Powerball Climbs to $1.4 Billion as Oregon Sees New Winners

Salem, Oregon- For the first time since Portland made headlines last April with its $1.3 billion jackpot win, Powerball players have another shot at a ten-figure prize. Wednesday’s drawing surged to an estimated $1.4 billion, ranking as the fourth largest in Powerball history and the sixth largest among all U.S. lottery jackpots.

The Oregon Lottery said three $50,000 winning tickets were sold in the state from Powerball’s Labor Day drawing, purchased in Westport, Clackamas and Damascus. Since the last jackpot reset on June 1, Oregon players have bought 679,594 winning tickets. Roughly a third of game sales return to state lottery beneficiaries.

Oregon has seen several historic jackpots in recent years. Last year, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, his wife and a friend shared a Powerball jackpot worth $1.3 billion — the biggest prize ever claimed in Oregon. A Beaverton man also won a $328.5 million jackpot in January. Nationally, the largest Powerball payout on record remains a $2.04 billion win in 2022 by a player in California.

Lottery retailers also stand to benefit from the surge in ticket sales. Sellers earn commissions and can receive bonus payments tied to big wins. A retail location that sells a $1 million ticket, for example, earns a $10,000 bonus.

Powerball is played in 45 states, as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The Oregon Lottery recommends that players always sign the back of their ticket and, in the event of a jackpot, consult a trusted financial planner. Winners have one year from the drawing date to claim prizes.