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Jackpot: How the lottery differs between Missouri and Kansas

Posted at 7:10 AM, Oct 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-23 09:48:13-04

RIVERSIDE, Mo. — Americans are waking up in a cloud of dollar signs. The $1.6 billion jackpot for Tuesday night's drawing in the Mega Millions lottery is the largest in history. 

Across Kansas City, people want to turn $2 into $1,600,000,000, but which side of the state line they're on plays a key role in some instances when it comes to the lottery.

On the Kansas side, winners can remain anonymous. Missouri requires winners to disclose their identity. 

In Kansas, winners have 60 days to claim their prize and decide whether to choose to receive the jackpot as a lump sum or an annuity payment. 

On the Missouri side of the state line, winners have 180 days to claim their prize. 

Around the metro, the Red X supermarket in Riverside has a reputation for selling winning lottery tickets. In 2013, 41 Action News compiled a list of lucky places to buy a ticket. Click here to see the list on each side of the state line. 

One multiple-time lottery winner from Florida said luck has nothing to do with winning. Richard Lustig wrote a book revealing his secrets. It starts by picking your own numbers, not relying on the lottery computer to pick them for you. You can read the rest of his advice here. 

A ticket costs $2. In Missouri and Kansas, you have to buy a ticket before 8:59 p.m. to be eligible to win.