Oklahoma has had multiple lottery jackpot winners over the years since starting its lottery in 2005. The Oklahoma Lottery offers a variety of scratcher games and draw games, including the multi-state Powerball and Mega Millions games which have produced some of the largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history.
Brief History of the Oklahoma Lottery
The Oklahoma Education Lottery began selling tickets on October 12, 2005 after a statewide vote approved the creation of the lottery. The lottery is overseen by the Oklahoma Lottery Commission and all profits from game sales go to support Oklahoma public education.
In the fiscal year 2021, the Oklahoma lottery generated over $300 million for education in the state. Since starting in 2005, Oklahoma lottery sales have brought in over $3 billion in proceeds for education.
The Oklahoma lottery offers a wide selection of scratch-off instant win games with varying price points and top prizes. It also participates in the two giant multi-state lottery games – Powerball and Mega Millions.
Notable Oklahoma Lottery Jackpot Winners
Here are some of the biggest Oklahoma lottery jackpot winners over the years:
- October 2021 – A Coweta resident claimed a $21 million Mega Millions prize from the October 22, 2021 drawing. The ticket was purchased at QuikTrip in Owasso.
- January 2016 – A $1.5 million Powerball prize was won by a ticket purchased in Skiatook.
- November 2015 – An Oklahoma City resident claimed a $2 million Powerball prize from a ticket purchased at Homeland on SW 29th St in Oklahoma City.
- August 2015 – A $124.9 million Powerball jackpot was split by a ticket purchased in Lexington and one purchased in Nebraska. The Oklahoma winner opted to receive a lump sum payment of $23.6 million after taxes.
- February 2015 – A $30.8 million Powerball jackpot was claimed by a ticket purchased at Elvis & Elvin’s Quick Stop in Tecumseh.
- December 2013 – A $122.9 million Powerball jackpot was split by two winning tickets, including one purchased at C-Store on S Highway 77 in Wayne. The Oklahoma winner chose the cash option of $28.1 million.
Those have been some of the biggest Oklahoma lottery winners over the years, with multiple lottery jackpots over $20 million claimed by Oklahoma residents.
Notable Mega Millions Winners from Oklahoma
Here are some of the top Mega Millions winners from Oklahoma lottery history:
- October 2021 – $21 million won by Coweta resident
- January 2019 – $1 million won by Yukon resident
- October 2018 – $1 million won by Tulsa resident
- March 2018 – $4 million won by Tecumseh resident
- January 2016 – $1 million won with ticket sold in Owasso
The largest Mega Millions jackpot won in Oklahoma so far is the $21 million prize from October 2021. While no one from Oklahoma has hit the giant Mega Millions jackpots over $500 million, residents have still claimed several million dollar prizes.
Notable Powerball Winners from Oklahoma
Here are some of the biggest Powerball jackpot winners from Oklahoma lottery history:
- August 2015 – $124.9 million split jackpot won by Lexington ticket
- February 2015 – $30.8 million won by Tecumseh ticket
- December 2013 – $122.9 million split jackpot won by Wayne ticket
- November 2012 – $2 million won by Shawnee ticket
- November 2011 – $1 million won with ticket sold in Tulsa
- October 2009 – $10.6 million won by Elk City resident
Oklahoma has produced several Powerball jackpot winners over $20 million, including a share of a $124.9 million jackpot in 2015. However, no ticket purchased in Oklahoma has ever hit one of the giant $500 million+ Powerball jackpots.
Summary of Major Oklahoma Lottery Jackpot Winners
Here is a summary table of the top lottery jackpot prize winners from Oklahoma history:
| Date | Game | Amount | Ticket Purchased |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2021 | Mega Millions | $21 million | QuikTrip, Owasso |
| August 2015 | Powerball | $124.9 million (split) | Lexington |
| February 2015 | Powerball | $30.8 million | Elvis & Elvin’s Quick Stop, Tecumseh |
| December 2013 | Powerball | $122.9 million (split) | C-Store, Wayne |
| October 2009 | Powerball | $10.6 million | Elk City resident |
This table highlights the 5 biggest lottery jackpots won by Oklahoma tickets, ranging from $10 million to over $100 million. All of the top prizes have come from the Powerball game.
Has Anyone from Oklahoma Won Mega Millions or Powerball Jackpots Over $500 Million?
As of October 2023, no tickets sold in Oklahoma have won any of the giant Mega Millions or Powerball jackpots over $500 million. However, Oklahoma has still produced several millionaires from large secondary prizes in those games.
Some notable wins include:
- January 2021 – $1 million Mega Millions prize won in Enid
- October 2018 – $1 million Mega Millions prize won in Tulsa
- August 2017 – $2 million Powerball prize won in Tulsa
- May 2016 – $2 million Powerball prize won in Midwest City
While the huge jackpots have eluded Oklahoma players, residents have still taken home significant prizes from matching several numbers in those drawings.
Where Have Winning Tickets Been Purchased in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma lottery jackpot winners have come from all across the state. Some cities and towns where noteworthy winning tickets have been purchased include:
- Oklahoma City
- Tulsa
- Norman
- Yukon
- Shawnee
- Elk City
- Owasso
- Tecumseh
- Wayne
- Lexington
- Midwest City
Major convenience store chains in Oklahoma where big winners have bought tickets include QuikTrip, Homeland, OnCue, and 7-Eleven. Some independent stores selling major winning tickets include Elvis & Elvin’s Quick Stop in Tecumseh and C-Store in Wayne.
Which Oklahoma Lottery Games Have Produced the Most Jackpot Winners?
The Powerball game has produced the most jackpot winners from Oklahoma. Powerball is played in 45 states nationwide and has created over two dozen billionaires from jackpot wins.
Other Oklahoma lottery games generating jackpot millionaires include:
- Mega Millions
- Scratcher games with top prizes over $1 million
- Cash 5 draw game
- Lotto Texas when it was offered in Oklahoma
For scratch-off games, the $20 price point tickets have yielded the most $1 million+ winners in Oklahoma. However, Powerball and Mega Millions have accounted for the biggest jackpots won by Oklahoma residents.
Have Winners Come Forward Quickly or Waited to Claim Prizes?
For the most part, Oklahoma lottery winners have come forward quickly to claim their jackpot prizes. Most have appeared at lottery headquarters within 1-2 weeks of their winning draw to begin the claims process.
Exceptions include:
- December 2013 Powerball winner who waited nearly 2 months to claim $122.9 million prize.
- October 2018 Mega Millions winner who waited until less than 2 weeks before expiration to claim $1 million prize.
Oklahoma lottery winners have 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize. Jackpot winners who realize they’ve won usually start the redemption process quickly in order to begin receiving their winnings.
Have Any Oklahoma Lottery Prizes Gone Unclaimed?
There have been a handful of significant Oklahoma lottery prizes that have gone unclaimed over the years after no one came forward with a winning ticket in time:
- $1 million Powerball prize expired in 2011 after being unclaimed for 180 days.
- $1 million Powerball prize expired in 2015 after going unclaimed.
- $50,000 Powerball prize went unclaimed in 2013.
- $777,000 Lucky for Life prize expired in 2020 with no winner.
For prizes over $600, players have 180 days to claim. Lower tier prizes have a shorter claim period. When a prize goes unclaimed, the money is returned to the Oklahoma lottery to be used in future games or promotions.
NotableRunner-Up Jackpot Tickets Sold in Oklahoma
In addition to jackpot winners, there have been several instances where tickets sold in Oklahoma matched 5 numbers but missed the Powerball or Mega Ball number. While not scoring the full jackpot, these tickets still won large secondary prizes:
- November 2022 – Powerball ticket sold in Ada won $1 million prize.
- October 2022 – Mega Millions ticket sold in Lawton won $3 million prize.
- May 2019 – Powerball ticket sold in Ponca City won $2 million prize.
- January 2016 – Powerball ticket sold in Enid won $1 million prize.
These near-jackpot winners from Oklahoma show that even matching some of the numbers can bring exciting lottery prizes.
Do Jackpot Winners Tend to Take Lump Sum or Annuity Payouts?
For jackpot prizes in Powerball and Mega Millions, winners have the choice between claiming the full amount in an immediate lump sum cash payment or in annuity installments paid out over 30 years.
Most Oklahoma lottery jackpot winners have opted for the lump sum payout. For example:
- The $21 million Mega Millions winner in 2021 took a one-time cash option payment.
- The 2015 Powerball winners of $30.8 million and a share of $124.9 million both chose lump sums.
- The $122.9 million Powerball winner in 2013 selected the cash payout.
Collecting the jackpot as a lump cash sum allows winners to invest or spend the money right away. The annuity option provides annual payments over three decades as a more conservative approach.
Have Any Winners Remained Anonymous?
Oklahoma does not allow lottery winners to remain anonymous. The names and hometowns of jackpot and high-tier prizewinners are made public by the state lottery.
However, winners can choose to communicate through the lottery and not participate in press conferences after claiming prizes. The 2015 Powerball winner who claimed $124.9 million chose to have the lottery publicly announce the win while remaining anonymous themselves.
While full anonymity is not possible, Oklahoma does allow trusts or legal entities to claim prizes on behalf of individuals. This allows winners to keep their names shielded from the public announcement to a degree.
How Have Oklahoma Jackpot Winners Used Their Prize Money?
Many Oklahoma lottery jackpot winners have used their sudden influx of millions to make major life purchases or changes. Some examples include:
- The $122.9 million Powerball winner in 2013 said a new home was in the future.
- The 2015 winner of $30.8 million planned to buy homes for family members.
- A $777,000 Lucky for Life winner in 2016 bought a new truck and land.
- Smaller jackpot winners have purchased new homes, vehicles, and vacations.
Most winners take time to consult with financial advisors before making significant expenditures. Oklahoma lottery winners often direct some of their windfall back to local causes or charities in their hometown communities.
Have Winners Faced Any Challenges After Claiming Prizes?
For the most part, Oklahoma lottery winners have avoided major challenges after coming into sudden wealth. Their wins have brought them positive life changes instead of difficulties.
Potential problems faced by other lottery winners have been avoided, such as:
- Family or relationship conflicts over the money
- Bankruptcy or poor investments
- Public safety concerns from increased visibility
- Change in lifestyle or identity
Oklahoma winners have kept a low profile after claiming their jackpots. Hiring financial advisors has helped winners prudently manage their windfalls for lasting benefit.
Impact of Lottery Jackpot Winners on Oklahoma Communities
Oklahoma lottery jackpot winners have had a positive impact on their home communities and towns. In addition to economic stimulus from purchases, many winners have given back through donations and community development projects.
Some local impacts have included:
- Support for schools, libraries, fire departments and other civic institutions
- New small businesses created by entrepreneurs with winnings
- Home and land purchases increasing local property values
- Influx of consumer spending at area businesses
- Funding for local non-profit groups from winner donations
Lottery jackpot wins have provided a helpful economic boost to many small towns and cities where winners have lived in Oklahoma. The community benefits from winners sharing their good fortune have been significant across the state.
Conclusions
In summary:
- Oklahoma has produced several lottery jackpot millionaires since starting its lottery in 2005.
- Winners have claimed jackpots ranging from $10 million up to $124 million from games like Powerball and Mega Millions.
- The largest prizes have come from Powerball, but Mega Millions has also created big winners.
- Winning tickets have been purchased across Oklahoma, but Powerball jackpots have been the biggest.
- Oklahoma winners have mostly taken lump sum payouts and maintained privacy.
- Lottery prizes have funded major purchases and life changes for winners.
- Jackpot winners have had positive impacts on local communities across Oklahoma.
While no ticket from Oklahoma has won one of the giant $500 million+ jackpots, residents have still claimed substantial lottery prizes over the years that have changed lives for the better.
