No, there was no Powerball jackpot winner for the Saturday, October 14 drawing. The jackpot climbed to an estimated $201 million with a cash option of $126.6 million for the next drawing on Wednesday, October 18.
Powerball Jackpot Details
The Powerball jackpot has been growing since the last time it was won on August 23, 2017. The winning ticket for that $758.7 million jackpot was sold in Massachusetts. Since then, there have been 20 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner.
The jackpot started at $40 million on August 30 and has grown over the past 7 weeks as more people buy tickets hoping to win big. The lack of a jackpot winner pushes the top prize higher for the next drawing.
The cash option is typically much lower than the overall jackpot amount. For this jackpot, the cash payout is estimated at $126.6 million. That is the amount a single winner would receive if they choose the one-time lump sum payment instead of the annuity option.
Powerball Odds and Prize Payouts
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are incredibly small at 1 in 292.2 million. This makes matching all 6 numbers correctly very difficult.
While the grand prize is elusive, there are 8 other ways in Minnesota to win prizes ranging from $4 to $1 million. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.87.
Here is a breakdown of the prize payouts in Minnesota for the Saturday, October 14 drawing:
| Prize Level | Odds of Winning | Prize Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Match 5 + PB | 1 in 292,201,338 | Jackpot |
| Match 5 | 1 in 11,688,053.52 | $1 Million |
| Match 4 + PB | 1 in 913,129.18 | $50,000 |
| Match 4 | 1 in 36,525.17 | $100 |
| Match 3 + PB | 1 in 14,494.11 | $100 |
| Match 3 | 1 in 579.76 | $7 |
| Match 2 + PB | 1 in 701.33 | $7 |
| Match 1 + PB | 1 in 91.98 | $4 |
As you can see, matching just the Powerball number or getting only 1 main number correct results in small prize amounts. You need to match at least 3 main numbers to win a bigger payout.
How to Play Powerball
Playing Powerball requires selecting 5 numbers from 1 to 69 and 1 Powerball number from 1 to 26.
To play, a customer buys a Powerball playslip from a retailer and fills it out by choosing 5 unique numbers from 1 to 69 and 1 Powerball number from 1 to 26. The playslip is then inserted into a lottery terminal which prints out an official Powerball ticket.
The ticket will show the 5+1 number combination the player has chosen for that draw. Players can also have the lottery terminal randomly select numbers by asking for an Easy Pick or Quick Pick ticket.
Powerball drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Tickets can be bought until 9:58 p.m. on the evening of the draw.
To win the jackpot, a ticket must match the 5 white balls and red Powerball exactly. Lesser prizes are won for matching some of the numbers.
Where Powerball Tickets Are Sold
Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The only states that do not offer Powerball are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada and Utah.
In most participating states, players can purchase Powerball tickets at authorized lottery retailers like gas stations, convenience stores, liquor stores and supermarkets. In some states, tickets can also be purchased online at the official government-run lottery website.
Finding an authorized retailer is easy in states where Powerball is available. There are tens of thousands of brick-and-mortar shops selling tickets, so people have many options for where to buy their Powerball tickets. Online ticket sales provide additional convenience for some.
Previous Powerball Winners
Since Powerball started in 1992, there have been some incredibly large jackpots awarded. Here are some of the biggest Powerball winners so far:
– $1.586 billion – January 13, 2016 – California, Florida, Tennessee
– $768.4 million – March 27, 2019 – Wisconsin
– $758.7 million – August 23, 2017 – Massachusetts
– $730 million – January 20, 2021 – Maryland
– $699.8 million – October 4, 2021 – California
– $687.8 million – October 27, 2018 – Iowa, New York
– $590.5 million – May 18, 2013 – Florida
– $587.5 million – November 28, 2012 – Arizona, Missouri
– $564.1 million – February 11, 2015 – North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Texas
– $559.7 million – January 6, 2018 – New Hampshire
The largest Powerball jackpot, and the current lottery world record, is the $1.586 billion shared by 3 tickets on January 13, 2016. It was split between winners in California, Florida and Tennessee.
The most recent massive Powerball jackpot winner was in California. A single ticket matched all 5 white balls and the red Powerball on October 4, 2021 to win the entire $699.8 million grand prize.
There is always a chance a single ticket could match the winning numbers and hit the jackpot. As the Powerball jackpot grows, more players buy tickets hoping to get lucky.
Jackpot Winners Can Remain Anonymous
Winners of massive lottery jackpots often have the option to remain anonymous. This avoids unwanted media attention and allows the winner to maintain their privacy.
In some states, lottery winners can claim their prize via a trust or other legal entity. This allows the real person behind the ticket to stay out of the public eye.
Other winners choose to come forward publicly to claim the prize. This may be done to present a unified front if multiple people hold the winning ticket. It also allows the lottery to promote the winner to show that real people do win their games.
Either way, jackpot winners have the ability in most locations to avoid having their identities revealed if they so choose. This allows them to prevent being hounded by the media or having their lives changed permanently.
Jackpot Funds Help Communities
One positive aspect of massive lottery jackpots is that the money goes to good use when prizes go unclaimed. Each state that offers Powerball decides how unclaimed lottery prizes will be used.
Frequently the money goes into a state fund to support education. Other programs like environmental conservation, senior citizens, veterans assistance and infrastructure projects also see funding from expired lottery prizes.
For example, the $1 billion Mega Millions jackpot from January 2021 went unclaimed. As a result, more than $20 million of those funds were earmarked for California public schools.
So even when nobody hits the big jackpot, the money still ends up helping communities in each participating lottery state.
Changes Made to Powerball in 2015
In October 2015, several changes were made to the Powerball game to produce bigger jackpots. The changes included:
– Increasing the main ball pool from 59 to 69 numbers
– Increasing the Powerball pool from 35 to 26 numbers
– Changing the base game matrix from 5/59 + 1/35 to 5/69 + 1/26
– Increasing the match 5 prize from $1 million to $2 million with the Power Play option
– Allowing the jackpot to grow by at least $25 million between draws if not won
– Doubling the price of a Powerball ticket from $1 to $2 per play
At the time, these changes were projected to result in faster-growing jackpots. Within 4 months, the billion dollar jackpot was hit showing the tweaks accomplished the goal.
The bigger prizes after the changes drove more sales, resulting in bigger jackpot roll-overs when the top prize wasn’t won. The end result was record jackpots like the $1.586 billion prize awarded in 2016.
Strategies for Playing Powerball
There is no secret trick or guaranteed strategy to win the Powerball jackpot. The multi-million odds means an element of randomness is always involved. However, there are some approaches players use to try improving their odds.
– Play more tickets – more number combinations gives more chances to win
– Pool lottery tickets with a group to afford more entries
– Use meaningful numbers like birthdays rather than random quick picks
– Use a balanced mix of odd/even and high/low numbers
– Buy tickets when the jackpot is especially large
– Avoid choosing clusters of consecutive numbers
– Don’t select more than two adjacent numbers in a row
– Cover numbers in the number field that haven’t been recently drawn
These strategies can help increase a player’s chances, but the odds are still overwhelmingly against picking the exact winning number combination. For most, playing Powerball is entertainment and a fun fantasy with a small chance of an enormous prize.
Tips for Winning Powerball Players
If a player is lucky enough to hit the jackpot, there are some important steps to take regarding claiming the prize and handling the windfall responsibly.
First, sign the back of the winning ticket immediately and keep it somewhere very safe. If the ticket gets lost or stolen before redemption, the player may lose out on the prize.
Next, learn about the rules for winner publicity in the state where the ticket was purchased. Some states require coming forward publicly. Others allow creating a trust to claim anonymously.
It is recommended to work with financial planners, tax advisors and lawyers before redeeming. Most lottery offices give winners a short time after the draw to make their claim for this very reason.
Winners should avoid making significant purchases or giving money away until they figure out taxes and determine the actual lump sum amount. Investing the money and living off interest can prevent it being squandered quickly.
Keeping grounded and not letting the money overly change lifestyle is also advised. Friends and family may come out of the woodwork looking for handouts which should be handled with great care.
Powerball Generates Significant Proceeds for Good Causes
In fiscal year 2021, U.S. lottery sales totaled over $92 billion according to the North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries. Of this amount, over $8 billion went to good causes and programs in each state.
Powerball contributes significant proceeds from ticket sales to help fund these beneficiary programs. Each participating state’s lottery designates where unclaimed prizes and earnings will be allocated.
Common recipients include education, environmental projects, senior services, veterans assistance, healthcare initiatives, infrastructure improvements and support for public employees pension plans. State lotteries also frequently contribute funding to gambling addiction and substance abuse programs.
So while playing the lottery is optional entertainment, the activity generates billions each year in proceeds that provide tangible benefits to communities across the country.
Should You Play Powerball?
Playing the lottery is a personal choice based on a person’s interests, budget and level of discretionary spending available.
For those who enjoy playing and can afford to spend a small amount, buying Powerball tickets can be a fun diversion with a tiny chance of an enormous payoff. Just like any other form of entertainment, people should play responsibly within their budget.
Others may consider the odds too long and cost too high to play. There is no right or wrong answer, as each person must decide whether playing lottery games like Powerball fits into their lifestyle and entertainment budget or not.
No one should feel compelled or obligated to play. Being wise with money and not gambling more than one can afford to lose is always sound advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common Powerball questions:
Can you buy Powerball tickets online?
Yes, Powerball tickets can be purchased online in some states via mobile apps and websites linked to the official state lottery. Players have to be physically located within the state selling the tickets online. Residents of Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, North Dakota, New York and Virginia can play online.
What is a Power Play option?
Power Play is an add-on feature that can increase non-jackpot prize payouts by up to 10 times. It costs an extra $1 per Powerball play. If won, the Power Play multiplier is selected in a separate drawing. The 10X option is only available when the jackpot is below $150 million.
Can the Powerball jackpot be split between winners?
Yes, if multiple players match all 5 white balls and the red Powerball, the jackpot prize will be split equally amongst all the winners. Winners can opt for the cash value amount or the full annuity.
What are the taxes on Powerball winnings?
Federal taxes of 24% are withheld from Powerball prizes over $5,000. Additional state taxes from 0% to over 8% may apply, varying by location. Winners are liable for any tax amounts owed beyond what is initially withheld.
What is the luckiest Powerball number?
The most frequently drawn Powerball number is 24. It has been selected as the Powerball number 42 times since 2003. The most common main number is 61, which has been chosen 63 times in that same period. However, every number has an equal chance of being picked.
Final Thoughts
Winning the Powerball jackpot is a dream for many lottery players. The record $1.586 billion prize awarded in 2016 captured the imagination of people across the country as the jackpot grew over several months.
While the odds of hitting the jackpot are incredibly low, it’s still fun to play Powerball for the chance to win. As long as responsible spending limits are adhered to, buying some tickets when the jackpot is high can provide some entertainment and an opportunity to dream.
At its core, playing Powerball and other lottery games is optional. No one should feel compelled to play beyond their means or comfort level. But for those who enjoy the excitement when the jackpot rolls over week after week, Powerball offers the chance of a lifetime to win a truly life-changing fortune.
