Share 
Officials have confirmed two winning tickets from the Sept. 6 Powerball drawing worth a record $1.8 billion. The Seven Bridges Revocable Trust of Fredericksburg, Texas, won half of the grand prize and chose the cash option, receiving about $410.3 million before taxes. The other half went to a ticket sold in Missouri.
The Seven Bridges Revocable Trust’s win marks the largest lottery prize ever awarded in Texas and the second-largest jackpot in both Powerball and US lottery history.
A simple number switch that changed everything
The Texas winner usually selects random numbers when playing Powerball. For this drawing, however, they chose numbers with personal significance. After purchasing the ticket, they noticed one of the numbers differed from the one they had meant to choose.
Fortunately, that small change didn’t affect the outcome. The winning numbers were 11, 23, 44, 61, 62 and the Powerball number was 17. The player realized they had won the next morning while driving to church. They pulled over, checked the ticket several times to be sure it was correct, and then placed it in the glove compartment before heading inside.
The jackpot came after a record 42 consecutive rollovers. The second winning ticket for the Sept. 6 drawing was sold in Missouri and claimed later that month. Both winners will receive an equal share of the annuitized $1.8 billion prize.
Powerball winners call it a blessing, pledge to give back
A representative for the Seven Bridges Revocable Trust called the win “a blessing” for the family. Through their attorney, the representative said the trust plans to enjoy the prize with loved ones and support people who serve their community.
The trust requested privacy as they begin this new chapter, saying they want to continue living normal lives. Using a trust to claim major prizes has become common practice, allowing winners to maintain security and peace of mind.
Texas Lottery hails a milestone moment for the state
The Texas Lottery Commission confirmed the claim and congratulated the winner. Executive Director Courtney Arbour called it a historic moment for the state, noting it is the largest prize ever awarded to a Texas Lottery player.
Arbour said the win demonstrates how one ticket can transform a life while benefiting public programs. Lottery revenue supports education and veterans’ services across Texas. Officials said large jackpots attract strong player interest and bring positive attention to the lottery.
$20M start, $1.8B finish: A historic Powerball run
The jackpot began at $20 million on June 2 and rolled over 42 times before the winning numbers were drawn. The run set a new Powerball record for consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner and resulted in the second-largest lottery prize ever awarded in the United States.
Texas joined Powerball in 2010, and this marks the state’s third Powerball jackpot win. Previously, an Austin resident shared a $564.1 million prize with two other winners in 2015.
Fredericksburg store becomes local legend overnight
The winning Texas ticket was purchased at Big’s 103, a gas station and convenience store on U.S. Highway 290 in Fredericksburg. The store received a $250,000 retailer bonus for selling the jackpot ticket.
Employees said customers have been excited and proud that the winning ticket came from their town. Locals have stopped by to take photos and see where the ticket was sold, bringing a surge in attention and foot traffic. The win has become a point of pride for the Fredericksburg community.
Billions for Texas, and counting
The Texas Lottery Commission oversees the state’s lottery program. Since sales began in 1992, the lottery has distributed more than $93 billion in prizes and generated over $41.5 billion in revenue for the state. Since 1997, it has contributed about $35.5 billion to public education and more than $279 million to veterans’ programs.
Officials expect the record jackpot to increase interest in future drawings. They also note that more winners are using trusts to protect their privacy. While a winning ticket can change lives, officials continue to emphasize the importance of responsible play.
