An individual from Oregon has stepped forward to claim the staggering $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot from Saturday’s draw, Oregon Lottery officials announced on Monday.
The winning ticket, bearing all six lucky numbers, was purchased at a Plaid Pantry convenience store nestled in the northeast part of the city, as confirmed by the Oregon Lottery in an official statement.
"This is an unprecedented jackpot win for Oregon Lottery," expressed Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. "We're taking every precaution to verify the winner before awarding the prize money."
The lottery winner is currently undergoing a meticulous verification process that involves stringent security measures and vetting procedures, a protocol essential to ensure the legitimacy of the claim.
Should the winner opt for a lump sum, the prize amounts to an impressive $621 million, rather than an annuity spread over 30 years, comprising an immediate payout followed by 29 annual instalments. It is worth noting that the prize is subject to both federal and state taxes in Oregon.
According to Oregon Lottery data, this colossal jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in Powerball history and stands as the eighth largest among all U.S. jackpot games, underscoring the magnitude of this windfall.
The Plaid Pantry chain, encompassing 104 stores across Oregon, expressed elation at the news. Jonathan Polonsky, President and CEO of Plaid Pantry, conveyed the company's excitement, stating, "Plaid Pantry is thrilled to learn that one of our 104 Oregon stores sold the $1.3 billion dollar Powerball ticket."
The enormity of this win reverberated beyond the lottery officials and the convenience store chain. Mimi Musser, a resident of Beaverton, voiced the sentiments of many hopeful Oregonians as she shared her delight outside the Plaid Pantry store. "I'm just so happy that finally Oregon won the big jackpot because it's always on the East Coast," Musser exclaimed. "Now that Oregon won it...there's more hope for Oregon. Maybe we'll win it again."
