In a stunning turn of events, a Powerball ticket sold in Portland, Oregon, has won a jackpot worth over $1.3 billion. This remarkable win concludes a winless streak for the Powerball that had persisted for more than three months. The winning ticket matched all six numbers drawn, securing a jackpot value of $1.326 billion. This victory marks a historic moment for Oregon, being the first time someone from the state has won a prize of this magnitude. The largest previous Powerball prize in Oregon was $340 million back in 2005.
Winner’s Choice: Annuity or Lump Sum
The lucky winner faces a significant decision: choosing between an annuity paid over 30 years or a lump sum cash value of $621 million, both subject to federal and possibly state taxes. The winning numbers that changed someone’s life forever were 22, 27, 44, 52, 69, and the red Powerball 9. This win not only ends the Powerball’s top prize drought since New Year’s Day but also ranks as the eighth largest in U.S. lottery history. The drawing was delayed due to a meticulous verification process, ensuring every ticket sold nationwide was checked against two different computer systems before drawing the winning numbers.
Details on the Winning Ticket and Jackpot
The winning ticket was sold in Northeast Portland, with the jackpot amount initially estimated at $1.3 billion but later increased due to ticket sales. The cash value of the jackpot stands at $621 million for those opting for a lump sum, with the winner taking home approximately $329.79 million after federal and state taxes in Oregon. If the annuity option is chosen, annual payments would be about $44.2 million before taxes, reducing to just under $23.5 million after taxes each year for 30 years, totaling over $705 million. This jackpot ranks as the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot and the eighth-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history.
Claiming the Prize and Anonymity Laws
The exact location where the winning ticket was purchased is within the 97218 ZIP code area of Portland but will not be disclosed until the prize is claimed. Stores selling winning tickets receive a 1% selling bonus up to $100,000 for prizes of $10,000 and above; thus, this store will receive the maximum bonus of $100,000. In Oregon, winners cannot remain anonymous; their name, prize amount, drawing date, and city where the ticket was purchased are public record. The winner has one year from the drawing date to claim their prize.
Advice for the Winner
Experts advise the winner to sign their ticket immediately and consult with an accountant and financial advisor before claiming their prize at one of Oregon’s lottery prize payment centers by appointment. This win is not only the largest jackpot ever won in Oregon but also a rare occurrence for Oregonians, with the last Powerball jackpot win in the state happening in 2018.
In conclusion, the $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot win in Oregon has created a buzz of excitement and speculation. As the winner has yet to come forward, mystery surrounds the identity of the new billionaire. This historic win highlights the unpredictable nature of lotteries and the life-changing impact they can have on individuals.
