Powerball Jackpot Reaches New Heights
The next **Powerball** drawing is set to take place on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 10:59 p.m. ET. The jackpot has climbed to an impressive $164 million, with a cash value of $74.9 million. This follows the April 27 drawing, where no grand prize winner emerged. The winning numbers for that draw were 9, 30, 53, 55, and 62, with the Powerball number being 23 and the Power Play multiplier at 3X.
Recent Powerball Winners
In the April 27 drawing, there were notable winners despite no one hitting the jackpot. Two players, one from **Georgia** and another from **New Jersey**, matched five numbers, each winning $1 million. The last time the Powerball jackpot was won was on June 10, 2024, by a player from **New Jersey**, who took home a staggering $222.6 million.
How to Play Powerball
Playing Powerball is straightforward. Each ticket costs $2, and players can add the Power Play option for an additional $1 to increase non-jackpot prizes up to five times, except for the Match Five prize. To play, select five numbers from a pool of one to sixty-nine and one number from one to twenty-six for the red Powerball. For those who prefer not to choose their numbers, a quick pick option is available for random number selection.
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. It’s crucial to purchase tickets before the deadline to ensure participation. For example, in **New Jersey**, the deadline is 9:59 p.m., while in **New York**, it’s 10 p.m.
Mega Millions Jackpot Continues to Grow
The upcoming **Mega Millions** drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 10:59 p.m. ET. The jackpot has reached a substantial $257 million, with a cash option of $115.6 million. This follows the April 26 drawing, where no grand prize winner was found. The winning numbers for that draw were 11, 17, 33, 39, and 43, with the Mega Ball number being 14 and the Megaplier at 4X.
Recent Mega Millions Winners
The last Mega Millions jackpot was won on March 23, 2024, by a single winner from **New Jersey**, who claimed $1.13 billion, the fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever. Despite no jackpot winners in the April 26 drawing, the excitement continues to build as the jackpot grows.
How to Play Mega Millions
To play Mega Millions, each ticket costs $2, with the option to add the Megaplier for an additional $1 to increase non-jackpot prizes by two to five times. Players select six numbers: five from a range of one to seventy (white balls) and one from a range of one to twenty-five (gold Mega Ball). A quick pick option is also available for those who prefer random number selection.
Mega Millions Drawing Schedule and Ticket Purchase Deadlines
Mega Millions drawings are held twice a week on Tuesday and Friday at 10:59 p.m. ET. Ticket purchase deadlines vary by state. For instance, in **New York**, tickets can be purchased in-store and online until 10 p.m. on the night of the draw. In **New Jersey** and **Connecticut**, the deadline extends to 10:45 p.m.
Odds of Winning and Prize Information
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are approximately one in 292 million, while the odds of matching all five white balls are about one in 11.6 million. For Mega Millions, the odds of winning the jackpot are roughly one in 302.6 million. Despite these long odds, the allure of massive jackpots keeps players coming back.
Powerball prizes range from $4 for matching the Powerball to the jackpot for matching all six balls. Mega Millions prizes also vary, with the top prize being the jackpot and smaller prizes for matching fewer numbers. Detailed prize payouts are available on the respective lottery websites.
Where to Buy Lottery Tickets
Lottery tickets for both Powerball and Mega Millions are available in forty-five states, plus **Washington D.C.**, **Puerto Rico**, and the **U.S. Virgin Islands**. Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Additionally, online purchases are available through the **Jackpocket** app in specific 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**.
Watching the Drawings
Both Powerball and Mega Millions drawings are broadcast live on their respective lottery websites at the scheduled drawing times. Additionally, local TV stations may also broadcast the drawings, allowing players to watch the results in real-time.
Scam Warnings and Anonymity for Winners
Players should be cautious of scammers claiming that lottery winners are giving away money. It’s essential to verify any such claims through official lottery channels. Some states allow winners to remain anonymous, such as **New Jersey**, while others require the winner’s name and hometown to be public record.
Conclusion
With the Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots reaching impressive heights, the excitement for the upcoming drawings is palpable. Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying your luck for the first time, the potential for life-changing winnings is within reach. Remember to purchase your tickets before the deadlines and tune in to watch the drawings live. Good luck!
