The quest for instant millionaire status continues as no Powerball participants successfully matched all five numbers plus the Powerball during Monday, April 15’s drawing. Consequently, the grand prize has now escalated rapidly to a staggering $78 million in anticipation of the upcoming Wednesday, April 17 drawing.
Last Wednesday’s winning combination emerged as 24-29-44-47-54, with the illustrious Powerball solidified as number 2. Power Play was drawn at 2x. Meanwhile, Monday’s winning numbers were 7-16-41-56-61, with the Powerball at 23 and Power Play at 3x.
Those yearning to test their fortunes can join the exhilarating fun for the affordable price of $2 per ticket. Participants, especially those from Wisconsin, are advised to familiarize themselves with the lottery odds, claiming period for cash prizes, and the protocols regarding unclaimed prize money, as stated in the Wisconsin Lottery regulations.
The much-anticipated Powerball lottery jackpot for that Wednesday was estimated to be $78 million with a cash alternative of $36.5 million. For those wondering, Wisconsin Lottery participants are given a 180-day (approximately six months) grace period from the drawing date to claim their prizes. A comprehensive list of expired tickets or those nearing their expiration dates is conveniently available on the Wisconsin Lottery website.
On the off chance that a prize goes unclaimed, the Wisconsin Lottery guarantees that the value of the said unclaimed prizes are directed to Wisconsin’s Lottery property tax relief fund. Meanwhile, the odds for striking it rich in the Powerball lottery game, hosted at 10 p.m. CDT every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, stand at 1 in 292.2 million. Prizes vary from a minor amount of $2 to the plump, fluctuating grand prize jackpot.
Interestingly, lottery enthusiasts should note that their chances of winning any prize amount to 1 in 24.9, according to powerball.com. The slim odds of matching all six drawn numbers – 1 in 292.2 million – apply irrespective of the jackpot, whether it stands at $20 million or shoots up to an overwhelming $1 billion.
For those musing over anonymity, the Wisconsin Lottery’s rules under the state’s open record laws decree that the name and city of winners must be disclosed upon request. Additional information can only be divulged with the winner’s consent. To claim a lottery prize in Wisconsin, the amount won determines the appropriate claiming procedure.
For winnings up to $599, recipients can collect their prize at any Wisconsin Lottery retail or at the Wisconsin Lottery offices in Madison or Milwaukee. Bear in mind that it is recommended to arrive by 3:30 p.m. to ensure enough time for ticket processing. Alternatively, tickets can be mailed to Prizes, P.O. Box 777 Madison, WI 53774.
For larger winnings between $600 and $199,999, prizes can be claimed in person at the Wisconsin Lottery offices in Madison or Milwaukee. Arrive by 3:30 p.m. for most prizes, and by 2 p.m. for those amounting to $50,000 or more. These tickets can also be mailed to the previously stated address.
As for the highly fortunate recipients of prizes exceeding $200,000, these must be claimed in person at the Madison office. Schedule a time to process the ticket by calling the Wisconsin Lottery office at 608-261-4916.
As historical events go, 11 lottery jackpots have exceeded or hit the $1 billion mark as of April 17, 2024, with only one astonishingly surpassing $2 billion.
The words ‘Fortune Favor You’ couldn’t be more apt as Wisconsinites and others across the nation prepare to participate in the next Powerball draw. Whether you wish to join in on the fun or you’ve already purchased your tickets, we wish you the very best of luck.