U.S. Lottery
Powerball jackpot at almost $1 billion after no winner in latest drawing
The Powerball jackpot has soared to nearly $1 billion after no ticket matched all six numbers in the latest drawing, continuing a streak of luckless outcomes that has lottery players across the United States on the edge of their seats. The prize, which now stands at an estimated $975 million, is the result of 37 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner, a run that began after the last jackpot was claimed on New Year's Day.
The winning numbers for the March 30 drawing were 12, 13, 33, 50, 52, and the Powerball was 23, with a Power Play multiplier of 3X. Despite the lack of a grand prize winner, the drawing was not without its smaller victories. Powerball officials reported that winning tickets worth $1 million were sold in Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, a $150,000 ticket was sold at a Kroger in Grove City, Ohio.
The Powerball jackpot has been growing larger since the last winner nearly three months ago, and the current prize is the fifth largest in the game's history. The jackpot has continued ballooning after months of no one matching all six numbers for the top prize. The last Powerball jackpot was won on Jan. 1, and there have been 37 consecutive drawings without a winner since, Powerball says.
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, making it a rare event to capture the top prize. The game's long odds are by design, allowing jackpots to grow large and attract more sales. The $975 million prize is for a sole winner who chooses an annuity, paid over 30 years. Winners who opt for cash would be paid $471.7 million before taxes. The prizes would be subject to federal taxes, and many states also tax lottery winnings.
The frequency of large jackpots has surged for both Powerball and Mega Millions in recent years as both games doubled ticket prices and lowered odds. Last August, a single winning ticket was sold in Neptune, Florida, for a $1.6 billion jackpot, the largest in Mega Millions history, and the third-largest in lottery history. In February 2023, a winning ticket sold near Los Angeles claimed a $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot, the largest in lottery history.
Powerball is played in 45 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 11 p.m. Eastern. The next drawing, which is set for Monday, April 1, at 10:59 p.m., will give players another chance to win the nearly $1 billion prize, with a cash option worth $471.7 million.
Lottery officials urge anyone lucky enough to win a Powerball jackpot to consult a financial adviser — while keeping that valuable ticket safe — before showing up at a lottery office for an oversized check. The excitement and anticipation for the next drawing are palpable, with players dreaming of what they would do with such a life-changing sum of money.
As the Powerball jackpot approaches the $1 billion mark, it is not just the potential winners who are affected. The lottery also has a significant economic impact, with ticket sales contributing to state revenues and often supporting various public sector programs, including education, park services, and funds for veterans and seniors.
In the meantime, players are reminded to play responsibly as the Powerball jackpot continues to climb, and the nation watches with bated breath to see if the next drawing will produce a billionaire or if the jackpot will roll over yet again.