The Powerball jackpot has skyrocketed to an impressive $750 million after no participant managed to match all six numbers in the Saturday, August 23 drawing. This staggering amount positions the upcoming draw on Monday as the tenth largest in the game's history and marks the 37th roll since the jackpot was last claimed on May 31 in California.
The winning numbers from the latest drawing were 11, 14, 34, 47, 51, and the Powerball 18, with a PowerPlay multiplier of 2x. Although no one hit the jackpot, the lottery announced that millions were awarded in secondary prizes: a ticket in South Dakota scored $2 million by matching five white balls and doubling the prize through the Power Play option, while two tickets sold in Maine and New York each won $1 million.
Additionally, five players won $100,000, and another 31 secured $50,000 each. If a winner emerges on Monday, they will have the option between a lump sum payment of $338.6 million before taxes or an annuity paid over 30 years, with an immediate initial payout followed by 29 annual payments increasing by 5% each year.
The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), which runs Powerball, highlighted that this drawing is now part of the significant milestones of the lottery, which has awarded five jackpots exceeding $1 billion in its history. The record-breaking jackpot stands at $2.04 billion, won in Altadena, California, on November 7, 2022.
Powerball is among the most popular lottery games in the United States, available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each ticket costs $2, with drawings held three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. (ET). To win the jackpot, players must correctly select five numbers from the white balls (1-69) and the additional red Powerball number (1-26). The odds of winning the jackpot are a slim 1 in 292.2 million, though smaller prizes start at $4 for those who match some numbers.
Claim periods for prizes vary from 90 days to a year, depending on state regulations where the ticket was purchased. Since its inception in 1992, Powerball has not only distributed millions in prizes but has also allocated a significant share of its revenue to social causes. Official figures show that over more than three decades, the game has generated $36 billion for community programs and projects.
As eyes turn to the Monday drawing, which could transform a lucky player's life, the excitement continues to build. Should there be no winner, the jackpot will continue to grow, leading to another drawing on Wednesday, August 27, with the potential to climb even higher on Powerball's list of largest jackpots.
Understanding Powerball's Growing Jackpot
How much does a Powerball ticket cost?
A Powerball ticket costs $2, with additional options like Power Play available for an extra fee.
What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.
Where can Powerball tickets be purchased?
Powerball tickets are available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
What happens if no one wins the Powerball jackpot?
If no one wins the Powerball jackpot, it continues to increase until a winner is drawn.