After three months, the identity of the winner of the $2 billion Powerball jackpot, which set a new record, has been revealed. California lottery officials announced that Edwin Castro is the fortunate individual who matched all six numbers plus the powerball in the November 7, 2022 drawing, and purchased the winning ticket at Joe’s Service Center, a gas station in Los Angeles County.
No further details about Castro were disclosed, and he was not present at the press conference, nor did he participate in any media interviews. However, his name is public record in California, where winners are not allowed to remain anonymous except in 11 other US states, such as New Jersey.
In a statement read by officials, Castro expressed his shock and joy at winning the Powerball drawing, but also emphasized that the true beneficiary of the prize is the California public school system. He commended the California Lottery’s mission of providing additional funds to public education, including both public schools and colleges, making this a significant win for the state.
Expressing his appreciation as a beneficiary of the California public education system, Castro stated that he is pleased to know that his win will greatly benefit the state’s school system. He had up to a year from the date of the draw to claim his prize, and he chose to receive a lump sum payment of $997.6 million instead of an annuity, which would be paid out in 30 graduated payments over 29 years.
In addition, Joseph Chahayed, the owner of Joe’s Service Center where the winning ticket was sold, received a $1 million check. According to Chahayed’s son, the store has seen an increase in the number of people buying lottery tickets from all over the state.
While three tickets matched five numbers in the drawing, they did not hit the Powerball, and each ticket was worth around $1.15 million. The jackpot had swelled to over $2 billion after 40 consecutive Powerball drawings without a winner since August 3.
The Multi-State Lottery Association, which oversees the game, reports that the odds of matching all five numbers and the Powerball number are only 1 in 292.2 million.