Powerball Jackpot Hits $800 Million After No Saturday Winner

Powerball Jackpot Hits $800 Million After No Saturday Winner...

The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $800 million after no ticket matched all six numbers in Saturday night's drawing. The winning numbers were 12, 23, 44, 57, 61, with a Powerball of 5. The massive prize is now the ninth-largest in U.S. lottery history.

Lottery officials confirmed Sunday morning that no grand prize winner emerged, though several tickets won $1 million by matching five numbers. The next drawing will be held Monday, April 6, at 10:59 p.m. ET. The cash option is valued at approximately $383.7 million before taxes.

The jackpot has been rolling since January 1, when a Michigan player won $842 million. Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Odds of winning the grand prize remain 1 in 292.2 million.

Interest has spiked as the prize crosses a psychological threshold for players. Gas stations and convenience stores nationwide reported long lines Saturday as hopefuls bought last-minute tickets. Some offices organized workplace pools, while others debated the ethics of sudden wealth.

Financial advisors warn winners to sign the back of tickets immediately and consult lawyers before claiming. Most states allow winners to remain anonymous, though some require public disclosure. Past winners have faced scams, lawsuits, and even violence after going public.

The current frenzy mirrors 2022’s record $2.04 billion Powerball, won by a California player. That winner chose a lump-sum payment of $997.6 million. Monday’s drawing will be broadcast live from the Florida Lottery studio in Tallahassee.