The Powerball jackpot has soared to an estimated $1.6 billion following Saturday night’s drawing, where there were no jackpot winners. The winning numbers for this latest draw were 4, 5, 28, 52, and 69, with the red Powerball being 20.
This upcoming drawing, scheduled for Monday night, marks the fourth largest jackpot in Powerball history and the fifth largest in the realm of U.S. lottery jackpots, as reported in a recent announcement. Matt Strawn, Chair of the Powerball Product Group and Iowa Lottery CEO, expressed excitement over the substantial prize. “Powerball is giving players a chance to dream bigger than ever this holiday season,” he stated. He emphasized that purchasing tickets not only provides a shot at life-changing winnings but also benefits essential public programs and services across the nation.
Players who wish to participate in Monday’s drawing can opt for an annuitized prize estimated at $1.6 billion or a lump sum option approximated at $735.3 million. While no one hit the jackpot in the last drawing, multiple tickets sold in states including California, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Ohio matched the five white balls, netting each ticket holder $1 million.
Additionally, the drawing yielded 112 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 22 tickets worth $150,000. Notably, one ticket sold in New Jersey won a $500,000 prize by matching all five black balls during a Double Play drawing, a feature allowing players to replay their chosen numbers for a chance at a separate $10 million prize.
This Saturday’s event is significant as it marks the second occasion where Powerball has generated back-to-back jackpots exceeding $1 billion, the first instance taking place in 2023. While the odds of winning the coveted jackpot stand at 1 in 292.2 million, players have a better chance of winning smaller cash prizes, starting from as little as $4.
Powerball drawings occur three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:59 p.m. ET, providing numerous opportunities for players to join in the excitement. The growing jackpot serves not only as a beacon of hope for potential winners but also underscores the community benefits of lottery participation, making it a thrilling prospect this holiday season.