Mystery Powerball winner scores whopping $660 million prize
A lucky winner has won a life-changing prize of A$660 million after taking out the Powerball jackpot in the US state of Arizona this week.
A single ticket won the grand prize after matching all six numbers in Wednesday night's draw, which is reportedly the biggest jackpot ever won on a single ticket in the state.
The mystery Powerball winner — who hasn't yet claimed the prize — can either accept an annuity paid in 30 graduated payments over 29 years, or a lump sum payment of roughly A$400 million. Both values are before federal and state taxes.
Lottery officials said due to strong ticket sales, the jackpot climbed past the estimate of A$639 million that was announced after Monday night's draw had no winner.
"This is the biggest ever jackpot won on a single ticket in our state and it is a life-changing moment for this winner," Arizona Lottery Executive Director Gregg Edgar said in a statement.
"It also means millions of dollars to our state’s economy, to this winner’s community, and to the vital programs and services funded by Arizona Lottery ticket sales."
Arizona Lottery spokesperson John Turner Gilliland said people usually take a few days "to get their affairs in order first" before claiming their winnings.
The winner, who can choose to remain anonymous, has 180 days to come forward.
In addition to the mega jackpot, more than 1.4 million tickets won cash prizes in Wednesday night's drawing, Powerball officials said.
Man thought he won $1m shocked to learn it was $20m: 'Like a dream'
Lotto winner scores $1.6 million by winning TWICE on the same ticket
Powerball: Hilarious four-word reaction to syndicate's $63 million windfall
This included a A$1.4 million winner in Indiana who matched all five white balls.
The winning white ball numbers were 11, 36, 61, 62 and 68, and the Powerball number was 4, with the winning ticket sold in Arizona.
The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, according to Powerball officials. The overall odds of winning a prize in the game are 1 in 24.9.
This is the third time this year the Powerball jackpot has been won in the US, according to reports.
In January, two tickets sold in California and Wisconsin reportedly split a grand prize of A$890 million — the seventh-largest jackpot ever.
And in February, a ticket sold in Connecticut reportedly won a A$261 million jackpot.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
