One lucky person in California could become one of the world’s richest people overnight after landing an incredible $2.04 billion (£1.76 billion) on the Powerball lottery.
It is the first time the jackpot has been scooped since August – 40 consecutive draws without a winner – and the triumphant ticket holder will find themselves in receipt of the highest lottery success ever. That is if no else comes forward to claim a share of the prize – if so, the dosh will be split, reports the Mirror.
The winning numbers were white balls 10, 33, 41, 47 and 56, while the red Powerball was 10. Winners have the choice of receiving their prize in the form of a lower cash amount, currently at least $929 million (£808 million) – this figure is based on the previous draw estimate.
The winning ticket was sold at Joe's Service Center in Altadena, northeast of Los Angeles. For selling the winning ticket, business owner Joe Chahayed will receive a maximum Powerball bonus of $1m.
Successful ticket holders can opt for the larger prize, but must receive this in annuity payments for the next 29 years. This would see a winner receive around $70 million (£61 million) every year until 2051.
The final draw was drawn on Tuesday morning at the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee after a delay due to technical problems. Monday night’s draw was delayed by ten hours after one of the 48 states allowed to take part was late in processing the number of people playing and the tickets sold.
MUSL (Multi-State Lottery Association) said: “Powerball has stringent security requirements to protect the integrity of the game and remains committed to holding a drawing that gives all players a fair chance to win.”
Plenty of smaller prizes may still be up for grabs, though some Brits aware of the draw may be disappointed a winner was found as they were eligible to play. Prizes can only be claimed inside the state the ticket is registered in, however, so possible British winners will have to hop on a plane to receive their winnings.
Saturday’s draw also saw one winner in Kentucky receive $2 million (£1.74 million). With such a massive prize now claimed, the lucky winner has ended up with enough to buy Windsor Castle, though the royal residence is not up for sale.
Other potential purchases could be building a brand new Burj Khalifa, buying one of Leeds United, Aston Villa or Everton or even Italian giants AC Milan. A new winner would see the 2016 record of when the best part of over $1.5billion (£1.3 billion) was shared between three fortunate players.
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