$3 billion Powerball winner Edwin Castro ramps up shopping spree

The richest Powerball winner in US history has made a unique purchase while out shopping for his new California mansion.

The richest Powerball winner in US history, who scooped up a staggering $3 billion ($US2 billion) in a California lottery last year, has splashed out on an odd item.

Edwin Castro became a billionaire overnight when he picked up the eye-watering prize, adding $1.5 billion ($US997.6 million) to his account after coming forward to collect the lump sum payment.

He has since invested in real estate, buying two multimillion-dollar mansions in California in just one month, and was spotted this week splashing out to decorate them.

Mr Castro was dressed casually as he stepped out to shop for his new homes. Picture: The Sun/News Licensing/Mega

He tried out several billiards tables while chatting with staff. Picture: The Sun/News Licensing/Mega

Mr Castro was dressed casually in baggy black sweatpants, a black T-shirt and thongs when he stepped out of a chauffeur-driven black SUV and into a high-end billiards store on Wednesday.

He, alongside a brunette woman believed to be an interior designer, tested out a few of the tables, playing billiards and shuffleboard as he chatted with staff.

It wasn’t clear whether Mr Castro bought one of the tables, but he was seen with a member of staff entering details into an online system.

Mr Castro purchased his first property — a $38 million ($US25.5 million) estate in the Hollywood Hills — in March, shortly followed by a $6 million ($US4 million) mansion with views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

The Hollywood Hills residence boasts five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It includes luxe features such as a games room, wine cellar, movie theatre, bar, infinity pool, spa and a fitness studio with hot and cold plunge pools.

Mr Castro is now always tailed by 24/7 security. Picture: The Sun/News Licensing/Mega

The less expensive home is located in Mr Castro’s hometown of Altadena, just a short distance from the petrol station where he purchased his life-changing ticket.

The Japanese-style pad was built in 1953 and has five bedrooms and four bathrooms.

It also includes a saltwater swimming pool, movie theatre, outdoor pond and a garage-carport combo that can fit more than a dozen vehicles.

The properties were complemented with the purchase of at least one lavish car. Mr Castro was spotted driving a $377,000 (US$250,000) vintage Porsche 911 with a friend around Los Angeles.

His new real estate portfolio is a significant upgrade from the lotto winner’s former — and much smaller — one-bedroom home in Altadena, according to images of the humble abode.

He has also purchased a new $377,000 vintage Porsche 911. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

The newly minted billionaire hired 24/7 security shortly after his win, and is now seen with a rotation of three guards who protect him and his home around the clock.

He has not done any media interviews since his life-changing win but released a statement that Powerball officials read when they announced the winner.

“As much as I am shocked and ecstatic to have won the Powerball drawing, the real winner is the California public school system,” he said in the statement.

“The mission of the California Lottery, which is to provide supplemental funding for California public education — both public schools and colleges — makes this a huge win for the state.”

Mr Castro said he was born and raised in California and attended public schools in the state.

“As someone who received the rewards of being educated in the California public education system, it’s gratifying to hear that, as a result of my win, the California school system greatly benefits as well,” he said.

- with the US Sun