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The Powerball lottery is heating up once again as the jackpot has surged to an awe-inspiring $131 million for the upcoming Monday night draw. This escalation follows another drawing without a grand prize winner this past Saturday.
Had there been a lucky winner for the prior $121 million jackpot, and had they opted for the lump-sum payment, their bank account would have swelled by an impressive $56.7 million after taxes, according to lottery officials.
Saturday night’s Powerball numbers were revealed just after 11 p.m. ET, and the eagerly awaited results are finally in. For those who missed it, the fortunate numbers drawn on that thrilling evening were 6, 33, 35, 36, and 64, with a Powerball of 24. Additionally, the Power Play multiplier was 3X.
While the jackpot remained elusive, there was a glimmer of fortune in Texas where one player matched all the white ball numbers for a Match 5 prize of $1 million.
The race for the next jackpot is underway, and players across the nation are advised to have their tickets ready as the excitement builds. If you’re itching to try your luck, purchasing a Powerball ticket is simple enough. All you need to do is visit a local retailer such as a convenience store, gas station, or grocery market. For residents in a select few states, there’s also the convenient option of purchasing tickets online.
Playing Powerball involves selecting six numbers in total – five white balls numbered between 1 and 69 and one red Powerball numbered between 1 and 26. An additional option to bolster your chances of a significant payout is the “Power Play.” For an extra dollar, this feature can amplify the rewards for all non-jackpot prizes, potentially multiplying your winnings by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X, depending on the drawing.
For those who prefer not to choose their own numbers, there’s the “Quick Pick” feature where a cashier can provide you with a randomly generated set of numbers on a printed ticket.
Drawings for Powerball take place three times a week – on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights.
. Should no one clinch the jackpot, the prize fund accumulates even further, adding millions more.
Ticket purchases aren’t restricted to just traditional brick-and-mortar locations. Travelers might find tickets available at certain airport terminals as well. And in modern fashion, the Jackpocket app allows users in various U.S. states and territories to buy tickets digitally. This service offers a seamless experience where users can pick their lottery game and numbers, place their ticket orders, and even claim their winnings – all from the convenience of a phone or home computer.
The Jackpocket app serves as the official digital lottery courier for the USA TODAY Network and is accessible in the following locations: 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. Gannett, which owns the USA TODAY Network, may receive revenue from audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Users must be 18 or older to participate, though the age requirement increases to 21 in Arizona and 19 in Nebraska.
While the stakes are high and excitement brews, it is important to remember responsible gaming. For those who suspect a gambling problem, there are resources available for support. In New York, individuals can call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369). Other states have their own dedicated hotlines, such as 1-800-327-5050 in Massachusetts, 1-877-MYLIMIT in Oregon, 1-800-981-0023 in Puerto Rico, and 1-800-GAMBLER in other regions.
As the anticipation builds for Monday night’s drawing, the lure of becoming an instant multi-millionaire resonates with countless Powerball enthusiasts across the country. Will we see a lucky winner this time? Only time will tell. Until then, all eyes are on the Powerball numbers, and hope remains alive in the hearts of every ticket holder.
