Cheng Saephan’s $1.3 Billion Powerball Win
Laos-born immigrant Cheng Saephan, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy, recently made headlines by winning a staggering $1.3 billion on Powerball, the popular American lottery game.
Details of the Win
- Cheng Saephan, aged 46, purchased the winning ticket for the 7 April draw in Portland, Oregon.
- At an Oregon Lottery news conference, Saephan revealed that he and his 37-year-old wife, Duanpen, will be splitting the prize money.
- The other half of the prize will be shared with their friend, Laiza Chao, 55, from Milwaukie, a suburb of Portland.
Saephan, who has been battling cancer for almost eight years, expressed his gratitude and relief at the life-changing win. “Now I can bless my family and afford a good doctor for myself. My life has been transformed,” he shared with CBS.
Reflecting on his health and the future, Saephan pondered, “How am I going to have time to spend all of this money? How long will I live?”
Prize Breakdown
- After-tax deductions, the winners received over $422 million, making it the fourth-highest prize in Powerball history.
- The largest Powerball payout to date was $2.04 billion in 2022.
- The winning numbers for Saephan’s jackpot were 22, 27, 44, 52, 69, with the red Powerball number 9.
Financial Details
The jackpot’s pre-tax cash value was $621 million if accepted as a single payment, compared to an annuity paid over 30 years. In Oregon, the prize is subject to federal and state taxes.
Powerball Ticket Information
Each Powerball ticket costs $2 and is available for purchase in 45 US states, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.