Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $185 Million
The Powerball jackpot has surged to an impressive $185 million as of Wednesday. No one claimed the top prize in Monday’s drawing, leaving the massive sum up for grabs. If someone wins Wednesday’s jackpot, they can opt for an $86 million lump-sum payment according to lottery estimates. The winning numbers drawn on Wednesday night were: White Balls: 8, 44, 45, 51, 69, and Powerball: 12. The Power Play Multiplier was 3X.
Stories of Previous Winners
Lottery winners often have fascinating stories. One previous $1.3 billion Powerball winner was a cancer survivor who prayed for the win. Another story highlights a woman who won $50,000 from the Virginia Lottery while running errands for her mom. These stories add a human touch to the otherwise numbers-driven world of lotteries.
How to Play Powerball
Playing Powerball is straightforward. Purchase a $2 ticket at local convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores. Some states offer online purchases. Players need to pick six numbers in total: five white balls ranging from numbers 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number between 1 and 26. For an additional $1, players can add a “Power Play” which increases winnings for all non-jackpot prizes by multiplying them by up to ten times (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X). Players can also ask a cashier for a “Quick Pick” where computer-generated numbers are printed on their ticket.
Drawing Schedule and Prize Increase
Drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. If there is no jackpot winner, the cash prize increases by millions. Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Online orders through Jackpocket are available in specific U.S. states and territories including Arizona, Arkansas, and Colorado among others.
Jackpocket App Features
The Jackpocket app allows users to pick their lottery game and numbers, place orders, see tickets, and collect winnings using their phone or home computer. This digital convenience has made it easier for people to participate in lotteries without leaving their homes.
New Jersey Lottery Winners
The New Jersey Lottery offers multiple draw games for those looking to win big. The Pick-3 winning numbers for Wednesday, June 5, 2024, were Midday: 0 – 1 – 4; Fireball: 4. The evening numbers were to be drawn at 10:57 p.m. The Pick-4 winning numbers for Wednesday, June 5, 2024, were Midday: 8 – 6 – 6 – 2; Fireball: 4. The evening numbers were also to be drawn at 10:57 p.m. Jersey Cash 5 drawings are held daily at 10:57 p.m. Cash4Life drawings are held daily at 9:00 p.m. Pick-6 drawings are held each Monday and Thursday at 10:57 p.m. Quick Draw and Cash Pop drawings are held every four minutes.
Lottery Scams and Responsible Gambling
While the lottery can be a source of joy, it is essential to be aware of lottery jackpot scams. Knowing how to spot a scammer can save you from potential fraud. Additionally, help for gambling addiction is available by calling or visiting the provided resources (1-800-GAMBLER or www.800gambler.org).
Mega Millions Jackpot Winner
A single ticket holder from Illinois won the Mega Millions jackpot on June 4, 2024. The winning numbers were: 19, 37, 40, 63, 69, and the Mega Ball was 17. The Megaplier was 3X. The jackpot amount was $560 million with a cash option of $264.0 million. This prize is the ninth largest in the game’s history. Two other tickets matched all five numbers without the Mega Ball, each worth $1 million. One ticket was bought in California, and another ticket was purchased in Maryland.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is similar to Powerball. Tickets can be purchased at local convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and online in some states. Players need to pick six numbers: five white balls ranging from numbers between 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball number between 1 and 25. For those who believe the odds are against them, they can ask for a “Quick Pick” or an “Easy Pick,” where the computer randomly generates the numbers. Players can add the “Megaplier” for $1 which can increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four, or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.
Where to Buy Lottery Tickets
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Online purchases through Jackpocket (the official digital lottery courier of USA TODAY Network) are available 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.
Responsible Gambling Information
Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. You must be of legal age (18+, or older depending on the state) to participate. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. For gambling problems, call the respective helplines provided per state. Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
Wisconsin Lottery Specifics
In Wisconsin, prizes must be claimed within 180 days (six months) from the date of the drawing. Unclaimed prize money is credited to the Wisconsin Lottery property tax relief fund. Wisconsin lottery winners cannot remain anonymous due to state open records laws. Upon request, the name and city of the winner must be released; other information is released only with consent. For prizes up to $599, winners can mail their tickets to Prizes P.O. Box, Madison, WI. For prizes between $600 and $199,999, winners should mail their tickets to Prizes P.O. Box. Specific instructions for prizes exceeding $200,000 were not provided in the text.
Historical Jackpot Information
As of June 4, 2024, there have been eleven lottery jackpots that reached or surpassed $1 billion. Only one jackpot has surpassed $2 billion. The top ten largest lottery jackpots in U.S. history include both Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots.
In conclusion, the world of lotteries is filled with excitement and life-changing moments. From the Powerball to Mega Millions, each draw brings new opportunities for players to win big. Whether you play for fun or dream of hitting the jackpot, always remember to play responsibly.
