$643M Powerball Jackpot Could Make You an Instant Millionaire

(Mix 93-1) I'm not much of a lottery player until the jackpot gets astronomically unreal. To me, it's reaching that level right now. It would also seem as if other people feel the same way because, as the jackpot grows, so does the lottery fever.

Well, I can feel that lottery fever is increasing dramatically because the jackpot for the Powerball Lottery keeps growing and growing since its last major win on May 31.

How Big Is the Current Jackpot?

On Monday (August 18), the Powerball Lottery jackpot was sitting at $605 million. The numbers were drawn - 15 - 4 - 61 - 63 - 64 - Powerball 1 - and no one matched all six numbers correctly, sending the jackpot total soaring to $643 million for Wednesday night's drawing. Powerball created three new millionaires, though: two in Arizona and one in Texas.

Still, no one can claim the jackpot! I sure hope I can Wednesday, because the total is right where I start to gain interest. Usually, though, with my $2 lottery ticket, it ends up being a donation to Texas education because I win nothing. If I were a consistent player, then I might have better results, but because I don't, here I am!

With the current jackpot of $643 million, it is the largest jackpot since an Oregon resident took home $1.3 billion in April 2024.

What Are the Odds of Winning Powerball?

Powerball is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, while the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9.

When and Where Are Powerball Drawings Held?

Powerball is played Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday with drawings held at 10:59 p.m. Eastern. If you win on Wednesday, you can take the $643 million out over 40 years or take the cash option of $290.6 million.

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