North Carolina Player Wins Big on New Year’s Day
A lucky lottery player in Stanly County, North Carolina, started the new year with a bang by winning a $1 million Powerball prize. The winning ticket was purchased at the Friendly Mart on N.C. 24/27 West Bypass in Albemarle. This ticket matched all five white balls in the New Year’s Day drawing, securing the $1 million prize. The odds of matching numbers on all five white balls are a staggering 1 in 11.6 million, making this win a remarkable feat. Winners have 180 days to claim their prizes, so the clock is ticking for this fortunate individual.
Arizona Joins the Million-Dollar Club
In addition to the North Carolina winner, another $1 million winning ticket was sold in Arizona during Wednesday’s drawing. This marks a significant win for the state, adding to the excitement of the Powerball lottery. The odds of winning such a prize are incredibly slim, making these victories all the more special for the winners. With no one claiming the Powerball jackpot, the next drawing will offer a $200 million grand prize or a $90.7 million cash option, keeping the excitement alive for lottery enthusiasts.
Powerball Jackpot Continues to Grow
The Powerball jackpot for the January 1 drawing increased to $200 million after no one claimed it following Wednesday’s drawing. The estimated jackpot on Wednesday was $181 million, which rose to $200 million with a cash value of $90.7 million. In 2024, a Michigan lottery club won an $842 million jackpot at the start of the year, highlighting the potential for life-changing wins. Nine winners were recorded in 2024, with the largest jackpot of $1.3 billion won by three players in Oregon, including a cancer survivor. The last jackpot of 2024 occurred in December when a ticket sold in New York won a $256 million prize.
Winning Numbers and Upcoming Drawings
The first Powerball draw of 2025 took place shortly after 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 1. The winning numbers for January 1, 2025, were 6, 12, 28, 35, and 66, with the Powerball being 26 and the Power Play multiplier at 3X. Despite the excitement, no one won the Powerball jackpot or the Match 5 + Power Play $2 million prize for this draw. However, two tickets sold in Arizona and North Carolina won the Match 5 $1 million prize. The next drawing is scheduled for Saturday, January 4th, at 11 p.m. ET, offering another chance for hopeful players to strike it rich.
How to Play Powerball
For those interested in trying their luck, playing Powerball is straightforward. Players can purchase a $2 ticket from local convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores, with some states offering online purchases. Participants pick six numbers in total: five white balls, with numbers ranging from 1 to 69, and one red Powerball, with numbers between 1 and 26. Adding “Power Play” for an extra $1 can increase non-jackpot winnings by up to ten times, ranging from 2X to 10X, providing an additional incentive for players.
Where to Buy Tickets
Tickets are widely available at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even some airport terminals. For those who prefer the convenience of online purchases, Jackpocket offers a digital solution in select U.S. states and territories. As the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, Jackpocket allows users to manage their lottery activities via phone or computer, making it easier than ever to participate in the excitement of the lottery.
Kerala Lottery Results Announced
Meanwhile, across the globe, the Kerala Lottery Result for January 2, 2025, has been declared for the “Karunya Plus KN-554” draw. This draw is one of seven weekly lucky draws conducted by the Kerala State Lottery Department. The first prize winner receives ₹80 lakh, with a full list of winners available for those eager to check their luck. The draw was held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, adding to the anticipation and excitement for participants.
Responsible Gambling and Prize Claims
As always, responsible gambling is encouraged, with contact information provided for gambling support services across various regions. Winners are advised to surrender their winning tickets within 30 days and verify their numbers with results published in the Kerala Government Gazette. Instructions on how to claim prize money and what to do if your ticket gets damaged are provided, ensuring a smooth process for those fortunate enough to win.
Looking Ahead
With the Powerball jackpot continuing to grow and the Kerala Lottery offering substantial prizes, the excitement surrounding lottery games remains high. As players eagerly await the next drawing, the possibility of life-changing wins keeps the dream alive for many. Whether it’s a million-dollar prize in North Carolina or a significant win in Kerala, the lottery continues to capture the imagination and hopes of people worldwide.
