November 4, 2022 3:20 a.m.

A $1 million-dollar winning Powerball ticket was sold in Oregon on Wednesday.

A release from the Oregon Lottery said the ticket was purchased in Portland. Two $50,000 tickets, also sold on Wednesday, were purchased in Portland and Troutdale.

The Powerball jackpot for Saturday’s drawing is now estimated at $1.5 billion dollars should the winner choose the annuity option, or $745.9 million cash. It’s the second largest Powerball jackpot in history. The largest prize ever won in Oregon was a $340 million jackpot in 2005.

Since Monday, when the Powerball jackpot reached $1 billion, the Oregon Lottery has sold over $6.77 million in tickets. Approximately a third of those sales will be returned to state beneficiaries to support economic development, education, veteran services and more.

The release said the retailers who sell lottery tickets will also see added commissions from the boost in ticket sales. Additionally, if an Oregon retailer were to sell the winning jackpot tickets, they earn a $100,000 bonus.

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that buyers always sign the back of their tickets to ensure they can claim their 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 a year to claim their prize.

The release said since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets in 1985, it has earned nearly $15 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services and watershed enhancements.

For more information about the lottery, go to: www.oregonlottery.org