12 October 2023 , 09:18
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The astonishing $1.7billion (£1.4bn) Powerball jackpot was finally won setting the record as the second-largest lottery prize in history.
A lucky player in California has clinched the astonishing $1.73 billion Powerball jackpot, ending a prolonged streak of 35 consecutive drawings without a top prize winner. The winning numbers - 22, 24, 40, 52, 64, and the Powerball 10 - sparked celebrations at the Midway Market & Liquor in Frazier Park, the store responsible for selling the golden ticket.
The night worker, known simply as Duke, was bombarded with congratulatory phone calls. Amid the excitement, Duke humorously remarked, “Somebody owes me a truck.” He referred to the promises made by regular customers, stating, “A lot of them...said: ‘Oh, if I win I’m gonna get you a new truck.’ So where’s my truck? I’ll be waiting.”
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This extraordinary win came after a series of 35 drawings since July 19, when a California player bagged $1.08 billion ($880 million). The jackpot, which had rolled over for 36 consecutive drawings, finally found its rightful owner, making it the second-largest lottery prize in history.
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No winner emerged after 35 draws, emphasizing the game's slim odds (AP)The jackpot is the world’s second-largest lottery prize and trails the record of 41 draws set in 2021 and 2022. The only top prize that was ever bigger was the $2.04 (£1.66) billion Powerball won by a player in California last November.
The odds of winning, at 1 in 292.2 million, did not deter enthusiasts from across states. Robert Salvato Jr., a 60-year-old electrician, bought 40 Powerball tickets and shared his dreams, “I would take care of family and give my cat that extra leg that she needs and make her a good kitty.” Salvato, who recently got married, added with a smile, “I could give her a ring on every finger, I guess.”
The nation eagerly awaits the next drawing, fueled by unprecedented anticipation (Getty Images)Not limited by state boundaries, friends Tamara Carter and Denise Davis travelled from Las Vegas to California in search of their winning ticket. However, the demand was so high that they had to switch stores. “The line was about three hours long,” Carter estimated, illustrating the frenzy surrounding the staggering jackpot.
The colossal prize, if claimed through a 30-year annuity, was worth $1.73 billion. Opting for the cash option, winners would receive an estimated $756.6 million, which is subject to federal and state taxes.
Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The soaring number is due to higher interest rates, long odds, fewer ticket sales per drawing and, of course, luck. However, federal taxes significantly reduce this amount, and some states also impose taxes on substantial lottery prizes.