Next Powerball Drawing
The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Monday, May 27, at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The jackpot has climbed to an estimated $131 million, with a cash option of $61.2 million. This follows the recent drawing on Saturday, May 25, where no one matched all six numbers to win the $121 million jackpot. The winning numbers for that drawing were 6, 33, 35, 36, 64, and the Powerball number was 24, with a Power Play multiplier of 3x.
Recent Powerball Winners
A recent winner in Florida claimed a $214 million prize, resetting the current estimated jackpot to $120 million. Additionally, a smaller winning ticket worth $1 million was sold in Texas. These wins have contributed to the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming drawing. The Powerball lottery starts with a jackpot of $20 million and increases with each draw without a winner, making it one of the most popular lotteries in the United States.
How to Play Powerball
To play Powerball, participants must choose six numbers, including one Powerball number. Players select five numbers between 1 and 69 and one Powerball number between 1 and 26. The Powerball number can be the same as one of the first five numbers because it is drawn from a separate pool. Each play typically costs $2, with an additional $1 for the Power Play feature, which adds a multiplier up to 10x to non-jackpot prizes when the jackpot is $150 million or less.
Where to Buy Powerball Tickets
Tickets for the Powerball lottery can be purchased at any lottery retailer or located via the Lottery Places app. The cutoff time for ticket purchases in Arizona, for example, is 6:59 p.m. on the night of the draw. Drawings are streamed live on the lottery website and may also air on local television stations, allowing players to watch the results in real-time.
Next Mega Millions Drawing
The next Mega Millions drawing is set for Tuesday, May 28, at 11 p.m. The jackpot for this drawing has reached an impressive $453 million, with a cash option of $209.8 million. The winning numbers for the previous drawing on Friday, May 24, were 46, 54, 56, 67, 70, and the Mega Ball was 16, with a Megaplier of 3x. No one matched all six numbers, so the jackpot continues to grow.
Recent Mega Millions Winners
The last Mega Millions jackpot was won on March 26 by a player in New Jersey, who took home $1.128 billion, the fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever. This win has added to the excitement surrounding the upcoming drawing, as players hope to become the next big winner. The Mega Millions lottery is known for its large jackpots and frequent rollovers, making it a favorite among lottery enthusiasts.
How to Play Mega Millions
To play Mega Millions, participants must select five numbers from a pool of numbers ranging from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from a pool of numbers ranging from 1 to 25 for the Mega Ball. Players can also use the Quick Pick option for random number selection. Each ticket costs $2, with an optional Megaplier for an additional $1 to increase non-jackpot prizes up to five times.
Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets
Mega Millions tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Online purchases are also available through Jackpocket in select states. There is no requirement to be a U.S. citizen or resident of the state where the ticket is purchased, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
Odds and Payouts
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are approximately 1 in 292.2 million, while the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are about 1 in 302.6 million. Despite these long odds, many players are drawn to the potential for life-changing prizes. Matching just the Mega Ball in Mega Millions wins $2, and matching all five white balls wins up to $1 million (except in California). Powerball also offers various prize levels for matching fewer numbers.
Jackpot Payout Options
Winners of both Powerball and Mega Millions have two payout options: the annuity option and the cash option. The annuity option provides an immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments, increasing by 5% each year. The cash option is a lump sum payment, which is significantly lower than the advertised jackpot but provides immediate access to the funds.
Anonymity for Winners
Some states allow lottery winners to remain anonymous, while others require the disclosure of the winner’s name and hometown. This can be an important consideration for winners who value their privacy. For example, Florida law mandates that certain information about winners be provided upon request, but names of winners claiming prizes of $250,000 or greater will be temporarily exempt from public disclosure for ninety days unless waived by the winner.
Responsible Gambling
As the excitement builds for the upcoming lottery drawings, it is important to remember the importance of responsible gambling. Players are encouraged to set limits on their spending and to seek help if they feel they may have a gambling problem. Contact information for gambling problem support services is available across various states, ensuring that help is accessible to those who need it.
In conclusion, the upcoming Powerball and Mega Millions drawings offer the chance to win life-changing jackpots. With the Powerball jackpot at $131 million and the Mega Millions jackpot at $453 million, players are eagerly anticipating the next drawings. Whether you choose to play Powerball or Mega Millions, remember to play responsibly and enjoy the excitement of the game.
