Powerball Jackpot Soars to $950 Million Amid Rising ca Lottery Enthusiasm

The Powerball jackpot has reached an impressive $950 million, ranking as the sixth-largest in the game's history. This surge in the prize follows the most recent drawing where no ticket matched all six numbers needed to win the grand prize. The numbers drawn were 9, 12, 22, 41, 61, with the red Powerball number 25. The excitement builds for the upcoming Saturday drawing, where prospective winners face a decision between an annuitized prize of $950 million or a lump sum payment of $428.9 million before taxes.

Matt Strawn, the Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO, emphasized the growing public enthusiasm, noting that many Americans are eagerly anticipating the chance to secure such a significant jackpot. Though the grand prize remains unclaimed, the recent draw proved successful for six ticket holders, each earning $1 million or more by matching all five white balls. Since a California player won $204.5 million on May 31, there have been 56 tickets winning at least $1 million and 558 tickets winning $50,000 or more.

This current colossal jackpot is part of a trend of notable Powerball prizes, including the record-breaking $2.04 billion won in California in November 2022, and the $1.765 billion won in the same state last October. The game is also remembered for the $1.586 billion prize shared between winners in California, Florida, and Tennessee in January 2016, and a $1.326 billion jackpot won this April in Oregon.

Powerball tickets, available for $2 per play, can be purchased in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sales revenues contribute significantly to local communities, with more than 50% of proceeds staying within the sales jurisdiction. Since 1992, Powerball has redirected over $36 billion to various causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Winners opting for the annuity receive an immediate payment followed by 29 annual installments, each increasing by 5% annually. As Powerball approaches its next drawing, excitement escalates. This will mark the 39th drawing since the previous jackpot win on May 31, 2025, in California. With a possible billion-dollar prize in view, Powerball continues to draw national attention, inviting hopeful participants to try their luck for a potentially life-altering reward.