Suburban Milwaukee man claims March’s Powerball prize
MADISON, Wis. – The winner of the largest jackpot in Wisconsin Lottery history came forward to claim the prize today at Wisconsin Lottery Headquarters in Madison. Manuel Franco, who won the Powerball jackpot on March 27, claimed the cash option of approximately $477 million and will receive just over $326 million after state and federal taxes.
“I want to thank those closest to me for all the support they have given me over the years,” said Franco. “To win feels something like a dream and I feel like at any moment I might wake up. I just can’t believe an ordinary guy like me would ever be in this position. As a winner now, I don’t plan on playing any more. But, I will say that the two-dollar ticket you buy is worth the chance to change your life forever. It certainly has changed my life and I look forward to the future.”
The suburban Milwaukee man’s quick pick winning numbers (16,20, 37, 44, 62 and the Powerball number 12) were drawn from a ticket purchased at Speedway (15555 W. Beloit Rd.) in New Berlin. The win marked Wisconsin’s 17th Powerball jackpot since 1988, tying the state for sixth all-time.
“This is truly one of the most exciting days in the 30-plus years of the Wisconsin Lottery,” said Lottery Director Cindy Polzin. “With this historic milestone Wisconsin became WINsconsin and our state received an incredible amount of national attention. As lottery director, I have always wanted to present a ‘big check’ to a winner. I am extremely happy for Manny and his life-changing experience. It’s truly a moment to celebrate across the state.”
The $768.4 million winning jackpot is the largest in Wisconsin history and marked the second-highest figure in Powerball history and third-most for any U.S. lottery. Odds for winning the grand prize are listed by Powerball as 1 in 292,201,338.00.
ABOUT THE WISCONSIN LOTTERY
The Wisconsin Lottery enriches communities statewide by giving back 93 percent of its revenue to winners, retailers, and Wisconsin homeowners. Of each dollar spent on the Wisconsin Lottery, 57 cents goes back to prizes, 30 cents to property tax credits, seven cents to operations and six cents to retailers. Since 1988, the Wisconsin Lottery generated:
• More than $14.5 billion in total revenue
• Over $8.2 billion in prizes paid
• More than $4.3 billion in funding for property tax credits to eligible Wisconsin homeowners
For more about the Wisconsin Lottery, visit wilottery.com. The Wisconsin Lottery is on social media via Facebook and YouTube (/wilottery) and Twitter and Instagram (@wilottery).
**CONTACT: Wisconsin Lottery Communications,**WILotteryCommunications@wisconsin.gov, 608-261-8412