The Powerball Jackpot: Big Dreams and Bigger Odds

The Powerball jackpot is a rollercoaster of excitement and suspense. On Saturday, December 27, the prize was $21. 1 million, with a cash value of $9. 2 million. This comes just after a massive $1. 8 billion win in Arkansas on Christmas Eve, one of the largest lottery wins in U. S. history. Winning the Powerball is a dream for many, but the odds are slim. The winning numbers for the December 27 drawing were 62, 5, 34, 39, 20, and the Powerball was 1. The multiplier was 2x. The lucky winner from Arkansas had a choice: take an immediate payment followed by annual checks over 29 years or a lump sum of about $834. 9 million before taxes. Playing Powerball costs $2 per ticket. It's available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U. S. Virgin Islands. You can buy tickets at convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores. Some states even allow online purchases.To play, you pick six numbers: five white balls numbered 1 to 69 and one red Powerball numbered 1 to 26. You can also add a “Power Play” for $1, which multiplies non-jackpot winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x. If you're not feeling lucky, the “Quick Pick” option lets the computer choose your numbers. Powerball drawings happen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. If no one wins the jackpot, the prize keeps growing. The top 10 Powerball jackpots include some staggering amounts, like the $2. 04 billion win in California on November 7, 2022. You can also buy tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier. It's available in several states and territories. The Jackpocket app lets you pick your numbers, place your order, and collect winnings from your phone or computer.