Lottery enthusiasts and casual players alike feel the mounting excitement as the Powerball jackpot balloons to a near-record high. The latest figures estimate the prize at a staggering $687 million, offering a cash value of $327.3 million for the winner who manages to select the perfect combination of numbers in this week’s draw. Since there were no winners in Monday evening’s drawing, the pot continues to grow, reaching sums that could transform lives overnight.
It has been several weeks since the Powerball brought forth a millionaire—specifically since January 1st when a ticket holder in Michigan hit the jackpot with a prize worth $842 million. However, this current prize pot still falls short of the colossal $2.04 billion jackpot, which made history in November 2022 as the largest Powerball jackpot ever claimed by a single ticket in California.
Timing is crucial for participants aiming to take their shot at winning. The upcoming Powerball drawing will occur on Wednesday, March 20th. Participants have the opportunity to engage in these drawings three times a week, with each event happening on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET.
While the grand jackpot eluded players this past Monday, the drawn numbers of 10, 17, 20, 39, and 44, paired with the Powerball number 16 and a 3X Power Play, delivered other significant wins. There was a Match 5 + Power Play $2 million winner from Florida and several Match 5 $1 million winners scattered across Maryland, Minnesota, Virginia, and Texas totaling two winners in the latter state.
The Power Play option, which can be added to the ticket for an extra dollar, can greatly enhance lower-tier winnings. This multiplier is selected before each draw and has the potential to increase non-jackpot prizes by two to ten times. Should a player match five numbers with the Power Play option, the prize is a guaranteed $2 million, according to Powerball rules.
Purchasing a ticket costs $2 per play, and participants can select their numbers manually or opt for a random selection facilitated by the lottery terminal. Players choose five numbers ranging from 1 to 69 for the white balls and a single number from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball. There are nine different ways to win, including a chance to multiply non-jackpot winnings up to ten times with the Power Play when the jackpot is under $150 million.
The Powerball stands apart as it does not set all its prize amounts; the grand prize fluctuates with each drawing. In some locales like California, prize amounts are contingent on ticket sales and the number of winners for each tier. The odds of clinching the jackpot are slim, one in 292,201,338 to be exact, but there are better chances for smaller prizes like the $4 payout for just the red Powerball, which has odds of one in 38.32.
As dreams of wealth circulate, eager players are reminded of the five largest Powerball jackpots to date, stirring aspirations of joining the elite list of top winners. Tickets are accessible at various retail locations like gas stations, groceries, and even some airport terminals. Furthermore, with the digital age providing new conveniences, tickets can also be acquired online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, available in selected states and territories.
Jackpocket streamlines the process of playing the lottery by allowing users to choose their game, select numbers, place orders, view their ticket, and collect winnings—all from the comfort of their phone or home computer. Users must be of legal gambling age, which varies by state, and adhere to the terms of service. Jackpocket is committed to responsible gambling, with various support services listed for those needing assistance.
As the Powerball approaches this astronomical figure, players across the country are holding their breath with tickets in hand, all vying for a chance at life-changing wealth. The collective gaze is set on the next set of lucky numbers that could herald the newest Powerball multimillionaire.
