$3 billion Powerball winner spotted gleefully cashing out at bank

The winner of a massive jackpot has been spotted flashing a huge grin as he cashed out the huge wad of prize money from the bank.

His big smile totally makes cents.

The California resident who became an overnight millionaire after winning the $3 billion (US$2 billion) Powerball prize flashed a wide grin as he was spotted dipping into his large fortune on Wednesday, the New York Post reports.

Edwin Castro was photographed taking out a fat envelope of cash from a Chase bank Wednesday with his newly hired security team in tow.

The lucky 30-year-old, who was dressed down in a quarter-zip Under Armour shirt, joggers and flip-flops while running his bank errand, added a whopping $1500 million (US$997.6 million) to his account when he won the largest lottery prize in US history last year.

Edwin Castro was seen with his newly hired security team, taking out an envelope full of cash from his local bank. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

Mr Castro came forward in February to claim his winnings and opted for a one-time, lump-sum payment.

He has since invested in real estate — buying two multimillion-dollar homes in California in just one month.

Castro purchased both a $38 million (US$25.5 million) Hollywood Hills estate and a $6 million (US$4 million) mansion with views of the San Gabriel Mountains in March.

The Hollywood Hills residence has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms and a total 13,500 square feet of living space.

The home includes luxe features like a game room, wine cellar, movie theatre, bar, infinity pool, spa and a fitness studio with hot and cold plunge pools.

This is his old one bedroom house in Altadena. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

Mr Castro’s new $38 million home. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

The less expensive home is located in Mr Castro’s hometown of Altadena, just a short distance from the gas station where he purchased his winning Powerball 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.

Castro has purchased at least one lavish new whip to match his income boost.

He was spotted driving a $377,000 (US$250,000) vintage Porsche 911 with a friend around town.

The properties are a massive upgrade from the lotto winner’s former — and much smaller — one-bedroom home in Altadena, according to images of the humble abode.

Mr Castro’s new lifestyle also includes 24/7 security.

He was seen driving around in a new $377,000 vintage Porsche 911. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

He has 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.

This story was published by the New York Post and was reproduced with permission