Powerball Jackpot Reaches New Heights
The next **Powerball** drawing is set for Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 10:59 p.m. ET. The jackpot has climbed to an estimated $72 million, with a cash option of $34.7 million. This follows the recent drawing on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, where the winning numbers were 4, 27, 44, 50, and 64, with a Powerball of 7 and a Power Play of 3X. Unfortunately, no one claimed the grand prize, but one lucky player in New York matched five numbers plus the Power Play, winning $2 million.
How to Play Powerball
Playing **Powerball** is straightforward. Each ticket costs $2, and players select five numbers from a pool of white balls numbered 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. For an additional $1, players can opt for the Power Play, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes up to five times, or even ten times if the jackpot is less than $150 million. The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately one in 292.2 million, while the odds of matching all five white balls are about one in 11.7 million.
Powerball Drawing Schedule and Deadlines
**Powerball** drawings occur three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. The Monday drawings were added in 2021 to give players more chances to win. Ticket purchase deadlines vary by state. For example, in New Jersey, tickets can be bought until 9:59 p.m., while in New York, the deadline is 10 p.m.
Mega Millions Jackpot Continues to Grow
The **Mega Millions** jackpot is also on the rise, with the next drawing scheduled for Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 11 p.m. ET. The current jackpot stands at $97 million, with a cash option of $46.4 million. This follows a recent win in Illinois at the beginning of June, where a lucky player claimed the jackpot. The largest Mega Millions prize ever won was $1.537 billion in South Carolina in October 2018.
How to Play Mega Millions
To play **Mega Millions**, tickets cost $2 per play. Players choose five numbers from a pool of numbers between 1 and 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. There is also an Easy Pick or Quick Pick option, where the terminal randomly selects the numbers. For an additional $1, players can add the Megaplier, which increases non-jackpot prizes by two to five times. The odds of winning the grand prize are one in 302.6 million.
Where to Buy Tickets
**Powerball** and **Mega Millions** tickets are available in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They are not available in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Additionally, online orders are available through the Jackpocket app in specific states, including Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Jackpocket App: A Convenient Option
The **Jackpocket app** is an official digital lottery courier service that allows users to pick games and numbers, place orders, see tickets, and collect winnings via phone or computer. This app provides a convenient way for players to participate in the lottery without having to visit a physical location. It is available in several 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.
Odds of Winning and Prize Information
The odds of winning the **Powerball** jackpot are approximately one in 292.2 million, while the odds of matching all five white balls are about one in 11.7 million. For **Mega Millions**, the odds of winning the grand prize are one in 302.6 million. Prizes for Powerball range from $4 for matching just the Powerball to $1 million for matching all five white balls, except in California, where prize amounts are pari-mutuel. Mega Millions prizes also vary, with the lowest prize being $2 for matching the Mega Ball.
Payout Options for Winners
Winners of both **Powerball** and **Mega Millions** can choose between two payout options: annuity or cash. The annuity option provides an immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments, which increase by 5% each year. The cash option is a lump sum that is significantly lower than the advertised jackpot but is paid immediately. Some states, such as New Jersey, allow winners to remain anonymous, providing an added layer of privacy.
Scam Awareness and Responsible Gambling
Players should be aware of lottery scams. Legitimate winners are not giving away money, and any such offers should be treated with suspicion. It is important to play responsibly and seek help if gambling becomes a problem. Contact information for gambling assistance is available for those who need it.
Historical Context and Top Jackpots
Since its inception in 1992, **Powerball** has seen some of the largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history. The largest Powerball jackpot ever was $2.04 billion, won in November 2022. Similarly, **Mega Millions** has had several record-breaking jackpots, with the largest being $1.537 billion in October 2018. These massive prizes have made both lotteries incredibly popular, drawing millions of players each week.
Conclusion
With the **Powerball** and **Mega Millions** jackpots continuing to grow, now is an exciting time for lottery enthusiasts. The next Powerball drawing is on Saturday, June 22, 2024, and the next Mega Millions drawing is on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Whether you choose to play in-person or online, remember to play responsibly and keep an eye on those winning numbers. Good luck!
