Portland, Oregon residents who purchased tickets for the Powerball drawing this past weekend may be holding the winning ticket for the fourth-largest jackpot in Powerball history. Oregon Lottery officials have confirmed that the winning ticket, worth an astonishing $1.326 billion, was sold in Portland on April 6.
This jackpot stands as the largest ever won in Oregon and the eighth largest in the United States. The winning numbers for the draw were 22, 27, 44, 52, 69, and the Powerball number 9, with a Power Play multiplier of 3X. Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells expressed his excitement, stating that this win marks a significant moment for the state and its residents.
The identity of the lucky winner remains a mystery as they have one year from the drawing date to claim their prize. In accordance with state law, winners are generally not allowed to remain anonymous when claiming their winnings. The exact location that sold the winning ticket will only be revealed once the prize has been claimed, although it is known to be in the 97218 ZIP code, which includes areas such as Portland International Airport and the Cully neighborhood.
Prior to this historic win, the largest lottery prize in Oregon was a $340 million Powerball jackpot back in 2005. In the meantime, other notable lottery winners in the state include individuals like David Schultze, John Exley, Thomas Willard, Carl Meinig, and Ray Jones, who have all won substantial sums from various lottery games.
The Oregon Lottery system has contributed significantly to the state’s economic development, education, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. Since its establishment in 1985, the lottery has generated over $15.5 billion for these vital areas, showcasing the impact of lottery games on the local community.
As the search for the latest Powerball jackpot winner continues, the anticipation and excitement surrounding this record-breaking win only grow. The impact and potential life-changing nature of such a significant sum of money highlight the profound effects that lottery games can have on individuals and communities alike.