Powerball enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating Saturday night’s drawing, as the jackpot has surged to a staggering $1.23 billion, making it the fourth largest in Powerball history and the eighth largest in U.S. lottery history. With an estimated cash value of $595.1 million, the excitement is palpable as players across the nation rush to purchase tickets for their chance at the massive prize.
Last night’s drawing saw no jackpot winner, as none of the tickets matched all six numbers: 11, 38, 41, 62, 65 for the white balls and 15 for the red Powerball, with a 3X Power Play multiplier. Despite the absence of a jackpot winner, nine lucky tickets matched all five white balls, securing $1 million prizes each. Winners hailed from California (2), Georgia, Massachusetts (2), Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Washington.
Additionally, 64 tickets won $50,000 prizes, while 17 tickets clinched $150,000 prizes. Notably, in California, prize payouts vary based on sales and the number of winners, following a pari-mutuel system.
Meanwhile, in the Double Play drawing, a fortunate ticket holder in Florida matched all five black balls, winning a $500,000 prize. The winning Double Play numbers were 10, 44, 53, 60, 63 for the black balls and 13 for the Powerball.
This Saturday’s drawing marks the 41st consecutive drawing in the current jackpot run, tying the game record for the longest streak without a jackpot winner. The last Powerball jackpot was claimed on New Year’s Day in Michigan.
Should a player clinch the jackpot on Saturday, they will face the choice between an annuitized prize of approximately $1.23 billion or a lump sum payment of around $595.1 million, both before taxes. The annuity option offers one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments, each increasing by 5 percent.
With Powerball tickets priced at $2 each, players from 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are participating in the anticipation. Moreover, more than half of all proceeds from ticket sales remain within the jurisdiction where the ticket was purchased.
Powerball drawings, which occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, are broadcast live from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee and streamed online on Powerball.com.
The odds of winning any prize stand at 1 in 24.9, while the odds of hitting the jackpot are a daunting 1 in 292.2 million. As excitement mounts and dreams of fortune soar, players eagerly await the outcome of Saturday’s drawing, hoping to secure their place in Powerball history.
