Powerball Jackpot Soars to $1.23 Billion
The Powerball jackpot has reached an astounding $1.23 billion, making it the fourth-largest in the game’s history. The cash value before the next drawing stands at $595.1 million. The next drawing is scheduled for Saturday, April 6. This massive jackpot has been growing since January 1, when a Michigan player won $842 million. The largest Powerball jackpot ever was $2.04 billion, won by a single California winner in November 2022.
Recent Powerball Winners and History
Since the start of the year, no one has claimed the Powerball jackpot. The last big win was on January 1, when a Michigan player took home $842 million. The largest Powerball jackpot ever recorded was $2.04 billion, won by a single ticket in California in November 2022. Recently, the Mega Millions lottery was won on March 26 by a New Jersey player who matched all six numbers to win $1.13 billion.
Powerball Drawing Schedule
Powerball drawings are held three times a week: every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. The last winning numbers for the April 3 drawing were 11, 38, 41, 62, and 65, with the red Powerball being 15. The Power Play multiplier for that drawing was x3. Although there were no jackpot or Match5 + Power Play winners, there were Match5 $1 million winners in various states.
How to Play Powerball
Playing Powerball is straightforward. Each play costs $2. Players select five numbers from a pool of one to sixty-nine for the white balls and one number from one to twenty-six for the red Powerball. Players can choose their own numbers or let the lottery terminal randomly pick them. There are nine ways to win prizes, with the jackpot odds being one in approximately 292 million. The odds of winning the lowest prize, $4 for matching one red Powerball, are one in 38.32. Overall, the odds of winning any prize are one in 24.87.
Power Play Feature
For an additional $1 per play, players can activate the Power Play feature, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five, or ten times. The Match5 with Power Play prize is always worth $2 million. This feature adds an exciting twist to the game, increasing the potential winnings for players who do not hit the jackpot.
Where to Buy Powerball Tickets
Powerball tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell tickets. Additionally, tickets can be bought online through the Jackpocket app in specific U.S. states and territories. The Jackpocket app allows users to pick their lottery game and numbers, place orders, see their tickets, and collect winnings using their phone or home computer.
Upcoming Mega Millions Jackpot
The next Mega Millions drawing is set for Tuesday, with an estimated jackpot of $245 million and a cash option of $110.7 million. The most recent Mega Millions drawing on November 10 had an estimated jackpot of $223 million. The winning numbers were 13, 33, 59, 68, and 70, with the Mega Ball being 8. The Megaplier for that drawing was 3x. No one claimed the $196 million jackpot on November 7, but a Texas winner did claim the October 6 jackpot of $360 million.
Notable Mega Millions Wins
On Veterans Day, a Georgia ticket matched five numbers plus the Megaplier for a $3 million prize. Other recent wins include a Florida ticket that matched five numbers for a $1 million prize on November 3. Two tickets, one from Michigan and one from New Jersey, matched five numbers for $1 million each on October 27. Additionally, two other tickets, one from Georgia and one from Texas, won $4 million each by matching five numbers with the Megaplier.
How to Play Mega Millions
To play Mega Millions, players must purchase tickets at local convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores. Some states also offer online purchases. Players pick six numbers in total: five white balls ranging from numbers 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number between numbers 1 and 26. For an additional dollar, players can add the “Power Play” option to increase non-jackpot winnings by up to ten times.
Watching the Drawings
Both Powerball and Mega Millions drawings are broadcast live on their respective lottery websites at specified drawing times. This allows players to watch the excitement unfold in real-time and see if they are the lucky winners of these massive jackpots.
Jackpot Payout Options
Winners of both Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots have two payout options: the annuity option and the cash option. The annuity option is paid over time, with an immediate payment followed by annual payments that increase by five percent each year over twenty-nine years. The cash option is significantly lower but is paid in a lump sum immediately. For example, the current Powerball jackpot of $1.23 billion has a cash value of $595.1 million.
Anonymity for Lottery Winners
Laws regarding the anonymity of lottery winners vary by state. In eighteen states, lottery winners can collect their prizes anonymously. In other states, the winner’s name and hometown must be made public. It is essential for winners to check the specific rules in their state to understand their options for maintaining privacy.
Responsible Gambling Information
For those who may have gambling problems, various helplines are available across different states. It is crucial to gamble responsibly and seek help if needed. The excitement of potentially winning a massive jackpot should not overshadow the importance of responsible gambling practices.
Conclusion
The upcoming and future big lottery jackpots in the USA, including the Powerball and Mega Millions, offer players the chance to win life-changing amounts of money. With jackpots reaching into the billions, the excitement and anticipation continue to grow. Whether you choose to play Powerball or Mega Millions, remember to play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game.
