Winning $1.3B Powerball Ticket Sold In Portland, Oregon
Winning $1.3B Powerball Ticket Sold In Portland, Oregon...
The winning Powerball ticket for Wednesday night's historic $1.3 billion jackpot was sold at a Plaid Pantry convenience store in Portland, Oregon, lottery officials confirmed Thursday morning. This marks the fourth-largest Powerball prize ever won and ends a 40-drawing streak without a jackpot winner.
The Oregon Lottery announced the location Friday morning after verifying the single winning ticket matched all six numbers (22-27-44-52-69, Powerball 9). The winner has not yet come forward, but they have one year to claim the prize. Oregon law allows winners to remain anonymous if they choose.
Plaid Pantry CEO Jonathan Polonsky said the Northeast Portland store will receive a $100,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. "We're thrilled for our customer and our team," Polonsky told reporters. The store at 6060 NE Columbia Blvd. saw a steady stream of curious visitors Thursday.
The jackpot had been growing since January 1, driving nationwide ticket sales that peaked at $28 million per hour before Wednesday's drawing. Powerball is played in 45 states plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Oregon last had a Powerball winner in 2018 when a Salem man won $150 million.
Financial advisors warn that winners should immediately assemble a legal and financial team before claiming the prize. The $1.3 billion annuity would be paid over 29 years, though most winners opt for the $621 million lump sum cash option before taxes.
Oregon state law requires 8% state income tax on lottery winnings, in addition to federal taxes that could claim up to 37% of the prize. The windfall comes as Oregon faces budget debates about allocating lottery funds between education, economic development and addiction services.
Social media erupted with reactions from Portland residents speculating about the winner's identity. Local business owners hope some of the money stays in the community. "Maybe they'll buy a few extra coffees," joked a barista at a nearby shop.
Powerball officials say the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. The next drawing on Saturday will reset to a $20 million jackpot.
