The Powerball jackpot has surged to a staggering $120 million for the upcoming Saturday drawing. This increase follows a series of draws without a jackpot winner, most recently on Wednesday night. Enthusiasm among lottery players is building, as the hefty sum of money presents a tantalizing possibility for anyone feeling lucky enough to participate.
The rapid growth of the jackpot began after a Florida resident claimed a sensational $215 million Powerball jackpot on May 6. Since then, the prize has been accumulating with each draw as no new winners have been able to match the winning numbers. Should someone manage to hit the jackpot on Saturday, they would be eligible to take home an impressive $56.4 million in a lump-sum payment after taxes.
The eagerly awaited numbers for Wednesday night’s draw were announced shortly after 11 p.m. ET. The winning numbers for the Powerball draw on May 22 were 5, 16, 18, 26, and 67. The red Powerball number was 4, and the Power Play multiplier was 3X.
This announcement comes without a fresh jackpot victor or any winners of the second-tier $2 million Match 5 + Power Play prize. However, California had reasons to celebrate as a player secured the $1 million Match 5 prize, demonstrating that while elusive, winning is far from impossible.
For those eager to try their luck, here’s a rundown on how to participate in the Powerball lottery. Purchasing a ticket is straightforward and can be done at local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery retailers. In select states, tickets can even be bought online, making it more accessible than ever to join in on the excitement. Each ticket costs $2, and participants need to select six numbers in total: five white ball numbers ranging from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number between 1 and 26.
For players wanting to amplify their winnings on non-jackpot prizes, adding a Power Play to their ticket for an extra dollar is a popular choice. This addition can multiply winnings by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X.
. For those who prefer to leave their fortune in the hands of probability, asking for a “Quick Pick” ticket is an efficient option. In this case, a cashier will print out a ticket with randomly generated numbers.
Powerball drawings are held thrice weekly on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. If a drawing concludes without a jackpot winner, the prize money continues to climb, heightening the anticipation for the next draw.
Lottery tickets can be conveniently purchased at many physical locations such as gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery shops. Additionally, some airports offer lottery ticket sales, catering to travelers who can’t resist the lure of a potential windfall.
Online options are available as well. Through Jackpocket—the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network—players in various states and territories can purchase their tickets. These include 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. The Jackpocket app allows users to choose their game and numbers, place orders, view their tickets, and even collect winnings, all through their mobile devices or computers.
It’s essential to note that Jackpocket extends its services to eligible users who meet the minimum age requirements. These requirements vary: participants must be 18 years or older in most states, 21+ in Arizona, and 19+ in Nebraska. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery, and those with gambling issues are urged to seek help through various hotlines available in their respective regions. The platform’s full terms and conditions can be found on its website at jackpocket.com/tos.
As the anticipation for Saturday’s drawing continues to build, countless lottery enthusiasts are gearing up for their chance at a life-changing win. Whether choosing numbers thoughtfully or leaving it to fate with a Quick Pick, the dream of hitting that massive jackpot sparks excitement and hope across the nation.