Powerball Fever Intensifies as Jackpot Soars to $835 Million

Powerball Fever Intensifies as Jackpot Soars to $835 Million

Jackpot Grows After No Winner Emerges

The Powerball jackpot has risen to an astounding $835 million following the recent drawing where no winning ticket emerged. This significant sum, which is the fourth-largest in the game’s history, has elicited a sense of excitement among potential players. The winning numbers for the draw were 10, 12, 22, 36, 50, with a Powerball of 4.

Long Streak of No Jackpot Winner

There have been 29 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner, showing just how challenging it is to secure the coveted jackpot. The last time a Powerball jackpot was claimed was on July 19, when a ticket sold in California won a $1.08 billion prize. This long streak without a jackpot winner is due to the highly unfavorable odds of winning the Powerball jackpot, which stand at 1 in 292.2 million.

Significant Prizes for Matching Five Numbers

Even if the jackpot remains elusive, other substantial prizes can still be won. In the recent draw, three tickets sold in Florida and one in Oregon matched five numbers, each winning a hefty $1 million prize. This shows that there’s still a chance to win big, even if the grand prize remains unclaimed.

Choosing Between Annuity and Cash Payout

If a lucky player does manage to overcome the odds and win the jackpot, they will be faced with a choice: to opt for an annuitized prize worth an estimated $835 million, spread out over 30 years, or to choose a lump sum payment estimated at $390.4 million. However, winners almost invariably select the cash payout option, which is paid out in one go, rather than in installments over time. It’s important to note that these substantial sums will be subject to federal taxes, and some states also impose taxes on lottery winnings.

The Powerball Game: A Nationwide Phenomenon

Powerball is played in 45 states across the U.S., as well as in Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Tickets for the game are priced at $2 each, making it an accessible form of entertainment for many.

Watch Out for Lottery Scams

With the excitement surrounding the Powerball jackpot, it’s important for players to be wary of potential lottery scams. The Federal Trade Commission warns against scams that involve receiving a call, email, or letter claiming that you’ve won a sweepstakes, lottery, or prize, and then asking you to pay money in order to access your winnings. Powerball also emphasizes that lotteries will never contact players via email or social media to inform them that they’ve won a prize, unless they’ve specifically entered an official lottery promotion or contest.