A Texas Powerball ticket holder, who recently shared a whopping $1.78 billion jackpot, claims he picked the numbers by chance. Despite that, he feels incredibly “lucky” to be able to share this life-altering windfall with his community.
The Seven Bridges Revocable Trust, a group based in Fredericksburg, Texas, stepped forward on Monday to claim their share of this historic prize—the second-largest in U.S. lottery history.
Choosing to receive a lump sum, they will take home $410.3 million.
Interestingly, the group selected their numbers meaningfully, which adds a personal touch to their otherwise random choice. According to a recent announcement from the Texas Lottery, this method reflects their values.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Biggs 103 gas station in Fredericksburg, a small town about 120 miles west of Austin. However, there was a bit of a mix-up: one number selected turned out to be different from what they had intended.
The winning combination was 11, 23, 44, 61, 62, with the Powerball being 17.
Members of the group realized their amazing luck while heading to church the following morning, when they stopped to verify their win.
A member reportedly tucked the ticket away in his glove box before entering the church.
Expressing gratitude, the trust shared through their attorney, “We are Texans, loyal to our state and its values, valuing family and faith. This moment fills us with appreciation, and we plan to share this blessing with loved ones and our community.”
They also requested some privacy as they embrace this significant change in their lives, concluding with a nod to their Texas roots.
The exact number they meant to choose remains undisclosed.
The gas station that sold the winning ticket received a $250,000 bonus from the lottery.
This marks the third Powerball jackpot sold in Texas, the first since a $564.1 million win in Austin back in 2015.
Courtney Arbor, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, expressed enthusiasm over the landmark win, highlighting the potential for others to be big winners while also benefiting important public services through lottery funds.
Seven Bridges Revocable Trust plans to split the jackpot with an anonymous winner from Missouri, who also chose the lump-sum option last month.
The Missouri ticket holder bought the winning ticket at a KwikTrip in St. Louis and referred to himself as a “home guy.”
He shared, “I’m just a homebody; my best days involve simply being at home and relaxing.” Reflecting on his newfound wealth, he humorously mentioned, “This is the biggest problem I’ve ever had.”
No one has claimed the Powerball grand prize since September 6, but this Saturday’s drawing will feature a jackpot of $295 million.
