Could today mark the beginning of a major change in your financial fortune? Listen closely. The lottery jackpot has soared to a staggering $98 million, leaving countless hopefuls dreaming of pocketing the cash option estimated at $45.2 million in Saturday’s enticing Powerball draw. Isn’t that tantalizing? The last instance of such exhilarating luck occurred not so long ago, on April 6. An Oregon native’s life dramatically changed overnight when he claimed the $1.326 billion jackpot – forever etching his name in the annals of history as the fourth highest lottery winner of all time.
Enormous winnings, however, are not confined to just Powerball. The Mega Millions is also witnessing skyrocketing figures, with its jackpot currently standing at a prodigious $202 million and the cash option a handsome $91.3 million. So, did you partake in yesterday’s Powerball lottery, drawn on April 20, 2024? The lucky tickets bore these numbers: 4, 35, 41, 44, 58, and a Powerball of 25. And let’s not forget the Powerplay of 3x!
And as the dust settles, the anticipation for the next draw begins to fester. Powerball never leaves its participants waiting long, with staggering draws three times weekly – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights at precisely 10:59 p.m. This thrilling tradition of Monday draws was instigated in 2021.
Buying a Powerball ticket is time-sensitive, with deadlines varying from state to state. Hence, any last-minute risks might cost you your golden ticket to the jackpot. For instance, in New Jersey, 9:59 p.m. on the drawing day is the deadline. For those residing in New York, they have until 10 p.m. sharp.
The game’s popularity is undoubted, with Powerball captivating the hearts of enthusiasts in 45 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In-person ticket purchases are possible at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores, and even some airport terminals partake in the action providing lottery tickets. Technological advancements have certainly changed the game (quite literally) with Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, now offering a seamless online purchasing process in numerous U.S. states, from Arizona to West Virginia.
Viewers can tune into the anticipation-filled draw on the lottery website at 10:59 p.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Local television stations might also carry the broadcast. Still, the game is not without its odds. Indeed, the statistics when it comes to winning are eye-opening – with a 292,201,338-to-1 shot at winning the jackpot.
The vast pool of lottery millionaires in the United States face a seemingly difficult choice after their monumental blessing: whether to opt for annuity or cash payment. The incremental allure of the annuity option is paid out over a thirty-year span with a 5% increase with each passing year. On the other hand, the cash option might be significantly lower than the advertised jackpot but is paid in a hefty lump sum, with no waiting in decades-long lines for your deserved winnings.
And should lady luck favor you, you may ask, ‘can I remain anonymous?’ Indeed, in some states such as New Jersey, lottery winners can bask in the luxury of their win anonymously. Contrastingly, in other states, a winner’s name and hometown become public record under lottery regulations.
Finally, we ought to pay homage to the record-shattering jackpots since Powerball began its euphoric run in 1992- topped by the $2.04 billion won in California on Nov. 7, 2022. However, the Mega Millions lottery cannot be left in its shadow, with a staggering $2.04 billion won on August 8, 2023, by a fortunate Floridian. A toast to the dreamers who dare to take the shot at the grandeur and opulence that come with these life-altering jackpots!
