Introduction to the Historic Win
The recent Powerball drawing has brought immense joy to the state of Oregon. A winning ticket worth a staggering $1.3 billion was sold in Portland, marking the largest Powerball jackpot ever won in the state. This historic win has not only changed the lives of the winners but also brought significant attention to the Oregon Lottery.
Meet the Winners
The winners of this monumental jackpot are Cheng “Charlie” Saephan and his friend Laiza Chao. Saephan, who represented the trio of winners at the Oregon Lottery headquarters in Salem, is splitting his half of the winnings with his wife, Duapen Saephan. The Saephans are from Portland, while Chao hails from Milwaukie. This win marks the first Powerball jackpot in Oregon since 2018, when a Salem man won $150.4 million.
Details of the Winning Ticket
The winning ticket, purchased at a Plaid Pantry in northeast Portland, matched all six numbers plus the Powerball. The numbers drawn were 22, 27, 44, 52, 69, and the red Powerball number was 9. This ticket was the lone winner in the April 6 drawing, ending a streak of 41 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. The convenience store received a $100,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Claiming the Prize
Saephan and Chao chose to take a one-time cash payment rather than 30 annual installments. After taxes, they received $422 million. Saephan, who has been battling cancer since 2016, decided on the lump sum payment due to his health issues. His first big purchase will be his dream home in Oregon, where he has lived for 30 years.
Verification and Anonymity
The winners came forward on Monday after the drawing. The Oregon Lottery announced it was working with the ticket holder through security measures and vetting before officially announcing the winner. According to state law, players in Oregon generally cannot remain anonymous, with few exceptions. This ensures transparency and trust in the lottery system.
Historical Context and Impact
This $1.326 billion prize is the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot and the eighth-largest ever won in the U.S. The previous largest Powerball prize in Oregon was $340 million in 2005. The last Powerball jackpot win in Oregon was $150.4 million in 2018. The massive jackpot grew over more than three months without a winner, attracting significant attention and increasing ticket sales.
Statements and Reactions
Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells congratulated the winners, noting that this is a life-changing moment. He emphasized the importance of the lottery in supporting statewide programs and services funded by lottery dollars. Saephan expressed his gratitude, stating, “Now I have been blessed with this prize. I am going to be able to provide for my family and my health.”
Additional Winners and Nationwide Impact
In addition to the Oregon winners, seven tickets nationwide matched all five white balls to win $1 million each. These tickets were sold in Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Wyoming. This is the second billion-dollar lottery jackpot this year, following a $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot won by a New Jersey player in March.
Odds and Game Details
The odds of winning the top Powerball prize are approximately 1 in 292.2 million. Powerball is played in 45 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game costs $2 per play, and the overall odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 24.9.
Conclusion
The recent Powerball jackpot win in Oregon has brought immense joy and excitement to the state. The winners, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan and Laiza Chao, have not only secured their financial future but also brought attention to the positive impact of the Oregon Lottery. As they celebrate their historic win, the state of Oregon joins them in this momentous occasion.
