The excitement surrounding the Powerball lottery continues to escalate as the jackpot has now surged to an impressive $120 million for the upcoming Saturday draw. This rise follows a series of drawings without a grand prize winner, including the latest draw held on Wednesday night, which saw hopeful participants once again walk away without the ultimate prize.
The most recent climb in the jackpot began after a lucky Florida resident scooped up a $215 million Powerball jackpot on May 6. Since that winning moment, no one has managed to match all the numbers needed to claim the top prize, causing the jackpot to balloon with each subsequent drawing. As anticipation builds for the next chance to win, one can’t help but fantasize about the possibility of taking home a payout of $56.4 million in a lump-sum option, post-taxes, should someone strike it rich on Saturday.
Wednesday’s drawing, which took place shortly after 11 p.m. ET, revealed the winning numbers, sparking widespread curiosity among ticket holders eagerly checking their picks. For those who missed it, the winning numbers from the May 22 Powerball draw were 5, 16, 18, 26, and 67, with a red Powerball number of 4 and a Power Play multiplier of 3X.
Although there were no winners of the primary jackpot or even the Match 5 plus Power Play prize of $2 million, the draw did produce a significant win. A ticket sold in California matched the five white balls, securing a $1 million prize for its owner. The California winner joins a lengthy list of individuals who have managed to win sizeable prizes through Powerball’s various tiers, albeit not the jackpot itself.
For those eager to participate in the next drawing, purchasing a Powerball ticket is straightforward. A standard ticket costs $2, and can be bought at local convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and in certain states, online. To play, one must choose six numbers: five white balls from a pool ranging from 1 to 69, and one red Powerball number between 1 and 26. If picking numbers feels daunting or if one prefers a random selection, a “Quick Pick” option is available where a machine will generate the numbers.
Enhancing one’s chances of winning non-jackpot prizes is possible by adding the “Power Play” for an additional $1.
. This feature multiplies winnings for non-jackpot prizes, potentially increasing them by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X, based on the multiplier drawn that evening. This offers an exciting incentive for participants aiming to maximize their potential earnings without hitting the jackpot.
Powerball drawings are held three times weekly, on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. If no ticket matches all six drawn numbers, the jackpot continues to grow, adding more excitement to each subsequent draw. Tickets can be bought in physical locations like gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Even some airport terminals are known to sell lottery tickets, making it convenient for travelers to try their luck while on the move.
In addition to in-person purchasing options, the digital era offers the convenience of buying tickets online through services like Jackpocket. This official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network operates in various 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. Using the Jackpocket app, participants can select their lottery game and numbers, place an order, view their ticket, and claim their winnings, all from the comfort of their phone or home computer.
It’s important to note that the access and rules around lottery participation, including age restrictions, may vary by state. Moreover, the USA TODAY Network stipulates disclaimers warning of the risks associated with gambling, urging those with gambling problems to seek help through designated helplines.
As Saturday night’s draw approaches, the anticipation heightens. Will someone step forward to claim the colossal $120 million prize, or will the jackpot once again roll over, growing even larger? Only time will tell, but for now, Powerball fever continues to grip the nation.
