Kathmandu. The winner of the $1.04 billion (about Rs 159.6 billion) Powerball jackpot in the US state of Illinois has finally been identified. He claimed his prize more than a month after the draw on August 12. Which has put an end to the mystery surrounding the winning ticket.
The identity of the winner who purchased a $2 ‘quick pick’ ticket for a line of Powerball numbers from Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh in Quincy has not been revealed. The Illinois Lottery confirmed that this jackpot is the second-largest lottery prize ever won in Illinois and the eighth largest in Powerball history. The winner worked with professional legal and financial advisors for several weeks before claiming the prize and decided to take the jackpot outright.
Billion Dollar Powerball Jackpot
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According to the Illinois Lottery, the winning ticket was a $2 “quick pick” ticket. The winner had purchased a line of Powerball numbers and never imagined that the purchase would result in a $1.04 billion jackpot. “I am deeply grateful for this unexpected and extraordinary opportunity,” the winner said.
The Illinois Lottery said the winner chose to receive the prize as a lump sum payment instead of an annuity option. The winner was not immediately identified after the Aug. 12 draw, leaving the billion-dollar ticket a secret for a month. Under Illinois law, anyone who wins more than $250,000 in prizes is allowed to keep their identity secret.
What did the winner’s representative say?
Amanda Croesas, manager of the Illinois Lottery Chicago Prize Center, assisted the winner’s legal representative. “After processing lottery claims for eight years, I have had the opportunity to meet many winners, but the $1 billion jackpot is truly special,” Croesas said. “It was exciting to see this historic prize claimed after a month of waiting.” ’
The jackpot sweepstakes in Illinois, United States, began on May 4 and continued until the draw on August 12. During that time, Illinois Lottery players purchased more than 53.8 million Powerball tickets. It raised $26 million for the Common Schools Fund that supports K-12 public education across Illinois. –Agency
