The U.S. Powerball jackpot has soared to $1.4 billion after no players matched all six winning numbers on October 4th (local time). Another Powerball drawing has concluded without a winner. The winning numbers announced on October 4th were 9, 35, 54, 63, 64, and the Powerball number 1.
As a result, players will have the chance to win the Powerball jackpot on October 7th, with hopes of ending the 11-week period without a winner. In a playful tone, CNN mentioned dreams of buying 400 private planes or several Lamborghini Veneno Roadsters for you and your 143 closest friends could become a reality after the latest Powerball drawing.
According to Powerball officials, this is the first time in Powerball’s history that there have been two consecutive jackpots reaching the billion-dollar mark. The Powerball jackpot has surpassed the $1 billion mark twice before: once in January 2016, when the massive $1.586 billion prize was won by tickets sold in California, Florida, and Tennessee, and again in November 2022.
The Associated Press reported that in the October 4th drawing, only one ticket sold in Pennsylvania matched all five numbers, winning $2 million. The most recent Powerball jackpot winner was on July 19th. At that time, the California Lottery announced on Twitter: “California has a new Powerball billionaire. The lucky ticket was sold at Las Palmitas supermarket in Los Angeles and was the only ticket in the nation to match all 6 numbers in the July 19th drawing, winning the $1.08 billion Powerball jackpot.”
According to the AP, the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, making it incredibly challenging. To put it into perspective, the odds of being struck by lightning are 1 in 1 million. Speaking about the likelihood of striking it lucky, CNN suggested that people are more likely to be struck by lightning or be born on Leap Day than to win the Powerball jackpot.
Powerball is available in 44 U.S. states, Washington D.C., the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. A Powerball ticket costs $2. The Powerball jackpot is drawn three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Players choose five numbers from a set of 1 to 69. The sixth number called the Powerball, is chosen from a different set, ranging from 1 to 26. Players with all six matching numbers win the jackpot, which is divided equally if multiple people win.
Most Powerball winners choose to receive a lump sum payment. Winners are subject to a 37% tax. Winners can also choose to receive the prize as an annuity paid out over 29 years.
