World-Record Powerball Winner Update: is he the REAL Winner?
You may remember that in November 2022, Powerball winner Edwin Castro won a mind-shattering AUD$2.95 billion in what remains as the highest lottery jackpot of all time.
Things got complicated for the 31-year-old Californian when Jose Rivera filed a civil lawsuit claiming that he was the rightful owner of the winning ticket and it had been stolen from him.
Rivera claimed he’d bought what would end up being the winning ticket, only for it to be stolen before the draw by his former landlord, Urachi Romeo.
Romeo claimed he didn’t know what became of the ticket, but it somehow ended up in Castro’s possession.
Video Footage Clears Powerball Winner
In what has been a drawn-out case, it looks like there’s finally light at the end of the tunnel for Castro. It seems likely he’ll be recognised as the sole legitimate Powerball winner after it was announced that the California Lottery has video footage in its possession of him purchasing the winning ticket. While the California Lottery has so far refused to release the footage, Castro’s lawyer claims to have viewed it and believes it exonerates him completely.
Some may claim that footage of Castro buying a ticket doesn’t necessarily mean that it was the winning ticket. However it’s important to remember that the California Lottery would have records detailing the exact time and place each ticket was purchased and this could be easily lined up with the security footage.
As for Rivera, the Pasadena Police have since charged him with filing a false Police report. Better luck next time, buddy, nice try!
Powerball Winner Blowing Through Millions
Castro hasn’t wasted any time making the most of his enormous wealth.
The record-breaking Powerball winner has notched up several juicy big-ticket items, and why not!
Shortly after his win he splashed on a USD$25.5 million (AUD$39 million) Hollywood Hills mansion, complete with 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, games room, wine cellar, movie theatre and fitness studio.
Next, he purchased a much more “humble” pad in his hometown of Altaneda. Coming in at “only” USD$4 million (AUD$6 million) it has 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a movie theatre and a pool.
Most recently he decided 2 mansions wasn’t enough and took ownership of a USD$47 million (AUD$72 million) Bel Air compound. With 7 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, infinity pool, champagne tasting room, wine cellar and a home theatre, we can’t think of any good reason to ever leave home!
Despite these over-the-top purchases, the USD$76 million they cost him in total hasn’t really put a dent in his winnings. No doubt the ongoing maintenance costs will be more than most peoples’ salaries, but we suspect his just might be able to afford it!
What Else Does a Billionaire Buy?
A 24/7 security detail, of course! We can’t say we blame him, especially as he’s famously known as a record-breaking Powerball winner.
As a condition of claiming division 1 lottery prizes, Californians are required to publicly reveal their identity. Winners at The Lottery Office don’t have to deal with this burden, as all of our winners can remain 100% anonymous.
On top of personal security, Castro who has a passion for cars, has also bought himself a few toys.
So far, he’s purchased:
- 1980s white Porsche 911
- 1980s black Porsche 911
- 1970s green Porsche 356
- Ram 1500 TRX
- 2 x black Volkswagen Karmann Ghias
- Red Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Powerball Winner’s Fortune Also Helps Schoolkids
Edwin isn’t the only one to benefit from being a Powerball winner. In California, public schools also win from the lottery. More than $100 million was added to their coffers as a result of his win.
USA Power Lotto Matched With US Powerball
As you can see, Castro isn’t messing around with his prize money, and fair enough too! It’s not often you win billions. We hope he has a long and happy life with his win.
Players at The Lottery Office have the chance to win from the draws of the massive US Powerball.
Each time you buy a ticket in our USA Power Lotto, we but an equivalent ticket in a US Powerball draw and collect any winnings stemming from the Powerball ticket. We then pass any winnings to you.
Keep an eye on our USA Power Lotto jackpot as it grows. Perhaps you can be the next to win from the draws of the untouchable US Powerball.
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