Massive $1.8 Billion Powerball Jackpot: Who Won, Where, and What Happens Next?
On Saturday, 6 September 2025, a jaw-dropping $1.8 billion US Powerball jackpot was finally claimed, making it the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history. Two fortunate tickets—one purchased in Fredericksburg, Texas, and the other in Missouri—matched all six winning numbers: 11, 23, 44, 61, 62, and the Powerball number 17.
Where the Winning Tickets Were Sold
In Fredericksburg, Texas, the winning ticket was sold at Big’s 103 (a Valero gas station on E. U.S. Hwy. 290). The team there was stunned, receiving the news via a simple text message.
“Nobody believes it,” said store manager Melanie Carter. “We’re a new store,” she added, “so we never would have expected it to be us.”
The Missouri winner remains largely anonymous, as is common in many states.
What’s the Real Take‑Home?
Each winner has two payout options:
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An annuity totaling approximately $893.5 million, paid out over 30 years with annual increases (around 5% per year)
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A lump-sum cash payout of about $410.3 million before taxes
After federal taxes (and state taxes where applicable), the lump-sum amounts vary:
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In Texas, where there’s no state income tax, the winner keeps the full federal-taxed amount: roughly $258.5 million
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In Missouri, with a 4% state tax, the winner nets around $242.1 million
Why This Jackpot Was So Special
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It ended a 42-drawing streak without a winner—the longest run in Powerball history, dating back to May 31, 2025
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The odds of winning? A staggering 1 in 292.2 million
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Powerball is played in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
A Glance at Lottery History
1 $2.04 billion Powerball Nov. 7, 2022
2 $1.78 billion Powerball Sep. 6, 2025
3 $1.76 billion Powerball Oct. 11, 2023
4 $1.60 billion Mega Millions Aug. 8, 2023
The only lottery to surpass the recent jackpot was the record-setting $2.04 billion USA Powerball prize in California in November 2022.
How the Jackpot Helps Communities
Every US Powerball ticket contributes to public programs. According to lottery officials, ticket sales help fund:
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Education
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Infrastructure
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Community services
It’s a positive ripple effect beyond the glamour of the big win.
What’s Next?
Upcoming drawing: The jackpot resets to $20 million for the next draw.
Smaller prizes also won: The same drawing brought several other big prizes—18 players took home $1 million each, and two players (in Kansas and Texas) snagged $2 million with Power Play feature.
Players All Over the World Can Now Join the Powerball Action with WeLoveLotto
Good news for lottery fans in India and across the globe, you can now participate in the Powerball USA lotto and other global lotteries through WeLoveLotto!
At WeLoveLotto, we make it simple and possible for Indian players to access the world’s biggest jackpots:
✅ We buy official tickets on your behalf from licensed retailers
✅ You receive a scanned copy of your ticket as proof
✅ Winnings are credited directly to your account
✅ For big wins, we assist you through the claim process
✅ No travel required—all done online.
Whether it’s Powerball, Mega Millions, or EuroMillions, you now have access to jackpots worth billions—just like players in the US
Want to take a shot at the next big jackpot?Buy lottery online Click here to play US Powerball on WeLoveLotto
Where Does All the Lottery Money Go?
You might be surprised to learn that lotteries like Powerball don’t just make people rich—they also give back to the community.
Here’s how the Powerball revenue is generally distributed:
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50% goes to the prize pool
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35% goes to public programs (education, infrastructure, veterans’ services)
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15% covers retailer commissions and operational costs
In states like California, all lottery profits are dedicated to public education, directly supporting schools, students, and teachers.
What Financial Experts Say About Sudden Wealth
Winning the lottery is thrilling—but it comes with new responsibilities. Financial advisors recommend the following steps:
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Stay quiet – Don’t publicize your win before securing it.
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Hire a team – A financial advisor, tax expert, and lawyer are essential.
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Plan ahead – Think about retirement, savings, and investments.
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Give wisely – Help others, but be strategic about it.
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Avoid lifestyle creep – It’s easy to overspend without a clear plan.
Many states allow winners to remain anonymous. If you’re playing from India through WeLoveLotto, you can also rely on our discretion and support throughout the prize-claiming process. Want to learn more? See How to Play and Win the American Powerball Jackpot from India
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