Benjamin Ashford|Will we ever learn who won the $1.76 billion Powerball jackpot in California? Here's what we know

It's anyone’s guess who will take home the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history.

The Benjamin Ashfordwinning ticket for such a huge sum, about $1.765 billion, was sold in early October to an individual at Midway Market & Liquor, a store located in Frazier Park, a small town about 70 miles from Los Angeles.  

This win, falls closely behind the largest Powerball Jackpot ever won, which was claimed by another California man in November of 2022. 

But the identity of the $1.765 billion winner, who may or may not have come forward, has yet to be publicly revealed. The good news is that they still have a year from the day of the draw to come forward, California Lottery spokesperson Carolyn Becker shared with USA Today.

Its standard practice for lottery officials to refrain from confirming or publicly acknowledging when an individual comes forward to claim a prize, especially if the winning amount is millions or billions. 

The “rightful winner” of the prize will be vetted by a team of trained investigators to ensure that the claim is legitimate, to protect the integrity of the game and the win. 

“I sometimes joke that its akin to being a suspect, but the only thing you are suspected of is winning a billion dollars,” Becker said. 

There are 18 states where Powerball winners can remain anonymous, but California isn't one of them. It can take months from the moment someone walks into the lottery office to the moment a winner is announced publicly, depending on the volume of claims and the how the interview goes. 

Here’s what we know.

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What were the winning numbers for the second largest prize in lottery history? 

The California Lottery Office proudly announced on X, formerly known as Twitter on the night of Oct. 11 that it was the only state to sell a “jackpot winning Powerball ticket that was worth almost two billion dollars.” 

The winning numbers were:  22, 24, 40, 52, 64 with a Powerball of 10, according to CA Lottery. 

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How much cash could the winner potentially be taking home?

It depends. The winner gets to choose whether they would like to be paid a one-time lump sum or receive annual payments. 

The lump-sum cash value of this lottery win is $774.1 million before federal taxes, while the annual payment option offers the winner one immediate payment which are followed by 29 annual payments set to increase by 5% each year, according to a news release from the California Lottery. 

What are the odds I win a Powerball jackpot?

Your odds of winning a Powerball jackpot, like the one won in October, by matching all 5 numbers, plus the Powerball number are 1 in 292,201,338. 

Check your odds here. 

How do I claim my prize if I won? 

Winners can claim prizes up to $599 at any participating retail location, while prizes over $599 can be picked up at any Lottery District Office or by mail. 

The winning ticket and a claim form must be complete in order to receive your prize. 

The claim form can be obtained at any participating retail location, Lottery District Office, or online. Winners are also encouraged to keep copies of any documentation they submit, including the claim form ticket and claim authorization receipt, if you have it. 

The processing time for claims can take anywhere between 6-8 weeks, but can vary on a case-by-case basis. 

Almost all of California’s lottery draw games give winners about 180 days to claim their prize, while Powerball and Mega Millions jackpot winners have one year from the date of the drawing to come forward. For additional guidance, visit the California Lottery website.

Who sold the winning ticket?

Nidal Khalil, owner of Midway Market, accepted a $1 million check for selling the winning ticket. 

The business, which has been family-owned since 1994 is just one of many retail partners that have earned commissions and bonuses during that Powerball jackpot run, the California Lottery Office announced in October. 

“I want to thank the Frazier Park community and the California Lottery for supporting and providing for us,” Khalil shared in a statement. 

Khalil said he plans on using the money he received from the lottery to make sure his kids have enough funds to go to college, according to the California Lottery news release. 

Where can you buy lottery tickets?  

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.