Powerball Jackpot Soars to $1.23 Billion
The Powerball jackpot has reached an astounding $1.23 billion, making it one of the largest in history. The cash value before the next drawing stands at $595.1 million. The next drawing is scheduled for Saturday, April 6. This jackpot is the fourth-largest in Powerball history, and excitement is building as players across the country purchase tickets in hopes of winning big.
Recent Winners and Historical Context
No one has won the Powerball jackpot since January 1, when a player from Michigan won $842 million. The largest Powerball jackpot ever was $2.04 billion, won by a single California winner in November 2022. Additionally, the Mega Millions lottery was recently won on March 26 by a New Jersey player who matched all six numbers to win $1.13 billion. These massive jackpots highlight the potential for life-changing winnings.
Powerball Drawing Schedule
Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. This regular schedule provides multiple opportunities each week for players to try their luck. The last winning numbers for the April 3 drawing were 11, 38, 41, 62, and 65, with the red Powerball being 15 and the Power Play multiplier at x3. Although there were no jackpot or Match5 + Power Play winners, several states had Match5 ($1 million) winners.
Power Play Feature
For an additional $1 per play, the Power Play feature multiplies non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five, or ten times. The Match5 with Power Play prize is always worth $2 million. This feature adds an extra layer of excitement and potential winnings for players who choose to participate.
How to Play Powerball
Each Powerball play costs $2. Players select five numbers from a pool 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 pick them. There are nine ways to win prizes, ranging from matching just the red Powerball to matching all five white balls and the red Powerball for the jackpot.
Odds of Winning
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are approximately one in 292 million. The odds of winning the lowest prize, which is $4 for matching one red Powerball, are one in 38.32. Overall, the odds of winning any prize are one in 24.87. While the odds may seem daunting, the potential for a massive payout keeps players coming back.
Largest Ever Powerball Jackpots
The top five largest Powerball jackpots ever won include the $2.04 billion jackpot in November 2022 and the current $1.23 billion jackpot. These record-breaking amounts demonstrate the incredible potential of the Powerball lottery and the life-changing impact it can have on winners.
Where to Buy Lottery Tickets
Lottery tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Additionally, online orders can be placed through the Jackpocket app, which is available in specific U.S. states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, and Colorado. The app allows users to pick games and numbers online using their phone or computer, making it convenient for players to participate.
Jackpocket App Information
The Jackpocket app is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. It allows users to pick lottery games and numbers, place orders, see tickets, and collect winnings via their phone or computer. Gannett, the parent company of USA TODAY, may earn revenue from referrals to Jackpocket services. This app provides a modern and convenient way for players to participate in the lottery.
Gambling Problem Resources
For those who may have a gambling problem, various support services are available across different regions. In New York, individuals can contact 877-HOPE-NY, while those in Massachusetts can reach out to 800-327-5050. In Oregon, the support number is 877-MYLIMIT, and in Puerto Rico, it is 800-981-0023. Additionally, general support is available at 800-GAMBLER. These resources provide assistance and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
Upcoming Mega Millions Jackpot
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, with an estimated jackpot of $245 million and a cash option of $110.7 million. The most recent Mega Millions jackpot was won on March 26 by a New Jersey player who took home $1.13 billion. The winning numbers for the November 10 drawing were 13, 33, 59, 68, and 70, with the Mega Ball being 8 and the Megaplier at 3x. Although there was no jackpot winner, the excitement continues to build for the next drawing.
Recent Mega Millions Wins and Rollovers
A Texas ticket won the October 6 Mega Millions jackpot of $360 million. No one claimed the November 7 jackpot of $196 million, resulting in a rollover to the November 10 jackpot of $223 million. A Georgia ticket matched five numbers plus the Megaplier for a $3 million prize. Other recent wins include a Florida ticket that matched five numbers on November 3 for a $1 million prize, and two tickets from Michigan and New Jersey that matched five numbers on October 27 for $1 million each.
Powerball Updates
A California ticket won almost $2 billion in the October 11 Powerball drawing by matching five numbers plus the Powerball. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Saturday, November 11, at 11 p.m. ET. Ticket sales stop an hour before the drawing. Two Florida tickets won $1 million each during the October 11 drawing, adding to the excitement and anticipation for future drawings.
Lottery Ticket Information and FAQs
Mega Millions and Powerball tickets start at $2 each. In Florida, lottery tickets cannot be purchased by mail, fax, or online; they are available at over 13,000 authorized retailers. Prizes must be claimed within six months from the draw date, and single-payment cash options must be claimed within the first two months after the draw date. Unclaimed Florida Lottery prizes are transferred to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (80%) and returned to future prize pools (20%).
Odds of Winning
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five white balls plus the gold Mega Ball are approximately one in over 302.5 million. Prizes range from $2 to varying grand prize jackpots. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot by matching all six numbers are approximately one in 292.2 million, regardless of the jackpot size. These odds highlight the challenge of winning but also the potential for significant rewards.
Anonymity for Winners
Laws in eighteen states allow lottery winners to collect prizes anonymously, while other states require the winner’s name and hometown to be public record. In Florida, winners’ information must be disclosed, but temporary anonymity for large prizes ($250,000 or more) is allowed for up to three months unless waived by the winner. This provides some privacy for winners while still maintaining transparency in the lottery process.
Conclusion
The upcoming and future big lottery jackpots in the USA, including the Powerball and Mega Millions, offer incredible opportunities for players to win life-changing amounts of money. With jackpots reaching over $1 billion, the excitement and anticipation continue to grow. Whether purchasing tickets in person or through the Jackpocket app, players have multiple ways to participate and try their luck. As always, it’s important to play responsibly and seek support if needed.
