Powerball Jackpot Nears $1 Billion – Second Largest This Year (Photo) - 12/10/25

Salem, Ore. – For the second time this year, Powerball players have a chance to win a jackpot close to $1 billion. Wednesday’s drawing climbed to an estimated $930 million - ranking as the seventh largest Powerball jackpot ever.

Since the current jackpot run began on September 7, Oregon has seen 453,136 winners and more than $2 million in total Powerball game winnings.

"Playing the Powerball when the jackpot is this high gives players the opportunity to dream," said Oregon Lottery’s Player Services Manager Heidi Quiring. "You can imagine what the holiday season would be like with extra money for gifts and surprises."

Oregon Lottery retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, a retail location that sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus.

In 2024, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, his wife, and friend together shared a Powerball jackpot worth $1.3 billion. The prize was life changing for Saephan and by far the biggest prize ever won in Oregon. Previously, the largest Powerball prize won in Oregon was a $340 million jackpot in 2005. The biggest Powerball ever won in history was a $2.04 billion jackpot in 2022 by a player in California.

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. 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. Players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

Oregon Lottery Transfers $887 Million Back To State (Photo) - 12/03/25

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Lottery will return more than $887 million to the state for the 2025 fiscal year. Compared to the previous year, the transfer is approximately $60 million less due largely to 2024 administrative savings that weren’t available this year. The transferred amount includes unclaimed prizes totaling $9 million.

The funding directly benefits state parks and natural habitats, public schools, veteran services, outdoor school, and economic development. Oregon Lottery is self-funded through the sale of games, not tax dollars, and voters and the Legislature designate where the money goes.

“Playing Oregon Lottery games helps fund critical Oregon programs,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “Wins don’t just benefit players, they also boost local retailers and contribute directly to local communities.”

Oregon had 12 players who took home prizes worth $1 million or more, including four Powerball wins and four Oregon Megabucks wins. Overall, lucky lottery players earned payouts totaling nearly $15.9 billion for the year. Prizes account for about 92% of the Lottery dollars played.

Sales commissions on Lottery games also support retailers, many of whom are small business owners. The 3,800 Lottery retailers across Oregon collectively earned $306 million in commissions this year. 

Since 2016, Oregon Lottery has maintained the highest level of accreditation for responsible gambling from both the National Association of State and Provincial Lotteries/National Council on Problem Gambling and the World Lottery Association’s (WLA) Responsible Gambling programs. Oregon is one of only 11 lotteries in the U.S. to reach this level by the WLA.

The Lottery’s financial year runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. A final audited report is posted to Oregon Lottery’s website under “Proceeds and Financials.”

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned nearly $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.