The Powerball jackpot has surged to an impressive $120 million for the upcoming Saturday drawing, following the absence of any winning tickets in Wednesday’s draw. With anticipation reaching fever pitch, lottery enthusiasts are now eagerly eyeing this sizeable prize pool, which has been steadily accumulating since a fortunate Florida resident took home the $215 million Powerball jackpot earlier in May.
If someone manages to hit the jackpot this Saturday, they would walk away with a lump-sum payment of approximately $56.4 million after taxes. This tantalizing figure is sure to attract the attention of players nationwide, each hoping to secure life-changing wealth with a simple lottery ticket.
Highlights from Wednesday’s Powerball drawing have left participants and observers abuzz. Drawn just after 11 p.m. ET, the winning numbers for the May 22 drawing were 5, 16, 18, 26, and 67, with the red Powerball being 4 and the Power Play multiplier at 3X. Although the jackpot itself remained untouched, there was a stroke of good fortune elsewhere.
Despite no one clinching the grand prize or the Match 5 + Power Play $2 million reward, there was a notable winner in California. According to lottery officials, one lucky ticket holder matched all five white numbers, securing a substantial $1 million prize. For those curious to explore the roll of previous Powerball winners, a full list is available on the lottery’s official website.
For those unfamiliar with the game, buying a $2 Powerball ticket requires a visit to a local convenience store, gas station, or grocery store. In a few states, tickets are also available for purchase online. The mechanics of the game involve picking a total of six numbers: five white ball numbers ranging from 1 to 69 and a single red Powerball number between 1 and 26.
To potentially boost your winnings, players can opt to add a “Power Play” to their ticket for an additional $1. This option enhances the payouts for all non-jackpot prizes, multiplying winnings by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X, depending on the Power Play number drawn.
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For those who prefer a hassle-free approach, asking the cashier for a “Quick Pick” will yield computer-generated numbers printed directly onto a Powerball ticket. This method alleviates the challenge of choosing specific numbers and leaves everything to chance.
Powerball drawings are conducted thrice weekly, on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. In the event that no jackpot-winning ticket is drawn, the cash prize rolls over and increases by millions, heightening the excitement and anticipation for the next drawing.
Tickets can be acquired from a variety of locations, ensuring convenience for eager participants. Gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores remain the primary outlets, but some airport terminals also vend lottery tickets. For those who prefer a digital approach, Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, provides a seamless online ticket purchasing option.
Available in several U.S. states and territories—including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C., and West Virginia—Jackpocket allows players to select their lottery game and numbers, place orders, view their ticket, and collect winnings, all via their phone or home computer. Players must meet certain age requirements, typically 18+, though some states adhere to different age thresholds, such as 21+ in Arizona and 19+ in Nebraska.
Powerball enthusiasts and potential first-time players are reminded to play responsibly. Jackpocket provides support for those who may need assistance, including contact numbers for various help centers and a comprehensive terms of service available on their website.
As the excitement builds for Saturday’s drawing, the Powerball lottery continues to capture the imagination of millions, offering a dream of financial freedom with every purchased ticket. Will someone step forward to claim the $120 million prize? The answer will soon be revealed in the next thrilling installment of America’s favorite game of chance.
