Winning Powerball Ticket Sold In Minn.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Life just changed for someone who bought Wednesday's winning Powerball ticket worth nearly $229 million.
The winning jackpot ticket was sold in Dakota County in Minnesota.
Jenny Canfield, Acting Lottery Director, said it's the largest jackpot ever won in Minnesota.
"That's fantastic. I'm glad to see that," said Kent Robinson, a lottery player.
Lottery play tends to increase as the jackpots get bigger. One local player said they hope they know the newest multi-millionaire.
"Sometimes if it's big, I'll play it," said Denis Arambadjis. "Somebody got lucky in Minnesota, and I hope I know them."
There were 11 tickets sold across the country that match the first five numbers, but the Minnesota ticket is the only one to match all of them.
The winning numbers were 11-18-36-41-46 and the Powerball was 38.
The winner has not yet come forward, according to the Minnesota State Lottery, and has one year to do so to claim their prize. Once that happens, the spot where the ticket was purchased will also be revealed.
The winner or winners need to claim the prize within a year. After they claim the prize, they have the option of taking about $123 million in cash up front, which is around $84 million after taxes.
If not, the jackpot is paid out over 30 years, increasing payments each year. The first check would be around $4 million, ending the 30th year with a payment of $12.7 million.
This is Minnesota's 21st Powerball jackpot win since it started in 1992. The last big win happened in 2008.
"Wow, that's good. I'm glad somebody from Minnesota won it," said lottery player Carl Schmidtt.
Saturday's Powerball drawing will be worth $20 million. The fact that the big jackpot was won locally has also encouraged some to play for future lottery drawings. After all, you can't win if you don't play.
"Giving me hope and a chance, that's about it," said Corey Gosha. "I really don't play this, but today I feel lucky I might win."
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