$731.1 Million Powerball Jackpot Claimed in Maryland
Thursday May 27th 2021The fourth-highest ever Powerball prize has been claimed in Maryland. The $731.1 million jackpot was won in January and is the largest prize in MD Lottery history.
The lucky winners are a group that has decided to stay anonymous, going by the name "The Power Pack." They chose to receive the $546.8 million cash option payout, which is about $366.6 million after tax withholdings.
The ticket was purchased from Coney Market in the small town of Lonaconing in Allegany County. The Western Maryland town, which is known as the home of pitcher "Lefty" Grove, now has a new claim to fame.
The Quick Pick ticket matched all six numbers drawn on January 20, 2021: white balls 40, 53, 60, 68 and 69 and the red Powerball 22.
The Power Pack only bought one ticket, and the purchaser couldn't believe their eyes when they looked at the numbers following the draw. After checking the ticket around six times, the player told the other Power Pack members, "This can’t be right, I'm going to work."
Now that the good news has sunk in, the Power Pack say they don't plan to change their lifestyles - they're thinking long-term, with the goal to invest the amazing windfall to help their families and communities "for generations to come."
"We are thrilled that the jackpot has been claimed, and we couldn't be happier for the winners," said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Managing Director of Communications Carole Gentry. "The prize generated nearly $49 million in tax revenue for the state, so everyone in Maryland wins."
Under Maryland Lottery rules, the winners had 182 days after the drawing to claim before their ticket expired, giving them plenty of time left on the clock before the July 21 deadline.
The $731.1 million win was the sixth-biggest lottery jackpot in U.S. history, and the largest prize ever hit in Maryland. Previously, the state's biggest win was a $218.6 million share of a $656 million Mega Millions prize won by "The Three Amigos" on March 30, 2012.
The Power Pack's win is Maryland's third Powerball top prize, and the first since 2011, when players hit an incredible two jackpots in one year: $128.8 million in December 2011 scored by a ticket purchased in Elkton, Cecil County and $108.8 million in September 2011 hit by a ticket sold in Abingdon, Harford County.
The Maryland Lottery has paid out over $28.2 billion in prizes and transferred almost $17.3 billion to the state since 1973, supporting schools, health, public safety, human resources, and environmental programs.
The next chance to win Powerball is Saturday, May 29, with a $253 million jackpot up for grabs.
If you'd like to take home a prize before then, the Mega Millions top prize for the Friday, May 28 drawing stands at $22 million.
You can pick up tickets for both games now.
Maryland Holds First Vaccine Lottery Draw
A Baltimore County resident became Maryland's first vaccine lottery winner on Tuesday, May 25. The state will hold one drawing with a $40,0000 prize every day for 40 days in partnership with the Maryland Lottery. The vaccine lottery will give away $2 million in total, with the last drawing on July 4.
For your chance to win, you'll need to be a Maryland resident who is at least 18 years old and has received a COVID-19 vaccination in the state. If you meet those criteria, you're automatically entered to win.
Maryland is one of a number of states that have introduced a lottery to increase vaccination levels, including New York, Ohio and Oregon.
Latest News