Laos-born Cancer Survivor Claims Record Oregon Powerball Jackpot

Charlie Saephan, a Laos-born immigrant who has been battling cancer for eight years, revealed himself as the winner of the $1.3bn Powerball jackpot from Oregon during a news conference. He said that he and his wife would be splitting the prize with a friend who had contributed to buying lottery tickets. They are accepting a lump sum payment worth $422m after taxes following their win in April at a convenience store in Portland, which ended an almost four-month run without any winners. Saephan said: “I am grateful for the lottery and how I have been blessed… Now I can bless my family and hire a good doctor for myself.” The Oregon Lottery had to go through security checks before revealing his identity because under state law, with few exceptions, players cannot remain anonymous. Winners must claim their prize within one year of winning it. Saephan’s friend Laiza Chao sent him a picture saying “We’re billionaires” the day they bought the shared tickets but as an April Fools Day joke before the actual draw took place. The $1.3bn jackpot is the fourth largest Powerball prize in history and Oregon Lottery said it was their biggest ever win. It ranks eighth among US lottery wins, with the record for a single ticket being held by someone who won $2.04bn (£1.67bn) playing Mega Millions in California last year.