Concord, N.H. – Highlighted by more than $821 million in total sales and 10 lucky jackpot winners, the New Hampshire Lottery recognized the 25th anniversary of Powerball last month. Powerball game sales began nationally on April 19, 1992 and the first drawing was held on April 22, 1992. The New Hampshire Lottery began selling Powerball tickets 22 years ago, with the first New Hampshire Powerball drawing taking place on November 8, 1995.
“We have had some incredibly exciting Powerball moments over the years with a New Hampshire player winning a $487 million jackpot last July and that all-time record jackpot of nearly $1.6 billion in January 2016,” said Charlie McIntyre, executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery. “We are thrilled to highlight the 25th anniversary of Powerball in New Hampshire. With huge jackpots, multiple chances to win, and more than $821 million in total sales, Powerball has been a resounding success in New Hampshire, helping us deliver millions to support education in the Granite State.”
New Hampshire Powerball sales have totaled $821 million, rising from $25.5 million in the first year to $45.5 million last fiscal year. With sales tied directly to the size of jackpots, the New Hampshire Lottery reached a record high of $57.2 million in Powerball sales in 2006.
With the Powerball jackpot climbing to unprecedented heights in January 2016, the New Hampshire Lottery’s billboards and jackpot signs were pushed to the max. Never before experiencing a jackpot as large, signage was stuck at $999 million even as the jackpot exceeded $1 billion. That jackpot was ultimately split between winners in California, Tennessee and Florida.
Just last summer, New Hampshire’s largest prize winner to date claimed a $487 million winning Powerball ticket sold at the Hannaford Supermarket in Raymond. Choosing to remain anonymous, the winner claimed the prize through a trust.
Powerball has evolved considerably since its inception. When the game launched in 1992, the starting jackpot was $2 million and 15 lotteries offered Powerball. Today, the starting jackpot is $40 million and 47 lotteries across the country offer Powerball to players. Nationally, Powerball has awarded more than 2,000 new millionaires over the past five years alone.
New Hampshire’s 10 Powerball jackpot winners include:
1. Dean Leighton of Chester, New Hampshire won $51 million (annuitized) on March 30, 1996. The winning ticket was sold at Sandy’s Variety in Manchester.
2. Mary and Jason Sanderson of Manchester won $66 million (annuitized) on December 17, 1997. The winning ticket was sold at N-N Express in Manchester.
3. PB 10 and PB 90 Trust of Lewiston, Maine won $25 million (annuitized) on January 7, 1998. The winning ticket was sold at State Line Store in Center Conway.
4. Sidonia Trust of New York, New York won $38 Million on January 16, 1999. The winning ticket was sold at Isinglass Country Store in Center Strafford and the winner chose the one-time cash option.
5. Pat and Erwin Wales of Bar Mills, Maine won $41.4 million on August 27, 2001. The winning ticket was sold at Cumberland Farms in Rollinsford and the winners chose the one-time cash option.
6. Nicholas and Carolyn Zayka of Bolton, Massachusetts won $42.9 million on May 12, 2002. The winning ticket was sold at P. K. Zylas Texaco in Weirs Beach and the winners chose the one-time cash option.
7. Aeetos Trust of North Conway, New Hampshire, Rosemary Centola, of Watertown, Massachusetts and Lawrence Centola of Watertown, Massachusetts won $70 million on August 30, 2003. The winning ticket was sold at State Line Store in Center Conway and the winner chose the one-time cash option.
8. The Bow Trust of Portland, Maine won $46 million on February 4, 2004. The winning ticket was sold at Gary’s Beverage in Portsmouth, and the winner chose the one-time cash option.
9. Dale Chellis and Toni Sergott of Lake Zurich, Illinois won $31.9 million on April 28, 2007. The winning ticket was sold at the Plymouth NH Liquor & Wine Outlet and the winners chose the one-time cash option.
10. Robin Egg 2016 Nominee Trust won $341.7 million on July 30, 2016. The winning ticket was sold at Hannaford Supermarket, Raymond, and the winner chose the one-time cash option.
Powerball tickets are on sale at more than 1,250 retailers in New Hampshire. Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and drawings are held Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11:00 PM.
About New Hampshire Lottery
Since 1964, the New Hampshire Lottery has had a significant financial impact on the state. For the past 51 years, the New Hampshire Lottery has recorded almost $6.0 billion in lottery sales and other earnings, with over $3.8 billion being paid in prizes and other cost of sales. Net proceeds to education total more than $1.7 billion to date.
The New Hampshire Lottery Commission, located at 14 Integra Drive in Concord, currently manages all lottery operations in the state, including instant games, New Hampshire Powerball®, New Hampshire Mega Millions®, New Hampshire Hot Lotto® Sizzler, Tri-State Megabucks℠ Plus, Tri-State Pick3®/Pick4® Daily Numbers games, Gimme 5, Fast Play games and Lucky For Life®.