Just a couple years ago, the “Power Pack” claimed what would be Maryland’s largest-ever Powerball jackpot prize and payout.
While there’s always a buzz around the largest-ever Powerball jackpots in general, there are also state-level record payouts that are equally exciting. In 2021, one group came forward to claim a massive Powerball prize. It just so happened that it also happened to beat every lottery payout record in history for the state of Maryland. And it proved to be a jackpot-sized win-win for everyone.
Nationwide Buzz, Small-Town Winners
Flashback to 2021. Excitement was palpable as the Powerball jackpot managed to climb to a whopping $731.1 million. It would be the then-fourth-largest Powerball payout in Powerball history and the sixth-largest lottery payout in the US. The lone winning ticket was purchased at the Coney Market, located in Lonaconing, MD., a small town nestled in western MD. And it would prove to be the state’s own largest ever jackpot payout.
Maryland Lottery and Gaming officials were “thrilled.” The Powerball prize didn’t just break state records and generate buzz for the community. It also generated almost $49 million in tax revenue for Maryland. It had been ten years since anyone there won a Powerball prize. And to officials, “everyone in Maryland wins.”
Like many state lotteries, the Maryland Lottery serves as one of the largest state revenue sources. And funding supports a host of state programs, including environmental services, education, public safety initiatives, and human resources. Since the Maryland Lottery was created in 1973, more than $28 billion in prize money has been awarded to players, contributing roughly $17 billion to the state.
About the ‘Power Pack’ Winners
It’s not uncommon for Powerball winners to take their time in coming forward and protecting their anonymity. In Maryland, winners are allowed to keep their personal information private. This record-breaking Powerball jackpot resulted in one ticket purchase from one individual who represented a small group of players. Together, they collectively came forward anonymously, nicknaming themselves the “Power Pack.”
The ticket purchaser did say that the group was in utter disbelief, rechecking the Quick Pick numbers half a dozen times. It was the first and only time they’d purchased a Powerball ticket, making it even more incredible. The group played it smart and sought professional advice, not coming forward for roughly four months.
The “Power Pack” chose to accept their $546.8 million in a lump sum option, which translated to $366.6 million after both state and federal taxes. And they shared with officials that they planned to use their windfall to “invest,” “take care of their families,” and “positively impact their Maryland communities.”
The Coney Market, where the winning Powerball ticket was purchased, also benefited to the tune of $100,000.
Other State Powerball Jackpot Prizes
Some of the top Powerball jackpots in the game’s history hail from the following states. Each represents that state’s own record payout.
- $2.04 billion from one winning ticket in California in 2022.
- $1.586 billion from two of three winning tickets in Florida and Tennessee in 2016.
- $768.4 million from one winning ticket in Wisconsin in 2019.
- $758.7 million from one winning ticket in Massachusetts in 2017.
- $754.6 million from one winning ticket in Washington in 2023.
- $731.1 million from one winning ticket in Maryland in 2021.
- $687.8 million from two winning tickets in Iowa and New York in 2018.
- $842 million from one winning ticket in Michigan in 2024.
- $110.2 million from one ticket winning in Pennsylvania in 2004.
- $587.5 million from one winning ticket in Arizona in 2012.
When you play Powerball, know that you’re contributing to your state in an even bigger way. And whether or not you win, or you win a record-breaking Powerball jackpot, simply playing can be rewarding, knowing you’re supporting the state.