In Los Angeles, a single Powerball ticket was sold, matching all six numbers in Wednesday night's drawing, resulting in a staggering $1.08 billion jackpot. The fortunate owner or owners of this winning ticket are yet to claim their prize, which ranks among the largest in Powerball history.
The winning numbers for this life-changing jackpot were 7, 13, 10, 24, 11, and the Powerball was 24.
The lucky ticket holder faces a tough decision – they can either opt for the full prize paid out over 29 years, totaling $1.08 billion, or choose a lump-sum payment of $558.1 million, both amounts before taxes, according to Powerball officials.
This particular prize is now the sixth-largest lottery jackpot in the United States and the third-largest in Powerball's history. The two top spots belong to a $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in California last year and a $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot won in 2016, as reported by the lottery.
The winning ticket was purchased at Las Palmitas Mini Market in downtown Los Angeles, and the store will receive nearly $1 million as a bonus for selling the lucky ticket. The store's owner and employees were elated about the news but had not yet decided how to use the bonus.
In California, Powerball winners have one year to claim their prizes, and once validated, they have 60 days to choose between the annuitized or lump-sum payment options.
The jackpot winner isn't the only one celebrating; there were 36 tickets sold in 16 states that matched all five white balls, winning $1 million prizes in most states. California, with seven winners, will award $448,750 for each ticket. Apart from the winners, the state's public school system will also benefit, as the lottery has raised nearly $80 million for education from this single game.
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are incredibly slim, at 1 in 292.2 million, as stated on the official website.
As Powerball enthusiasts celebrate this remarkable win, many are still hopeful for the Mega Millions drawing on Friday, with an estimated annuitized jackpot of $720 million and a cash value of $369.6 million. The chance to dream big and win big continues to inspire millions of people while also contributing to good causes supported by lotteries nationwide.
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