Missouri Lottery Seeking Mystery $1.7M Winner Near Route 66

We know that Route 66 is rich with history, but someone else who was either on or near that beloved road in Missouri is also now $1.7 million dollars richer now, but their identity remains a mystery.

According to the Missouri Lottery, someone stopped by this gas station/liquor store located at 3302 Highway 100 in Villa Ridge, Missouri a few days ago and picked up a MO Millions ticket. Note how close it is to the old Route 66 just to the south of it.

This happened on February 12, 2026 when the winning numbers that day were 1-9-13-14-23-34. The winning ticket from that day's Missouri Lottery drawing is now estimated to be a staggering $1.7 million dollars. However, it's currently listed on their Unclaimed Prizes site.

How much cash would you take home from a $1.7 million dollar Missouri Lottery prize?

While I'm not an accountant and you shouldn't rely on me for tax or financial advice, the online tax calculator estimates that you would have a cash option of around $850,000 after state taxes are taken out, but brace yourself for additional federal taxes which could eliminate another $200,000 potentially. The bottom line is you'd be a lot richer than you are right now no matter your situation, but the tax man would be waiting with a big hand extended. While that's kind of infuriating, it would also be a nice problem to have in the current economic climate where many are struggling.