The Powerball jackpot continues its rise, now sitting at a staggering $120 million for the upcoming Saturday drawing after no one won the grand prize in this week’s mid-week drawing held on Wednesday. The jackpot’s increase has captured the nation’s attention, bringing with it the excitement and dreams of potential winners.
This recent surge in prize money follows a previous mark that saw a Florida resident claim a whopping $215 million on May 6. Since then, the prize pool has been growing incrementally as no ticket has succeeded in matching all the numbers required for the jackpot, enhancing the anticipation for a big win.
If someone manages to match all numbers in Saturday’s draw, they will walk away with a lump-sum payment of $56.4 million after taxes, a life-changing amount that has players eagerly purchasing tickets and hoping for a shot at the windfall.
The winning numbers for the draw held on Wednesday, May 22, were announced shortly after 11 p.m. ET. The numbers drawn were 5, 16, 18, 26, and 67. The red Powerball number was 4, and the Power Play multiplier was set to 3X. Despite the massive jackpot, no one successfully matched all five numbers plus the Powerball to claim the grand prize.
However, the drawing was not without its winners. According to official reports, while there weren’t any jackpot winners or Match 5 plus Power Play $2 million winners, a California resident did secure a Match 5 prize, earning a substantial payout of $1 million.
For those interested in trying their luck in future draws, it’s essential to know that participating in the Powerball requires purchasing a $2 ticket. These can be bought at numerous locations, including convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores across participating states. Furthermore, in a select number of states, tickets can be purchased online, adding a layer of convenience for players.
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Playing Powerball involves selecting six numbers in total – five white balls ranging between 1 and 69, and one red Powerball number between 1 and 26. For an additional $1, players have the option to add a “Power Play,” which significantly increases the winnings for non-jackpot prizes. The Power Play option can multiply non-jackpot winnings by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X, enhancing the excitement and potential payout for players.
For those who prefer not to choose their own numbers, the Quick Pick feature enables a cashier to provide a computer-generated set of numbers printed on a Powerball ticket. This method is popular for its simplicity and the belief that randomness might just help in clinching the coveted prize.
Drawings for the Powerball take place three times a week – on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights – each drawing following the same structure and rules. In the absence of a jackpot winner, the prize money rolls over, causing the jackpot to swell by millions of dollars each time, increasing the stakes and the appeal of the game.
Tickets are widely accessible, sold at various retail points such as gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery outlets. Additionally, some airport terminals even have lottery ticket sales, allowing last-minute purchases for travelers hoping for a bit of extra luck.
For those in certain states and territories, the Jackpocket app provides a digital solution. This official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network allows users to choose their lottery game, pick numbers, place orders, view their tickets, and even collect winnings via a mobile phone or home computer. Available in states like Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and others, the app has broadened accessibility and convenience for its users.
However, it’s important to note the various age requirements for participation, varying state by state, and the app’s regulations stipulating users must be of legal age to play.
As the anticipation builds for the next drawing, players across the country will be watching closely, holding onto their tickets with the hope that they might just become the next in a long line of Powerball millionaires. The continuing rise of the jackpot only adds to the fervor and the potential life-changing possibilities that a winning ticket brings. Don’t miss out on your chance to play and perhaps, just maybe, transform your life with a single winning ticket.
