Powerball® Jackpot Climbs to Estimated $800 Million

Salem, Ore. – You read that right – the Powerball jackpot is up to $800 million.

With no jackpot winner this week, Saturday’s Powerball drawing increases to the second largest jackpot in Powerball’s 30-year history – an estimated $800 million. It’s also the largest the Powerball jackpot has been all year.

Going back to 1992, Oregon has had five Powerball jackpot winners. The largest prize won in Oregon was a $340 million jackpot in 2005. Since the game has been offered in Oregon, 326 players have won $1 million and 27 players have won $2 million prizes.

A few other interesting Powerball facts:

• A player has the same chance of winning no matter how they select their numbers. For instance, your odds of winning are the same if you pick family birthdays and anniversaries or with a randomly generated Quick Pick. There are more winners from Quick Picks because most purchases are by Quick Pick.
• Powerball is a 50/50 game, which means 50% of the $2 ticket price pays for prizes, while the other 50% stays in the jurisdiction where the ticket was purchased.
• Every player from every state has the same odds in every drawing regardless of the jackpot amount or how many tickets are sold for a particular drawing.

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players also have a year to claim their prize.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

Contact:
Melanie Mesaros
Oregon Lottery
971-719-0464
Melanie.Mesaros@lottery.oregon.gov