The burgeoning Powerball jackpot has captured the nation’s attention as it escalates to a staggering $120 million for the forthcoming Saturday drawing. Wednesday’s drawing lacked a jackpot winner, continuing a trend of mounting prize money.
The jackpot has been climbing methodically since May 6, when a fortunate Florida resident clinched a $215 million Powerball jackpot. If luck strikes for someone in Saturday’s drawing, they could walk away with a substantial lump-sum payout of $56.4 million post-taxes.
The latest set of winning numbers was selected just after 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, giving hopeful participants another chance to dream big. The numbers for the Wednesday, May 22 Powerball draw were 5, 16, 18, 26, and 67, with a red Powerball of 4 and a Power Play multiplier of 3X.
In addition to these regular drawings, Powerball jackpot winners have made headlines before. An anonymous $1.3 billion winner, who is also a cancer survivor, famously declared he ‘prayed to God’ for his life-changing win. These riveting stories only add to the allure surrounding the Powerball.
Lottery-sponsored updates have revealed that while there were no jackpot winners on Wednesday, one ticket sold in California matched five white balls, bringing home a million-dollar prize. Unfortunately, there weren’t any winners for the Match 5 + Power Play $2 million prize.
For those eagerly aspiring to become the next Powerball billionaire, participation is straightforward. To join the game, you need to buy a $2 Powerball ticket from local convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores. Some states even offer online ticket purchases.
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The game requires players to choose six numbers in total: five white balls numbered from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball numbered from 1 to 26. To amplify your non-jackpot winnings, an additional $1 can be spent on the “Power Play” option, which boosts prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X. For those who prefer not to select their own numbers, a “Quick Pick” can generate random numbers automatically.
Powerball drawings unfold three times a week—on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evenings. With no winner, the jackpot grows ever larger, incentivizing even more participants.
Tickets are readily available in person at various retail locations such as gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery outlets. Additionally, for the tech-savvy, Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, offers a seamless way to purchase tickets in several states. Through Jackpocket’s app, you can pick your game, choose your numbers, place your order, and view your ticket and winnings—all through your phone or computer.
The states currently supporting Jackpocket for online lottery ticket sales include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and territories like Puerto Rico.
Jackpocket holds the distinction of being USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery courier, and it’s continually expanding its user base. Age restrictions apply: participants must be at least 18 years old, 21+ in Arizona, and 19+ in Nebraska. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any state lottery services, and responsible gaming is heavily emphasized. For those facing gambling issues, resources like 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) are available in New York, along with numerous other state-specific helplines.
Whether you’re a seasoned lottery player or someone hoping for beginner’s luck, this weekend’s drawing promises to be an electrifying event. With $120 million at stake, dreams of sudden financial freedom and euphoric lottery-winning stories like those told by past winners continue to fuel the nation’s excitement. Purchase your ticket, take a chance, and maybe, just maybe, you could be the next in line to turn a hope and a dream into a reality.
