Des Moines, Iowa – The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $975 million following the absence of a winner matching the six numbers drawn on Saturday night. This ongoing stretch without a big winner has now extended to nearly three months, captivating lottery enthusiasts across the nation.
The winning numbers announced were 12, 13, 33, 50, 52, along with the red Powerball number 23. Since the start of the year, no one has managed to clinch Powerball’s top prize, with the last winning ticket in Michigan raking in a staggering $842.4 million on New Year’s Day. This unprecedented winless streak now stands at 38 consecutive drawings, creeping close to the record of 41 drawings set in both 2022 and 2021.
For the fortunate sole winner opting for an annuity payout spread over 30 years, the enormous $975 million prize awaits. Alternatively, choosing a cash payout would garner $471.7 million after accounting for federal taxes. It’s worth noting that lottery winnings are subject to federal taxes, with various states also imposing their own taxation on such windfalls.
With escalating prizes, ticket sales soar, making it increasingly challenging to hit the jackpot. The astronomical odds for Saturday’s drawing stood at 1 in 292.2 million, underscoring the sheer luck required to secure the coveted Powerball prize. The allure of gigantic jackpots continues to draw in more participants, intensifying the fervor surrounding the game.
Powerball, a widely followed lottery game, is played in 45 states across the U.S., including Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. With each passing drawing, the anticipation mounts, fueling hopes of a potential winner emerging to claim the staggering $975 million prize. As the excitement builds, eager participants across the country eagerly await the next drawing, envisioning the life-changing possibilities that come with hitting the elusive jackpot.