The Powerball jackpot has continued its climb to a near-record $975 million after no ticket matched all six numbers in Saturday night's draw. According to Atlanta News First, the winning numbers were 12, 13, 33, 50, 52, and the red Powerball 23. Two lucky players in Georgia weren't left empty-handed, each snagging $50,000 by matching four numbers plus the Powerball.
Since New Year's Day, when a ticket in Michigan hit a mammoth $842.4 million, no one has managed to secure the top prize, marking the 38th consecutive draw without a jackpot winner. This losing streak inches closer to break the record of 41 consecutive draws without a winner, a dubious accolade set twice in 2022 and 2021. The next chance to try and to score the jackpot comes on Monday, with hopefuls keeping an eye on the growing prize that becomes harder to hit with each rollover, as noted by NorthJersey.com. The odds of securing the Saturday night's draw were set at a steep 1 in 292.2 million.
If a single ticket matches all six numbers and opts for an annuity, the winner could enjoy a payout of $975 million over 30 years. Those preferring the less thrilling but quicker path can opt for a cash payout of $471.7 million. However, no windfall escapes the grasping hands of Uncle Sam, with federal taxes taking a bite out of the prize, along with potential state levies on lottery winnings.
Powerball aficionados who didn't hit it big this time can take another crack at fortune three days a week. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m., a regimen since a Monday draw was added in 2021. To not miss out on their shot, players should be sure to check their local cutoff time for buying tickets, which varies by jurisdiction. The deadline to buy a Powerball ticket in states like New Jersey is at 9:59 p.m., while New Yorkers have until 10 p.m. to lay down their $2 for a chance to grab that elusive jackpot.
While storefronts such as gas stations and grocery stores have long been the go-to for lottery hopefuls, the digital age allows for the more convenient method of purchasing tickets online through services like Jackpocket. This digital lottery courier, an official partner of the USA TODAY Network, operates in multiple states offering a streamlined experience from the comfort of one's home or even a smartphone, for those looking to test fate through the whims of randomly selected numbers or their own hand-picked digits.
