March 15, 2018 - Salem, Ore. -- A lot of things are going to change for William Breese and his wife after winning the $8.9 million Oregon's Game Megabucks jackpot this, but some things are constant.

"This changes a lot of things; one thing it won't change is I will still have the clean the cat box," Breese's wife said when the couple claimed their prize Wednesday morning.

The couple found out about the big win Sunday when they stopped at the grocery store after picking up a relative at the airport.

"We finished shopping and I wanted to check my ticket," Breese said. "The machine said to go to Lottery Headquarters. I looked over and saw the jackpot had changed to $1 million on the sign, and that's when I knew I won."

Breese took his ticket home and checked the numbers again. The first number on his Oregon's Game Megabucks ticket was the winner. He had Quick Pick numbers of 09-20-22-25-27-48. When his wife walked into the office as he was checking the numbers, she knew something was up. That's when he told her.

"Just last week my wife gave me the saying, 'From the ocean of abundance, money always comes to me,' and told me to put it in my wallet," he said. "Then this happens."

Now Breese is thinking about tattooing the saying on his arm. He purchased the winning ticket at the 7-Eleven on NE 122nd in Portland. He has become the 283rd Oregon's Game Megabucks millionaire since the game was offered in Nov. 20, 1985. The last Oregon's Game Megabucks jackpot that was won was in October and the jackpot was $9 million. Two people picked the winning numbers and split the prize.

During the 2015-17 biennium in Multnomah County, where Breese lives more than $109 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement.

Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 should contact the Lottery office to schedule an appointment to claim their prize.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $11 billion for economic development, public education, state parks and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org


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