Minnesota couple to claim $180M Powerball lottery jackpot

May 6, 2008, 9:53 am (6 comments)

Powerball

Couple could present winning lottery ticket at Lottery HQ today

A middle-aged couple from Waseca County in southern Minnesota is expected to come forward today and claim the largest Powerball prize ever won in the state.

The winners' accountant, Dale Deraad, said his clients are making preparations to appear at state lottery headquarters in Roseville this afternoon to certify the winning ticket worth $180.1 million.

"They are just excited," Deraad said. "They are just wonderful people."

In matching all five white balls and the red Powerball, the winners defied the staggering odds of 1 in 146,107,962 to win the jackpot. Deraad said the couple has played the lottery occasionally in the past, but bought only one ticket for Saturday's drawing.

Deraad declined to say when or where the couple bought the winning ticket, but lottery officials say it was sold in Rice County. The winning numbers were 2, 28, 36, 42 and 46 and the Powerball 40.

Deraad said his clients called him at 7 a.m. Monday to tell him that they held winning ticket. Deraad said he has seen the ticket, which is now in a safe place.

"We hope to have a press conference this afternoon," said Debbie Hoffman, a lottery spokeswoman.

If certified, the couple will become the 20th Powerball jackpot winner in the state since the game began in 1992.

The holder of the winning ticket will have the choice of receiving $180.1 million over 30 years, or the lump-sum payment of $88 million — $59.6 million after taxes.

Star Tribune

Comments

RJOh's avatarRJOh

The winners' accountant, Dale Deraad, said his clients are making preparations.........Deraad said. "They are just wonderful people."

An accountant who's client has just won $180 million, could he think anything other than they are wonderful?
 

MeFirstYouLast

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on May 6, 2008

The winners' accountant, Dale Deraad, said his clients are making preparations.........Deraad said. "They are just wonderful people."

An accountant who's client has just won $180 million, could he think anything other than they are wonderful?
 

As soon as his percentage is deposited in the bank, he will come up with additional adjectives.  I just hope they take advantage of what $60M can do for them.  I would have !

DC81's avatarDC81

When I saw this topic I was thinking they just went and claimed it, but then was pleasantly surprised to see that wasn't the case as they had someone represent them with no name being released. Hopefully this is a good omen that they're going to try and remain anonymus or at least as much as one can in this situation. Plus it's just another example showing that all it takes is a single ticket...

ThatScaryChick's avatarThatScaryChick

Quote: Originally posted by DC81 on May 6, 2008

When I saw this topic I was thinking they just went and claimed it, but then was pleasantly surprised to see that wasn't the case as they had someone represent them with no name being released. Hopefully this is a good omen that they're going to try and remain anonymus or at least as much as one can in this situation. Plus it's just another example showing that all it takes is a single ticket...

They did claim it fast, but they seem like they were well prepared. It sounds like they are trying to stay hidden if possible.

TheGameGrl's avatarTheGameGrl

One ticket is all it takes! Amazingly they are the type that play it safe and won big!

No harm no foul in *Claiming* the ticket the next day. It will give them time til the funds are  issued to decide how to run the financial investments. Why let it sit and accrue interest when they can best vest it sooner. Not a fan of *waiting* it out, otherwise I'd wait to buy tickets later in life then gather the sum now.

colthmn's avatarcolthmn

Quote: Originally posted by ThatScaryChick on May 6, 2008

They did claim it fast, but they seem like they were well prepared. It sounds like they are trying to stay hidden if possible.

They just left a press conference, they were  smiling big time in the Star Tribune. It does appear however that they are prepared! Good luck to them.

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