Upcoming Powerball Drawing Details
The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, at 10:59 p.m. ET. The jackpot has climbed to an impressive $161 million, with a cash value of $75.2 million. This increase follows the recent drawing on Wednesday, May 29, where no one matched all six numbers to win the grand prize. The winning numbers for that drawing were 17, 34, 56, 60, 61, and the Powerball was 9. The Power Play multiplier was 2X.
Recent Powerball Results
In the previous drawing on Monday, May 27, the winning numbers were 9, 30, 39, 49, 59, and the Powerball was 21. The Power Play multiplier for that drawing was 5X. Although there was no grand prize winner, a Match 5 winner in New York took home $1 million. The jackpot for that drawing was $143 million with a cash value of $66.8 million.
How to Play Powerball
Playing Powerball is straightforward. Each play costs $2. Players must select five numbers from a pool of numbers ranging from 1 to 69 for the white balls. Additionally, they must choose one number from a pool of numbers ranging from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball. Players can either select their own numbers or let the lottery terminal randomly pick them. For an extra $1 per play, players can add the Power Play option, which multiplies non-jackpot winnings by two, three, four, five, or ten times, depending on the multiplier drawn.
Ways to Win in Powerball
There are nine ways to win prizes in Powerball. The grand prize is won by matching all five white balls in any order and the red Powerball. Other prizes range from $4 for matching just the red Powerball to $1 million for matching all five white balls. The Power Play option can significantly increase non-jackpot winnings. For example, a $1 million prize can be multiplied to $2 million if the Power Play multiplier is 2X. In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel, meaning they are determined by sales and the number of winners.
Odds of Winning
The odds of winning the grand prize in Powerball are approximately 1 in 292 million. The odds of winning the lowest prize, which is $4 for matching one red Powerball, are approximately 1 in 38. Overall, the odds of winning any prize are approximately 1 in 25, based on a $2 play and rounded to two decimal places.
Ticket Purchase Deadlines
On the day of the drawing, ticket purchase deadlines vary by state. In Delaware, tickets can be purchased until 9:45 p.m. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the deadline is 9:59 p.m. It’s important to purchase tickets before these deadlines to ensure participation in the drawing.
Powerball Drawing Schedule
Powerball drawings are held three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. This frequent schedule provides multiple opportunities each week for players to try their luck at winning the jackpot or other prizes.
Cost of Powerball Tickets
Each Powerball ticket costs $2 per play. Players can also add the Power Play option for an additional $1 per play, which can multiply non-jackpot winnings. Additionally, players can add Double Play for another $1, giving them a second chance to win up to $10 million in a separate drawing held immediately after the main Powerball drawing.
Mega Millions Update
In addition to Powerball, the Mega Millions lottery also offers substantial jackpots. The most recent Mega Millions drawing was held on Tuesday, May 28. The winning numbers were 12, 18, 48, 57, 62, and the Mega Ball was 4. The Megaplier was 5X. The jackpot for that drawing was $489 million with a cash option of $226.4 million. No one won the grand prize, so the jackpot has increased to $522 million with a cash option of $241.4 million for the next drawing on Friday.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is similar to Powerball. Each ticket costs $2. Players must select five numbers from a pool of numbers ranging from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from a pool of numbers ranging from 1 to 25 for the Mega Ball. Players can choose their own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the lottery machine generates random numbers. For an additional $1, players can add the Megaplier option, which can increase non-jackpot prizes up to five times.
Prize Payouts and Odds in Mega Millions
Matching just the Mega Ball wins a prize of $2. Matching all five white balls wins up to $1 million, except in California, where prize amounts are pari-mutuel. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 302.6 million. The odds of matching all five white balls are approximately 1 in 12.6 million.
Cash vs. Annuity Options
Winners of both Powerball and Mega Millions can choose between a cash option and an annuity option. The annuity option pays out the jackpot over time, with an immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year. The cash option is a lump sum payment but is significantly lower than the advertised jackpot amount.
Eligibility and Purchase Locations
Powerball and Mega Millions tickets are available to anyone regardless of U.S. citizenship or state residency. Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Online purchases are also available through platforms like Jackpocket in select states.
Top Jackpots
The largest Powerball jackpot ever won was $1.586 billion, which was split among three winners in January 2016. The largest Mega Millions jackpot was $1.537 billion, won by a single ticket in October 2018. These massive jackpots highlight the potential for life-changing winnings in these popular lotteries.
Additional Resources and Information
For more details on prize charts, winning strategies, and other information related to Powerball and Mega Millions, visit their official websites. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and seek help if they have a gambling problem. Helplines and resources are available for those in need.
In conclusion, the next Powerball drawing on Saturday, June 1, offers a chance to win a $161 million jackpot. With multiple ways to play and win, both Powerball and Mega Millions provide exciting opportunities for lottery enthusiasts. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets before the deadlines and good luck!
