Large Powerball Jackpot Ticket Sold at Rural Texas Gas Station

A small gas station in rural Texas experienced surprise and excitement after selling one of two winning tickets for the record-breaking $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot over the weekend.

The winning ticket was purchased at Bigs Gas Station located on US Highway 290 in Fredericksburg, a quiet town about 75 miles west of Austin. The Texas Lottery confirmed the store’s sale of the jackpot-winning ticket.

The station’s manager, Melanie Carter, was taken aback when she received news of the win early Sunday morning. She remarked, “Nobody ever expects their store to sell a jackpot ticket, but here we are.” Carter described her initial disbelief and how she confirmed the news via a text message that verified the win.

In recent weeks, the store’s business had surged as the jackpot grew larger, drawing many hopeful players. Due to the high volume of customers, Carter was unaware of the identity of the winner or which employee issued the ticket.

The second jackpot-winning ticket was sold in Missouri. The winning numbers for this ticket were 11, 23, 44, 61, 62, with the Powerball being 17.

The jackpot will be split between the winners, with each receiving either an annuity of $895 million paid over 29 years or a one-time lump sum of $410.3 million, before taxes.

This marks the 33rd time Missouri has sold a Powerball jackpot-winning ticket, making it the second most frequent state after Indiana, which has 39 wins. This is also the third Powerball jackpot sold in Texas.

Additionally, fifteen players matched all five white balls, each earning a million-dollar prize. The winners hail from California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, West Virginia, with some states registering multiple winners.

Prize claim deadlines vary by state, ranging from 90 days to a year after the draw.