480,000 gone before you even see the check. And depending on your other income, you might end up owing more when tax season rolls around, potentially up to 37%.
The good news? South Dakota is one of the few states with no state income tax. If you won this in New York or California, you’d be losing another 8% to 10% to the state. In South Dakota, you keep a much larger chunk of the "after-tax" pie.
- Federal Withholding (24%): -$480,000
- State Tax (South Dakota): $0
- Rough Net Payout: $1,520,000
It’s still a life-changing amount of money. You’re looking at a new house, a reliable vehicle, and a very comfortable investment portfolio if you don't blow it all on jet skis and expensive dinners.
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Avoid the "Winner's Curse"
We’ve all heard the stories of lottery winners who go broke within three years. It’s usually because they try to handle the windfall alone or start handing out cash to every "cousin" who comes out of the woodwork.
If you are the South Dakota $2 million Powerball winner—or if you ever find yourself holding a winning ticket—take a breath. The South Dakota Lottery folks actually suggest you sign the back of the ticket immediately. That makes it a "bearer instrument." If you lose it and you haven't signed it, whoever finds it can claim it.
After that? Call a lawyer and a tax pro. Don't go to the lottery office the next morning. Wait. Plan. Get your ducks in a row.
Practical Steps for Lottery Players
If you play regularly in South Dakota, there are a few things you should be doing to make sure you don't end up like the person in Mobridge who is currently missing out on a fortune.
- Use the App: The South Dakota Lottery has a mobile app where you can scan your tickets. It takes two seconds and tells you exactly what you won.
- Sign It Immediately: As mentioned, a signature is your only protection if the ticket is stolen or lost.
- Check the "Second Chance": Even if you didn't win the main drawing, sometimes there are "Double Play" drawings or second-chance promotions that people completely ignore.
- Watch the Dates: Set a recurring calendar reminder to check your old tickets every month. 180 days goes by faster than you think.
The mystery of the Mobridge winner is still unfolding. Whether they’re waiting until the last minute for "tax planning" or they truly have no idea they’re a millionaire, time is running out. If you’ve been through north-central South Dakota lately, check your pockets. You might be sitting on the most valuable piece of paper in the state.
Before you head to Pierre to claim any major prize, ensure you have your government-issued ID and the original ticket in hand. The main lottery office is located at 711 E. Wells Ave, and they’re the ones who handle the big payouts. Don't just show up at the local convenience store expecting a two-million-dollar payout from the register—they can't help you there.