Powerball Jackpot Reaches $100 Million
The next Powerball drawing is set for Saturday, May 25, at 10:59 p.m. ET. The jackpot has climbed to an impressive $100 million, with a cash value of $47 million. This increase follows the recent drawing on Wednesday, May 22, where the winning numbers were 5-16-18-26-67, and the Powerball was 4. The Power Play multiplier for that drawing was 3X. Despite the excitement, no one claimed the grand prize, causing the jackpot to roll over.
Previous Powerball Drawings
In the previous drawing on Monday, May 20, the winning numbers were 1-7-48-64-68, and the Powerball was 5. The Power Play multiplier was 2X. Again, there was no grand prize winner, which contributed to the jackpot’s increase to $100 million for the upcoming drawing. The Powerball drawings are held three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET.
How to Play Powerball
Playing Powerball is straightforward. Each play costs $2. Players select five numbers from a pool of numbers ranging from 1 to 69 for the white balls and one number from a pool ranging from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball. Players can choose their own numbers or let the lottery terminal randomly pick them. For an additional $1 per play, players can opt for the Power Play feature, which multiplies non-jackpot winnings by two, three, four, five, or ten times when the jackpot is $150 million or less.
Odds of Winning Powerball
The odds of winning the grand prize in Powerball are approximately one in 292.2 million. However, there are nine ways to win in total, with the lowest prize being $4 for matching just one red Powerball. The overall odds of winning any prize are approximately one in 24.87 based on a $2 play. This makes Powerball an exciting game with multiple opportunities to win.
Ticket Purchase Deadlines
For those eager to participate in the next Powerball drawing, it’s essential to know the ticket purchase deadlines. In Delaware, tickets may be purchased until 9:45 p.m. ET on the day of the drawing. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, tickets can be purchased until 9:59 p.m. ET. This ensures that players have ample time to get their tickets and join the excitement.
Mega Millions Jackpot Soars to $453 Million
Not to be outdone, the Mega Millions jackpot has also seen a significant increase. The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, May 24, at 11 p.m. ET. The jackpot has grown to an estimated $453 million, with a cash option of $211.3 million. This follows the recent drawing on Tuesday, May 21, where the winning numbers were 2-5-8-28-69, and the Mega Ball was 14. The Megaplier for that drawing was 2X.
Previous Mega Millions Drawings
In the previous drawing on Tuesday, May 21, no one matched all six numbers to win the jackpot. However, one ticket in California matched five numbers (excluding the Mega Ball) and won $1 million. Another ticket in Louisiana matched five numbers and added the Megaplier, winning $2 million. The Mega Millions drawings are held twice a week on Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is similar to Powerball. Each ticket costs $2 per play, and players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1 to increase non-jackpot prizes up to five times. Players select five numbers from a pool of numbers between 1 and 70 for the white balls and one number from a pool of numbers between 1 and 25 for the Mega Ball. Players can also use the Quick Pick option for random number selection.
Odds of Winning Mega Millions
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately one in over 300 million. However, there are multiple prize tiers, with smaller prizes available for matching fewer numbers. For example, matching just the Mega Ball wins a prize of $2. Matching all five white balls wins up to $1 million, except in California, where prize amounts are pari-mutuel based on sales and the number of winners.
Where to Buy Tickets
Tickets for both Powerball and Mega Millions can be purchased at various locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. In some states, tickets can also be bought online. For example, in Pennsylvania, tickets can be purchased online at www.pailottery.com/games/draw-games/, and in New Jersey, tickets are available at njlotto.com. Additionally, the Jackpocket app allows for online ticket purchases in select states.
Claiming Prizes
Winners must claim their prizes within a specific timeframe. In Florida, for example, prizes must be claimed within six months (180 days) from the date of the drawing. To claim a single-payment cash option, winners have within the first sixty days after the applicable draw date to claim it. Scratch-off tickets and Fast Play game prizes must be claimed within sixty days of the official end-of-game date; otherwise, they expire.
Anonymity for Winners
In some states, winners cannot remain anonymous. For instance, in Florida, winners’ names, city of residence, game won, date won, and amount won are public records available upon request. However, names of winners claiming prizes of $250,000 or greater are temporarily exempt from public disclosure for ninety days unless waived by the winner. This ensures transparency while providing a brief period of privacy for significant winners.
Supporting Local Journalism
As the excitement builds for the upcoming lottery drawings, it’s essential to support local journalism. Subscribing to local newspapers and following updates from journalists like Jen Sangalang can provide valuable information and insights. Staying informed about the latest lottery news and other local events helps build a stronger community.
In conclusion, the upcoming Powerball and Mega Millions drawings offer thrilling opportunities for players to win life-changing amounts of money. With jackpots reaching $100 million and $453 million, respectively, now is the perfect time to purchase tickets and join the excitement. Remember to check the ticket purchase deadlines and play responsibly. Good luck!
