Kentucky’s biggest Powerball winner has finally been revealed after a simple gas station visit led to a record-breaking jackpot.
James Farthing, a frequent lottery player, won $167.3 million over the weekend. This amount surpasses the previous largest Powerball prize in Kentucky by nearly $40 million. The former record was $128.6 million, won in December 2009.
James bought his winning ticket at a gas station in Georgetown, a place he often visits. He told WKYT, “I come in here all the time. I’m always buying [lottery tickets] because somebody’s gotta win.”
His mother, Linda Grizzly, was the first to tell him about the win after hearing from the store clerk, Mitch Bowling, who sold the ticket. Mitch said, “I’ve sold big winners before, but nothing like this. This is unprecedented.”
James kept it simple about his win, saying, “You gotta play to win.”
The news created a buzz among lottery officials and players alike. Mary Harville, Kentucky Lottery President and CEO, called the win “another historic moment” for the state’s lottery and its players.
James must now verify his ticket in Louisville. Once he does, he will face a major decision: whether to take his winnings as a lump sum or through annuity payments.
The IRS automatically withholds 24% of lottery winnings. If James opts for the lump sum, he will lose over $40 million in taxes upfront, leaving him with about $127 million.
Kentucky also collects a state tax on lottery prizes. The rate dropped from 5% to 4.45% in 2023.
Choosing the lump sum gives immediate access to the full prize after taxes. But the annuity option spreads the payments—and taxes—over several years, providing steady income.
Both choices have pros and cons, and James must decide which best suits his future.
