Oregon Resident Claims $1.3 Billion Powerball Jackpot
Portland Winner Comes Forward to Claim Prize
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon state officials have confirmed that a lucky resident of Portland, Oregon has won the staggering $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot. The winning ticket, which matched all six Powerball numbers, was purchased at a Plaid Pantry convenience store located in the northeast part of the city. Oregon Lottery is currently in the process of verifying the winner and conducting necessary security measures.
An Unprecedented Jackpot Win
Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells expressed the significance of this record-breaking jackpot win, stating, “This is an unprecedented jackpot win for Oregon Lottery. We’re taking every precaution to verify the winner before awarding the prize money.” The process of vetting the winner and confirming the authenticity of the ticket may take some time to ensure accuracy and fairness.
Lump Sum or Annuity Payout?
The jackpot, amounting to a stunning $1.3 billion, offers the winner the choice between a lump sum of $621 million or an annuity paid over a span of 30 years, which consists of an immediate payout followed by 29 annual installments. The ultimate decision will determine the recipient’s financial strategy, while the prize will be subject to federal and Oregon state taxes.
A Historic Jackpot
This jackpot, being the fourth largest in Powerball history and the eighth largest overall among U.S. jackpot games, has undoubtedly garnered immense attention nationwide. Oregon Lottery acknowledges that the largest U.S. lottery jackpot won was an astounding $2.04 billion in California in 2022.
Excitement at the Plaid Pantry
Jonathan Polonsky, the President and CEO of Plaid Pantry, expressed his elation at the news, saying, “Plaid Pantry is thrilled to learn that one of our 104 Oregon stores sold the $1.3 billion dollar Powerball ticket.” The convenience store now stands as a location of immense luck and celebration.
Outside the store, customers including Mimi Musser of Beaverton gathered, sharing their excitement. Musser, experiencing the euphoria of the win, stated, “I’m just so happy that finally Oregon won the big jackpot because it’s always on the East Coast. Now that Oregon won it… there’s more hope for Oregon. Maybe we’ll win it again.”
