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The Powerball fever continues to grow in the United States.
After the Wednesday drawing, in which no one guessed the six winning numbers, the jackpot of the most popular lottery in the country rose to 950 million dollars, making it the sixth highest prize in its history and the largest announced in over a year.
On that day, the drawn numbers were 9, 12, 22, 41, 61, and the red Powerball 25, with a Power Play multiplier of 4X.
Although there was no overall winner, six tickets sold in Arizona, New York, and Virginia won a million dollars by matching the five white balls. Three other players in Mississippi, Ohio, and Virginia doubled their winnings to two million thanks to the Power Play option.
There were also 40 tickets reported with prizes of $50,000 and another ten that reached $200,000.
A historical accumulation
The next drawing, scheduled for this Saturday, will be the number 39 since the last time someone won the jackpot, in May 2025 in California.
If there is a winner, this person will go down in history alongside those who have won prizes exceeding one billion dollars, as was the case in 2022 and 2023, when the largest jackpots ever recorded in Powerball were awarded.
Meanwhile, anticipation is growing across the United States, where long lines to purchase tickets are already starting to multiply at gas stations and stores.
The dream of becoming a millionaire overnight is reignited with the hope that next Saturday someone will manage to overcome the astronomical odds.
How to play and what are the odds
Powerball has become a national phenomenon due to the magnitude of its prizes and the simplicity of its format.
Each ticket costs 2 dollars and allows you to choose five main numbers, in addition to an extra ball known as the Powerball.
For an extra dollar, players can add the Power Play feature, which multiplies the secondary prizes—though it does not apply to the main jackpot—except in California, where this option is not available.
Winning the jackpot, however, is an almost impossible feat: the odds of correctly picking all six numbers are just 1 in 292 million.
Even so, the expectation of an immediate change in lifestyle keeps millions of people in 45 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, buying tickets every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM (Eastern Time).
The appeal is enhanced by the winner's option to choose between a lump-sum cash payment of $428.9 million or receiving an annuity plan that spans 30 years, with payments increasing by 5% each year.
The additional option known as Double Play is also gaining popularity among players. For an extra cost of 1 dollar, it allows players to use the same numbers from the main draw in a second game, where they can win prizes of up to 10 million dollars.
What to consider if you buy a ticket
If you win the jackpot, you can choose between an annuity or a lump sum payment. Both options are subject to federal taxes (and, where applicable, state/local taxes).
Always check the rules of your state or territory and sign the ticket as soon as you purchase it to protect your claim.
With the jackpot hitting $950 million, the fever for Powerball is soaring once again. The next drawing: Saturday at 10:59 PM ET. Will there be a new billionaire?
Frequently Asked Questions about Powerball and Its Growing Jackpot
What is the current jackpot for Powerball?
The current Powerball jackpot is 950 million dollars. This amount makes it the sixth highest prize in the history of the game and the largest announced in over a year. Expectations are high for the next drawing, which will take place on Saturday at 10:59 PM (Eastern Time).
How do you play Powerball?
To play Powerball, you must choose five numbers from 1 to 69 and an additional number known as the Powerball from 1 to 26. Each ticket costs 2 dollars. Players can add the Power Play option for an additional dollar to multiply secondary prizes. Drawings take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million. Despite these low odds, millions of people participate in hopes of winning. There are also smaller prizes with an overall probability of 1 in 24.9 of winning one of them.
What options does a Powerball winner have to claim their prize?
The Powerball winner can choose between a one-time cash payment or receiving the prize in annual installments over 30 years. The lump sum is lower than the total advertised prize due to taxes and deductions. The annuity option offers an initial payment followed by increases of 5% each year.
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