A Los Angeles petrol station owner has won a $1m prize for selling a world-record $2.06bn (£1.81bn) Powerball ticket.
The winning ticket, the largest lottery jackpot paid to date, is sold at Joe’s Service Center in Altadena, California.
That means business owner Joe Charhead has taken home $1 million (£880,000) from Powerball.
“I was very surprised. Very excited. Very happy,” Mr Chahead said.
He said he would spend the bulk of the prize money on his five children and 10 grandchildren — and donate to the local community.
Under California regulations, the winner’s name must be released as public records, although the winner’s identity has not been revealed.
Mr Chahead said he did not know who had won the prize, but he hoped it was a local.
The winner outside a gas station in Southern California.Image: Associated Press
“I wish I knew this guy, but most of the people who buy tickets from me are from nearby. I hope one of them will be a winner,” he said.
Customer Thomas Murrell said he stopped at the gas station Tuesday morning to buy fuel and a $200 Powerball ticket in case no one wins.
Tuesday’s draw was delayed due to issues with processing sales data.
Image: Associated Press
“Always a lucky guy”
Speaking of the prize winner, Mr Murrel said: “I know Joe. I have known him for many years and have been talking to him.
“Joe has been a lucky guy. He’s a good guy. I’m not surprised what’s going on here.”
The $2.04 billion (£1.81 billion) jackpot far surpassed the previous record of $1.586 billion – won by three ticket holders in 2016.
Only four jackpots in the game’s history have exceeded $1 billion.
The award has not been claimed since August 3rd.
Powerball is a lottery game played in 45 of the 50 US states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association, tickets are $2 (£1.76) and prizes are subject to federal, state and sometimes municipal taxes.
Most winners opt for a one-time payment, but they can pay as annuities over a 29-year period.