Anticipation hung heavy in the air as hopeful dreamers waited for news about the Powerball Jackpot for the Saturday drawing. The winnings at stake? A nerve-wracking $1.326 billion, swelled from its initial estimated worth of $1.3 billion from last Wednesday’s drawing. An announcement was expected just past 11 p.m. ET on Saturday night, but an unforeseen delay rocked the night as the required “pre-draw procedures” weren’t completed in due time.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, the bewitchingly generous numbers were finally revealed. The winning selection that would change someone’s life forever had digit weights of 22, 27, 44, 52, and 69 complemented by a Powerball number of 9. The Power Play was set at a triple multiplier.
These numbers were cast into the public eye at about 2:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, after a long quiet period punctuated by an error in one participating state. Initially pegged at the still astronomically large total of $1.3 billion, the final ticket sales managed to sneak the jackpot value up to $1.326 billion.
This impressive pot of gold joins the ranks as the fourth largest prize in the history of the Powerball game and the eighth-largest amongst all U.S lottery games, according to lottery officials.
To the joy of many, a winning ticket to this coveted lottery was announced to be in the hands of a fortunate individual from Oregon, as stated by Powerball officials early Sunday morning.
How did this single person amass such a fortune, one might be wondering? The answer lies in the simplicity and accessibility of the Powerball itself. All it took was a meager investment of $2 for a ticket, a common commodity found at local convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores, a total of six lucky numbers – five from a pool of 1 to 69 to be filled on white balls and one red Powerball number falling between 1 and 26.
To increase potential earnings, an extra $1 for a “Power Play,” takes the stakes even higher, multiplying any non-jackpot winnings. With entries counted thrice over the week, cash prizes have the potential to snowball into larger sums even if a jackpot winner doesn’t emerge.
For individuals in select U.S states and territories, like Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, and others, lottery tickets can be purchased online through Jackpocket, the digital lottery courier partnering with the USA TODAY Network. Convenience and fortune brought together on your phone or home computer.
The ripples from this captivating Powerball event extend far beyond the borders of Oregon. Spaning the length and breadth of the nation, many dreamers are left wondering – whose life will be transfigured next?