The Powerball jackpot has reached an impressive $820 million for the drawing scheduled on Saturday, December 6. This figure represents a cash option of $383.5 million. The last winning numbers drawn on November 29 were 1, 14, 20, 46, 51, and the Powerball was 26, with a Powerplay multiplier of 3x.
Previous Wins and Recent Drawings
Despite no winners of the jackpot in the latest draw, there were significant wins. A ticket sold in Kentucky earned $2 million for matching five white balls along with the Power Play. Additionally, other tickets sold in California and Florida each won $1 million for matching five white balls.
Notable Recent Wins
- September 6: Two tickets in Missouri and Texas split nearly $1.8 billion in the second-largest jackpot in history.
- May 31: A winner in California claimed $205 million.
- April 26: A Kentucky player won $168 million.
- March 29: An Anaheim, California player secured $526.5 million.
- January 18: A player won $331 million.
How to Play Powerball
To participate in Powerball, players must select five numbers ranging from 1 to 59, plus a sixth number, the Powerball, from 1 to 26. Players can choose their numbers manually or use a random number generator through the lottery machine. There are nine ways to win prizes.
Winning the Jackpot
The jackpot is won by matching all five white balls in any order along with the red Powerball.
Claiming Prizes
Winners can choose between two options for claiming the jackpot:
- An annuity, which pays out in 30 graduated payments over 29 years.
- A lump sum payment, both before federal and state taxes are deducted.
Cost of Playing Powerball
A standard ticket costs $2 per play. An optional add-on called Powerplay can be purchased for an additional cost, allowing potential winnings to be multiplied by up to ten times. In Idaho and Montana, including Power Play raises the ticket price to a minimum of $3 per play.
Draw Schedule and Availability
The Powerball drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM Eastern Time. The lottery is available in 45 states, Washington D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
For those considering playing, understanding the rules, prize claiming methods, and the structure of the game can enhance the experience. Good luck!
