Latest Powerball Winning Numbers
The most recent Powerball drawing took place on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The winning numbers were 8, 38, 52, 54, 64, with the Powerball number being 15. The Power Play multiplier for this drawing was 3x. The jackpot for this draw was estimated at $206 million, with a cash option of $96.9 million. The next jackpot is expected to rise to $221 million, with a cash option of $104 million.
Previous Powerball Jackpot Wins
The last time the Powerball jackpot was won was on May 6, 2024, by a player from Florida who took home a staggering $214 million. This win has kept the excitement high among lottery enthusiasts, hoping to be the next big winner.
Mega Millions Jackpot and Winning Numbers
The Mega Millions drawing on June 7, 2024, did not produce a grand prize winner. The winning numbers for this draw were 3, 5, 12, 22, 66, and the Mega Ball was 7. The Megaplier was 4X. The jackpot for this draw was $20 million, with a cash option of $9.3 million. The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, with an estimated jackpot of $30 million and a cash option of $13 million.
Notable Lottery Winners
One of the most heartwarming stories in recent lottery history involves a man battling cancer who won a $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot. He decided to split the winnings with his wife and a friend, showcasing the power of generosity even in the face of personal challenges.
Unclaimed California Lottery Ticket
A winning California lottery ticket worth $2,941,708 remains unclaimed. The ticket was purchased on December 12, 2023, at an SK gas station on National Blvd in the Mar Vista neighborhood. The ticket matched five numbers but missed the Mega Number. The deadline to claim this prize is Friday at 5 p.m. If unclaimed, the winnings will go to the California public school system.
Powerball Drawing Schedule and Ticket Purchase Deadlines
Powerball drawings are held three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. The ticket purchase deadlines vary by state. In New Jersey, the deadline is 9:59 p.m., while in New York, it is 10 p.m. on the day of the drawing.
How to Play Powerball
Playing Powerball is straightforward. Each ticket costs $2. Players have the option to add Power Play for an additional $1, which can increase non-jackpot prizes up to five times (or ten times if the jackpot is less than $150 million). Players select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one number from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball. Alternatively, they can opt for a quick pick ticket generated by the lottery machine.
Prize Information
Powerball prizes range from $4 (for matching just the Powerball) to $1 million (for matching all five white balls), except in California, where prize amounts vary. The jackpot is won by matching all six balls. The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately one in 292,201,338. The odds of matching all five white balls are approximately one in 11,688,053.
Where to Buy Lottery Tickets
Lottery tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. They are also available online through the Jackpocket app in certain states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.
Payout Options for Major Lotteries
Winners of major lotteries in the U.S. have two payout options. The annuity option is paid out over time, with an immediate payment followed by annual payments that increase by five percent each year over 29 years. The cash option is paid as a lump sum but is significantly lower than the advertised jackpot amount.
Anonymity for Lottery Winners
In some states, like New Jersey, winners can remain anonymous due to recent laws allowing it. However, other states require the winner’s name and hometown to be public record. This difference in laws can impact how winners choose to claim their prizes.
Conclusion
The excitement surrounding the California lottery continues to grow with each drawing. Whether it’s the Powerball or Mega Millions, the chance to win life-changing amounts of money keeps players coming back. With multiple ways to play and various prize levels, the lottery remains a popular pastime for many. As always, players are encouraged to play responsibly and to check their tickets regularly to avoid missing out on potential winnings.
