Powerball Jackpot-Winning Ticket Sold in Metairie is Largest Ever Won in Louisiana

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One ticket purchased in Metairie won the $97 million Powerball jackpot Wednesday night, the largest single amount won in Louisiana Lottery history.

This latest winning ticket brings the total number of Powerball jackpot winning tickets sold in Louisiana to 12 since the Lottery joined the multistate game in 1995.

The winning ticket was sold at West Metairie Shell on West Metairie Avenue in Metairie. The store will receive a one-time bonus of $25,000 or 1 percent of Louisiana's contribution to the jackpot's funding, whichever is greater, for selling the winning ticket.

"This is an exciting and historical time for the Lottery, as we wait in anticipation for the winner to claim the prize at our Baton Rouge headquarters," said Lottery President Rose Hudson. "In the meantime, the winner should treat the ticket as cash by signing the back of it for security purposes. Also, we recommend that all winners of substantial prizes seek professional financial advice prior to claiming their prize."

The holder of Wednesday's jackpot-winning ticket has 180 days after the date of the drawing in which to claim the $97 million prize, which is subject to federal and state withholding taxes.

Prior to last night's win, the largest Powerball jackpot won in Louisiana was a $48.1 million prize claimed by Jerry Berggren and Cathy DeMuynck of Kenner in March of 2002. The Powerball jackpot was last won in Louisiana a mere four months ago on Sept. 29, 2007, by William Heid Jr. of Chauvin, who won claimed $15 million.

The winning numbers for the Jan. 16 drawing were 9-18-19-38-47 and the Powerball was 11.  In addition to the jackpot prize, more than 26,000 other players won more than $191,513 in Louisiana Powerball prizes in Wednesday's drawing.

According to the Lottery, the advertised Powerball jackpot represents an estimate of the annuity prize amount, which is paid in 30 graduated installments that increase by 4 percent each year. The first installment is paid at the time the prize is claimed. Winners also have the option to take a one-time lump sum payment equal to the cash value of the jackpot prize pool, which is $48,478,863.05 for the Jan. 16 drawing. The winner has up to 60 days after claiming the prize to decide on the prize payment option.

The Lottery encourages responsible play and urges anyone or friends of anyone with a gambling problem to call toll free 1-877-770-7867 for help.