Historic Powerball Win in Portland
A single ticket sold in Portland, Oregon has won the $1.326 billion Powerball jackpot. The winning numbers for Saturday night’s drawing were 22, 27, 44, 52, and 69, with a Powerball of 9. The winner can opt for a cash payment of $621 million. This win marks a significant moment for the Oregon Lottery, as it is their first winner on such a large scale.
Oregon Lottery’s Excitement
Melanie Mesaros, spokesperson for the Oregon Lottery, expressed excitement over the win. She mentioned that only the Portland zip code where the ticket was sold (97218) will be released until the winner comes forward. The winner has one year to claim their prize. This win is a milestone for the Oregon Lottery, highlighting the importance of the lottery in the state.
Historical Context of the Jackpot
Mike Wells, Oregon Lottery director, announced that this was the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot in history and the largest ever won in Oregon. The drawing had been delayed due to a participating lottery needing extra time to complete required pre-draw procedures. The jackpot had grown to an estimated $1.3 billion after a record-tying streak with no jackpot winner since January when a Michigan ticket claimed an $842.4 million jackpot.
Details of the Winning Ticket
The winning ticket was bought at a Plaid Pantry convenience store in Portland in early April. The store that sold the winning ticket will receive a $100,000 bonus. The winner, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, an immigrant from Laos, has had cancer for eight years and recently underwent chemotherapy treatment. Saephan spoke at a press conference held by the Oregon Lottery on April 29, 2024, in Salem, Oregon. He was joined by his wife Duanpen and their friend Laiza Chao, who contributed $100 to buy a batch of tickets.
Prize Distribution and Personal Impact
The prize will be split evenly between Saephan, his wife Duanpen, and their friend Laiza Chao. They opted for a lump sum payment of $422 million after taxes. Saephan expressed relief that he can now provide for his family and health needs. He plans to find a good doctor for himself due to his ongoing battle with cancer. Saephan has two young children and has lived in Portland for 30 years. He worked as a machinist for an aerospace company.
Lottery Process and Regulations
The Oregon Lottery went through security and vetting processes before announcing the winner’s identity. The jackpot had a cash value of $621 million before taxes if taken as a lump sum rather than annuity payments over 30 years. This $1.3 billion prize is the fourth largest Powerball jackpot in history and the eighth largest among U.S. jackpot games overall. The largest U.S. lottery jackpot won was $2.04 billion in California in 2022.
Statements and Reactions
Mike Wells congratulated the winner on this life-changing moment. He highlighted the excitement for staff and players, noting that all players support statewide programs and services through lottery dollars. Jonathan Polonsky, President of Plaid Pantry, expressed excitement about selling the winning ticket and highlighted their partnership with the Oregon Lottery.
Powerball Game Details
Powerball tickets are sold at $2 per play in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 292.2 million. The game’s long odds make jackpots rare but large when they occur due to increased sales from high jackpots. Drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at the Florida Lottery draw studio.
Additional Winners and Prize Options
Seven tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes each. These tickets were sold in Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Wyoming. Winners can choose between an estimated lump-sum pre-tax payment of $608.9 million or annual payouts of the $1.3 billion over 29 years with increasing payments by 5% each year. Prizes are subject to federal taxes, with many states also taxing lottery winnings.
Impact of the Lottery
Proceeds from the Oregon Lottery fund various state programs, including economic development, education, veteran services, and state parks. Approximately one-third of game sales are returned to state beneficiaries supporting various causes. Retailers earn commissions from increased ticket sales and bonuses for lower-tier wins. This win not only changes the life of the winner but also positively impacts the community through the funds generated by the lottery.
In conclusion, the $1.326 billion Powerball jackpot win in Portland, Oregon, is a historic event for the state and the Oregon Lottery. The winner, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, can now provide for his family and health needs, while the lottery proceeds continue to support various state programs. This win highlights the significance of the lottery in Oregon and the life-changing impact it can have on individuals and communities.
