Chahayed said he used part of the prize money to fund college education for his 11 grandchildren, who range in age from 3 to 30. (Photo: Adam Beam/Associated Press)
As the Powerball jackpot surpasses one billion dollars, there are once again hopes of winning big. One gas station in Altadena, California, has turned into a lucky charm for lotto players. Hopefuls seeking fortune are once again swarming Joe's Service Centre, which sold the record-breaking $2.04 billion winning ticket in 2022.
Joe’s Service Center became famous when Edwin Castro bought his winning ticket there in November 2022. Castro’s win made history as the largest Powerball jackpot ever, worth $2.04 billion. For selling the ticket, the store owner, Joe Chahayed, received a $1 million bonus.
Chahayed said he used part of the prize money to fund college education for his 11 grandchildren, who range in age from 3 to 30. “Family first, then you can have fun with what you want with the rest,” he said.
Now, the Powerball jackpot is once again drawing attention. After no winner in the Labor Day draw, Wednesday’s jackpot has soared to $1.3 billion. If a single player wins, they can choose a lump sum of about $498.4 million.
Castro had chosen the lump sum option in 2022 and walked away with $997.6 million. Despite the fame his store gained, Chahayed says he treats every customer the same. He added that if Castro walked in again, he would greet him with a simple “hello” and “good luck.”
The Powerball lottery is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States, known for its record-breaking jackpots that often reach into the billions. To play, participants choose five numbers from 1 to 69 and one additional number, called the Powerball, from 1 to 26. Drawings are held three times a week—on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights.
The jackpot starts at $20 million and grows each time no one wins, making it a dream for millions of lottery hopefuls.
The record for the largest Powerball jackpot still stands at $2.04 billion. That prize had a cash value of $997.6 million and went to a single ticket purchased at Joe’s Service Center on November 7, 2022.
Top 10 Largest Lottery Jackpots Ever
Here are the biggest lottery jackpots recorded in the U.S.:
For now, all eyes are on Wednesday’s $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot. While luck made history at Joe’s Service Center once, thousands are hoping lightning strikes twice.
NOTE: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage gambling, betting, or lottery participation. Please play responsibly, and only if it is legal in your region.
