Powerball Jackpot Soars to $1.23 Billion
The Powerball jackpot has reached an astounding $1.23 billion, making it one of the largest prizes in the game’s history. The cash value of this jackpot stands at $595.1 million. This is the fourth-largest prize ever offered by Powerball, and it has been growing for over four months without a winner. The last time someone won the Powerball jackpot was on January 1, when a player in Michigan took home $842 million.
Recent Winners and Historical Context
The most recent Powerball jackpot winner was a Michigan resident who won $842 million on January 1, 2024. This win marked the first Powerball drawing of the year. The largest Powerball jackpot ever was $2.04 billion, won by a single ticket holder in California in November 2022. Additionally, the Mega Millions lottery was recently won on March 26 by a player in New Jersey, who claimed a $1.13 billion prize.
Next Powerball Drawing
The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, at 10:59 p.m. ET. Players across the country are eagerly awaiting the results, hoping to become the next big winner. The winning numbers from the previous drawing on April 3 were 11, 38, 41, 62, and 65, with a red Powerball of 15 and a Power Play multiplier of 3X. Although there were no jackpot winners, several players won significant prizes, including Match 5 $1 million winners in various states.
How to Play Powerball
Playing Powerball is simple and exciting. Each play costs $2, and players must select five numbers from a range of one to sixty-nine for the white balls and one number from one to twenty-six for the red Powerball. Players can choose their own numbers or let the lottery terminal randomly select them. There are nine ways to win prizes, ranging from the jackpot to smaller amounts. The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately one in 292 million, while the odds of winning the lowest prize ($4) are one in thirty-eight.
Power Play Feature
For an additional $1 per play, players can opt for the Power Play feature, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes by two to ten times. The Match 5 with Power Play prize is always worth $2 million, regardless of the multiplier. This feature adds an extra layer of excitement and increases the potential winnings for players.
Largest Jackpots Ever Won
The five largest Powerball jackpots ever won are a testament to the game’s popularity and the life-changing potential of its prizes. The largest jackpot, $2.04 billion, was won by a single ticket holder in California in November 2022. The second-largest jackpot, $1.586 billion, was shared by three winners in California, Florida, and Tennessee in January 2016. The third-largest jackpot, $768.4 million, was won by a single ticket holder in Wisconsin in March 2019. The fourth-largest jackpot, $758.7 million, was won by a single ticket holder in Massachusetts in August 2017. The fifth-largest jackpot, $687.8 million, was shared by two winners in Iowa and New York in October 2018.
Where to Buy Tickets
Powerball tickets can be purchased at various locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Additionally, players can buy tickets online through the Jackpocket app, which is available in several U.S. states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows users to pick lottery games and numbers online using their phone or computer, see their tickets, and collect winnings digitally.
Responsible Gambling Information
While the excitement of potentially winning a massive jackpot is undeniable, it is essential to practice responsible gambling. Players should set a budget for their lottery spending and stick to it. If gambling becomes a problem, several resources are available for support. Contact details for gambling problem support services are provided across different states, ensuring that help is accessible to those who need it.
Upcoming Mega Millions Jackpots
In addition to Powerball, the Mega Millions lottery also offers substantial jackpots. The most recent Mega Millions jackpot was won on March 26 by a player in New Jersey, who claimed a $1.13 billion prize. The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9, with an estimated jackpot of $345 million. Players can participate by purchasing tickets at authorized retailers or through online platforms like the Jackpocket app.
Historical Mega Millions Jackpots
Mega Millions has a history of offering some of the largest lottery jackpots in the world. The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever was $1.537 billion, won by a single ticket holder in South Carolina in October 2018. The second-largest jackpot, $1.05 billion, was won by a single ticket holder in Michigan in January 2021. The third-largest jackpot, $656 million, was shared by three winners in Kansas, Illinois, and Maryland in March 2012. The fourth-largest jackpot, $648 million, was shared by two winners in California and Georgia in December 2013. The fifth-largest jackpot, $543 million, was won by a single ticket holder in California in July 2018.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is similar to playing Powerball. Each play costs $2, and players must select five numbers from a range of one to seventy for the white balls and one number from one to twenty-five for the gold Mega Ball. Players can choose their own numbers or let the lottery terminal randomly select them. There are nine ways to win prizes, ranging from the jackpot to smaller amounts. The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately one in 302 million, while the odds of winning the lowest prize ($2) are one in thirty-seven.
Mega Millions Megaplier Feature
For an additional $1 per play, players can opt for the Megaplier feature, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes by two to five times. The Megaplier number is drawn separately from the main numbers and applies to all non-jackpot prizes won in that drawing. This feature adds an extra layer of excitement and increases the potential winnings for players.
Conclusion
The upcoming and future big lottery jackpots in the USA, including Powerball and Mega Millions, offer players the chance to win life-changing amounts of money. With jackpots reaching into the billions, the excitement and anticipation continue to grow. Whether you choose to play Powerball, Mega Millions, or both, remember to play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game. Good luck!