Excitement is building as the Powerball jackpot has soared to a staggering $120 million for the upcoming Saturday drawing, following an absence of winners in Wednesday night’s drawing. This jackpot, which has been progressively increasing, took its most recent leap after a Florida resident took home a $215 million jackpot on May 6.
For those eagerly eyeing Saturday’s drawing, winning the jackpot will potentially allow them to walk away with a cash value of approximately $56.4 million, post-tax deductions. This upcoming event promises to be yet another thrilling chapter in the ongoing saga of America’s favorite lottery game.
The results from the Wednesday, May 22 drawing were revealed just after 11 p.m. ET, bringing an end to the day’s anticipation. The winning numbers drawn were 5, 16, 18, 26, and 67, and the red Powerball, an essential part of the game’s mechanics, was the number 4. The Power Play multiplier for this drawing was 3x, which could have significantly boosted winnings for non-jackpot prizes.
Despite no one securing the jackpot or the Match 5 + Power Play $2 million prize, there was a significant victory for one fortunate individual in California who matched the five white balls, earning them $1 million. Full details and a comprehensive list of previous Powerball winners are available on the lottery’s official website.
For those inspired by these tales of sudden wealth and eager to try their luck, purchasing a Powerball ticket is relatively simple. Tickets, priced at $2 each, can be bought at local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In select states, tickets are also available for purchase online, adding a layer of convenience for digital-savvy participants.
The game itself involves selecting six numbers in total. Players pick five numbers from a pool of white balls numbered 1 through 69. The sixth number is the red Powerball, which ranges from 1 to 26. To potentially increase their winnings, players have the option to add a “Power Play” to their ticket for an additional $1.
. This feature multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x, depending on the draw.
For those who find the decision process daunting, the “Quick Pick” option is available. By opting for Quick Pick, the ticket is automatically generated by a computer, selecting the numbers on behalf of the player. This feature is readily available at locations selling Powerball tickets.
The Powerball draws take place three times a week – every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday night. In the event that no one claims the jackpot, the prize amount continues to grow, sometimes reaching astronomical figures that capture the imagination of millions.
In addition to traditional retail locations, the convenience of purchasing tickets online is facilitated through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier for the USA TODAY network. This service operates in several 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. Users can manage their entire lottery experience through the Jackpocket app or website, from selecting their game and numbers to placing orders and receiving winnings.
It’s important to note that while Jackpocket is affiliated with the USA TODAY Network, it is not connected to any state lottery program. Additionally, the service is available to individuals aged 18 and over, though certain states have higher age requirements, such as 21+ in Arizona and 19+ in Nebraska.
For those who find their excitement teetering on the edge of becoming a concern, support and resources are available. Jackpocket provides information on addressing problem gambling and offers contact details for relevant helplines, including 1-877-8-HOPE-NY for New York residents, 1-800-327-5050 in Massachusetts, 1-877-MYLIMIT for Oregon, and 1-800-981-0023 in Puerto Rico. All other states can reach out to 1-800-GAMBLER for assistance.
As the clock ticks down to Saturday’s draw, millions of Americans are holding their breaths and dreaming big, ready to see if the next set of numbers will turn their fortunes around and bring home that transformative $120 million jackpot. Will you be the next Powerball millionaire? Only time will tell!
