Introduction to the Historic Win
The Oregon Lottery recently announced the winners of a historic $1.326 billion Powerball jackpot. This monumental win has captured the attention of many, as it is the largest prize ever won in Oregon. The winning trio consists of husband and wife Cheng and Duanpen Saephan, along with their friend Laiza Chao. The announcement was made on Monday, and the winners were revealed during a press conference at the Oregon Lottery Headquarters in Salem, Oregon.
The Winning Trio
Cheng Saephan, an immigrant from Laos living in Portland, has been battling cancer for eight years. During the press conference, Saephan expressed his happiness for his family, stating that the lottery win is life-changing. He mentioned that the winnings will allow him to find a good doctor and buy a home with his wife. Saephan immigrated to America in 1994 and previously worked in aerospace. The trio bought 20 Powerball tickets, hoping to win the jackpot, and their dream came true.
Details of the Winning Ticket
The winning ticket was sold at the Plaid Pantry convenience store in Portland, Oregon, on April 6. The numbers drawn for the jackpot were 22, 27, 44, 52, and 69, with a Powerball of 9. This $1.326 billion Powerball ticket is the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot in history and the eighth-largest among U.S. jackpot games. The winners have the option to accept a lump cash sum of $621 million or receive annual payouts of $1.3 billion pre-tax over 29 years, with increasing payments each year by 5%.
Vetting Process and Announcement
The winners came forward on April 8 and underwent a vetting process before their identities were announced. This is an unprecedented jackpot win for the Oregon Lottery, according to Director Mike Wells. The previous largest U.S. lottery jackpot, worth $2.04 billion, was won in California in 2022. Powerball is operated by multiple states, including D.C., U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Tickets cost $2 per play, with odds of winning at approximately 1 in 292.2 million.
Impact on the Plaid Pantry
The Plaid Pantry location that sold the winning ticket will receive a $100,000 bonus from the lottery. This bonus is a significant reward for the store and highlights the importance of local businesses in the lottery ecosystem. The store’s involvement in this historic win has brought it into the spotlight, and it is expected to see increased foot traffic as a result.
Previous Powerball Wins in Oregon
The last Powerball jackpot win in Oregon was in Salem in 2018, with a prize of $150.4 million. The largest previous jackpot win in Oregon was $340 million in 2005. These wins, while significant, pale in comparison to the recent $1.326 billion jackpot. The Oregon Lottery has a history of creating life-changing opportunities for its players, and this latest win is a testament to that legacy.
Prize Claim Information
Sunday’s winner has one year to claim the prize. Oregon does not allow winners to claim anonymously, which means the identities of the winners are made public. This transparency is part of the state’s commitment to maintaining trust and integrity in the lottery system. The winners’ story has inspired many, and their journey from purchasing the ticket to claiming the prize has been closely followed by the public.
Lottery Ticket Purchase Locations
Lottery tickets can be purchased at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Additionally, tickets can be ordered online through Jackpocket in several U.S. states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows users to pick lottery games and numbers, place orders, and see their tickets digitally. Winnings can be collected using a phone or home computer.
Gambling Problem Assistance
For those who may have a gambling problem, various helplines are available, including 1-877-HOPE-NY for New York, 1-800-327-5050 for Massachusetts, 1-877-MYLIMIT for Oregon, and 1-800-981-0023 for Puerto Rico. A general helpline for other areas is 1-800-GAMBLER. These resources are crucial for providing support and assistance to individuals who may be struggling with gambling addiction.
Conclusion
The recent $1.326 billion Powerball jackpot win in Oregon has made headlines and changed the lives of the winners, Cheng and Duanpen Saephan, and their friend Laiza Chao. This historic win is a testament to the life-changing potential of the lottery and the importance of local businesses like the Plaid Pantry. As the winners embark on their new journey, their story serves as an inspiration to many and a reminder of the possibilities that come with a lottery ticket.
