The Powerball jackpot has been won in Oregon, marking the first Powerball win of 2025. The winning ticket holder has claimed an astounding $328.5 million prize, with the option of a lump sum payment of $146.4 million. This exciting win has sparked widespread attention as it’s the first major jackpot of the year. Let’s dive into the details of this life-changing win, how Powerball works, and what the future holds for other hopeful players.
Oregon Player Wins $328.5 Million Powerball Jackpot
On Saturday, January 18, the winning numbers for the Powerball drawing were 14, 31, 35, 64, 69, and the Powerball number 23. The Power Play® multiplier for this drawing was 2X, further enhancing the excitement for those who matched five numbers.
The lucky player in Oregon matched all six numbers, bringing home a staggering $328.5 million jackpot. This is the first Powerball jackpot of 2025 and has generated a buzz across the nation. The winner will have the choice between an annuitized prize of $328.5 million or a cash lump sum of $146.4 million. However, both prize options are subject to taxes.
How Powerball Works and Winning Odds
Powerball® is a lottery game that is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Players select five white ball numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. The jackpot prize grows with each drawing until it is won.
In this recent win, the jackpot had reached an impressive $328.5 million, but it wasn’t the only prize in the drawing. Over 743,000 tickets won smaller prizes, including $50,000 and $100,000 prizes. One lucky ticket holder in Michigan won a $2 million prize by matching five white balls and including the Power Play® feature.
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, making it a rare and highly coveted prize. However, the overall odds of winning any prize in the Powerball drawing are 1 in 24.9, so many players walk away with smaller winnings.
The Cash Value Option and Annuity Payments
Players who win the Powerball jackpot are faced with a crucial decision: take the lump sum or choose the annuity option.
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Cash Lump Sum: The cash lump sum for the $328.5 million jackpot is $146.4 million before taxes. This is a one-time, reduced payout that allows the winner to have immediate access to their winnings.
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Annuity Option: The annuitized prize option pays out the full $328.5 million in 30 annual payments, beginning with an immediate payment and increasing by 5% each year. While this option provides a larger overall payout, it spreads the winnings over three decades.
Many jackpot winners opt for the lump sum, as it provides greater financial flexibility, although the annuity option can be appealing for those who prefer steady, long-term income.
Powerball Ticket Sales and Contribution to Good Causes
Powerball tickets are sold for $2 per play, with tickets available in all participating states, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from ticket sales stay within the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. These funds are often used to support various good causes, including education and public health initiatives, in the communities where tickets are purchased.
Since its inception in 1992, Powerball has generated more than $32 billion for U.S. lotteries, benefiting countless causes across the country.
The 2025 Powerball Jackpot: What’s Next?
This $328.5 million win is the first Powerball jackpot claimed in 2025, but there are sure to be many more opportunities for players to dream big. The next Powerball drawing will take place on January 21, 2025, and the jackpot is expected to continue growing, offering even more excitement to hopeful players across the nation.
Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET and are broadcast live from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Players can also stream the results live on Powerball.com.
With millions of players entering each drawing, the anticipation for the next big win continues to grow.
Conclusion: Oregon’s Big Win and the Power of Dreams
The Oregon Powerball winner has set the bar high for 2025, claiming a massive $328.5 million jackpot. This victory is not only exciting for the winner but also serves as a reminder of the power of dreams and the life-changing impact of lottery prizes. Whether you choose the cash lump sum or the annuity option, the winner’s life will never be the same.
As we look forward to the next Powerball drawing, remember that you can’t win if you don’t play. So, grab your ticket and who knows — you might just be the next lucky winner!
Photo credit: Oregon Lottery
