California Lottery Hits 40 Years of Big Wins and Big Impact
On Oct. 3, 1985, California sold its very first $1 instant lottery ticket, marking the start of a four-decade run filled with excitement, record jackpots, and education funding. Fast forward 40 years, and the California Lottery is celebrating more than just its history—it’s celebrating life-changing wins and the more than $48 billion raised for public schools.
California has been the star of many historic lottery moments. The state holds the largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history: a staggering $2.04 billion Powerball won by Edwin Castro of Altadena in November 2022. Other monumental wins include:
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$1.73 billion Powerball in Frazier Park (Oct. 2023)
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$1.269 billion Mega Millions in Cottonwood (Dec. 2024)
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$1.08 billion Powerball in Los Angeles (July 2023)
Big wins often come with big celebrations. Retailers selling winning tickets, from small corner stores to chain groceries, can earn $1 million bonuses for billion-dollar jackpots. Press conferences, media interviews, and local fanfare make these victories a shared thrill.
California Lottery rules require jackpot winners to claim prizes in person, and while winners like Theodorus Struyck and Rosemary Casarotti step forward, many maintain privacy by limiting photos and interviews. Even so, the excitement is palpable when “it could happen to you” turns into reality.
The state has also made lottery history in Powerball milestones: the first $1 billion jackpot hit in January 2016, followed by multiple billion-dollar drawings that included California ticket holders. Across the years, California has produced the most winners for billion-dollar jackpots, proving its streak of luck continues.
From jaw-dropping jackpots to funding classrooms, the California Lottery’s 40-year journey is a mix of fortune, celebration, and meaningful impact—a milestone that feels just as good as winning itself.
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