Fourth-Largest Virginia Lottery Ticket Is $161 Million Powerball Jackpot

Written By Adam Hensley on March 9, 2025
virginia lottery powerball $161 million jackpot

There is a possibility that you might have won a significant amount of money if you purchased a Powerball ticket at Gill Brothers in Dublin.

The $161 million Powerball jackpot was won by an unidentified individual who has not yet claimed their prize. The winning ticket was purchased from a Virginia Lottery retailer.

On March 4, the winning combination for the drawing comprised of the following numbers: 10, 16, 18, 40, and 66. Moreover, the winning Powerball number was also 16.

The prize must be claimed within 180 days from the drawing date by the winner. Additionally, the winner will face a challenging choice: receiving the entire jackpot amount (prior to taxes) in annual installments spread over a period of 30 years or opting for a single cash payment of approximately $81.9 million (pre-tax).

Virginia Lottery Powerball jackpot fourth-largest prize

This is a significant event. In a year that has already seen many winners, the March 4 lottery drawing in Virginia resulted in one of the largest winnings in the state’s history. However, it is also only the second instance of someone winning a Powerball jackpot within Virginia.

During 2013, a Virginian individual successfully secured a Powerball prize worth $217 million. Dave Honeywell and his family decided to receive the lump sum cash payment, amounting to $136.4 million prior to tax deductions.

J.R. and Peggy Tripplett, the biggest lottery winners in Virginia’s history, secured a staggering $239 million jackpot by playing Mega Millions. Opting for the single cash payment, the Trippletts received a substantial sum of $141.5 million (pre-tax) from their winnings in 2004.

In 2009, Virginia witnessed its third-largest lottery prize as Steve Williams emerged victorious in the Mega Millions game, racking up an impressive $200 million. Opting for the cash alternative, he received a substantial amount of $125 million, pre-tax.

Virginia Lottery profits go toward a good cause

Your dollars spent on lottery tickets in Virginia are being put to good use.

Since 1999, every single Virginia Lottery profit has been allocated exclusively to the state’s K-12 public education fund.

Lottery sales in Fiscal Year 2022 amounted to a staggering $3.75 billion, contributing a significant $779 million to Virginia’s education system. This marks the second consecutive fiscal year where the fund received over $700 million.

“In a statement, Kelly T. Gee, the Executive Director of the Virginia Lottery, expressed pride in their collaboration with Gill Brothers and other local businesses to sell tickets and raise funds for K-12 education in the Commonwealth. Gee highlighted the win-win-win situation where lucky players, businesses, and schools all benefit from the Virginia Lottery.”

Store that sold winning Powerball ticket receives nice bonus

Gee made a trip to Pulaski County and had a meeting with Andy Gill, the owner of Gill Brothers. During their encounter, Gee handed over a large check worth $50,000 to Gill as a presentation.

In Virginia, retailers receive a bonus when they sell a lottery ticket worth a minimum of $5 million.

Photo by Steve Helber / AP Photo
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Adam Hensley

Adam Hensley, a journalist hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, boasts an impressive portfolio. His writing has been featured in renowned publications such as the Associated Press, Sports Illustrated, and various websites affiliated with the USA Today Network. In 2019, Hensley successfully completed his studies at the University of Iowa. Throughout his time in college, he dedicated himself to the sports department of the Daily Iowan, where he served as both an editor and reporter.

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