As the magic hour approaches, lottery enthusiasts around the country are fixated on the Powerball jackpot that has soared to a staggering $306 million. The much-awaited drawing will take place shortly after 11 p.m. EST this coming Saturday, capturing the attention of dreamers hoping to strike it rich.
For those lucky enough to grab the winning ticket, and if they opt for the cash option, an astounding $144.5 million awaits to transform their lives. The numbers drawn on the night of Feb. 17 could potentially mint a new multi-millionaire, and the results will be eagerly posted here the following morning.
Presented by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY network, the winning numbers will provide one of the biggest financial windfalls to date. As soon as the numbers are announced and if there is a jackpot winner, any and all updated information will be readily available on this platform. Lottery aficionados can reference the full roster of previous Powerball winners by clicking on the provided link to the lottery’s official website.
While the giant jackpot may be incredibly enticing, players are reminded that the likelihood of hitting the Powerball grand prize is quite slim, yet the chance at life-changing wealth is too enticing for many to pass up.
Participation in the Powerball game is straightforward—a mere $2 per play. Participants must select five numbers from a set ranging from one to 69 for the white balls and a single number from one to 26 for the distinguishing red Powerball. For those who prefer to leave their fate to chance, there is also an option to have numbers randomly assigned.
Securing the jackpot requires a perfect match of all five white balls numbers with the red Powerball. However, the game also offers a further eight ways to win through non-jackpot tiers based on varying numbers of matched balls.
The Powerball non-jackpot prizes range from $4 to as much as $1 million. By investing an extra dollar, players can add the “Powerplay” option, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes by factors of 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times, depending on what is drawn. Notably, the 10X multiplier is only in play when the jackpot is less than $150 million. Also, with the Powerplay activated, the second-tier “Match 5” prize cannot exceed $2 million.
Select jurisdictions offer a “Double Play” feature for an additional $1 per play, providing a second chance to win with numbers already chosen following each Powerball drawing.
Purchasing tickets is a breeze, available at local retailers like gas stations, grocery and convenience stores, as well as certain airport terminals. A more modern approach to buying tickets can be found online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, servicing Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, 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 enables you to select your game and numbers, place an order, review your ticket, and collect your winnings all from the convenience of your smartphone or home computer.
Jackpocket serves as the bridge for seamless digital lottery transactions within the USA TODAY Network. Gannett, the parent company, may receive revenue from customer referrals to Jackpocket services. Please note, players must be 18 or older to participate, or 21+ in Arizona and 19+ in Nebraska. The service is independent and not affiliated with state lotteries. Those with a gambling problem are encouraged to seek help through various helplines provided for each state and territory. Full terms and responsible gaming practices can be reviewed at jackpocket.com/tos.
