Powerball Jackpot Nears $1 Billion
Oregon Lottery says prize has climbed to $1 Billion ahead of Saturday’s drawing
SALEM, Ore. — The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1 billion ($457.7 million cash value) ahead of Saturdays drawing, making it the second-largest jackpot of the year and the seventh-largest Powerball prize in the game’s history.
According to the Oregon Lottery, the current jackpot run began on September 7 and has already produced more than 453,000 winning tickets in Oregon, totaling over $2 million in Powerball winnings statewide.
“Playing the Powerball when the jackpot is this high gives players the opportunity to dream,” said Oregon Lottery Player Services Manager Heidi Quiring. “You can imagine what the holiday season would be like with extra money for gifts and surprises.”
The surge in ticket sales also benefits Oregon Lottery retailers, which earn commissions on ticket purchases and bonus payments for selling winning tickets. A retail location that sells a $1 million Powerball ticket, for example, would receive a $10,000 bonus.
Oregon has previously seen major Powerball wins. In 2024, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, his wife, and a friend shared a $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot—the largest prize ever won in the state. Prior to that, Oregon’s biggest Powerball win was a $340 million jackpot in 2005. The largest Powerball jackpot in U.S. history was a $2.04 billion prize won in California in 2022.
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game operated by 45 states, along with the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
The Oregon Lottery advises players to sign the back of their ticket immediately after purchase. In the event of a jackpot win, winners are encouraged to consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional. Players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.
The Oregon Lottery is currently celebrating 40 years of selling games. Since its launch in 1985, the Lottery has generated more than $16.5 billion for public education, state parks, outdoor school programs, veteran services, watershed restoration, and economic development across Oregon.
