Powerball, Mega Millions Jackpot: What do you know if you win?
Here’s what you need to know in case you win a Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just a FAQ, USA TODAY
A lucky mistake has led to one Massachusetts man becoming a millionaire overnight.
Having brought home $2 million in prize money, Paul Corcoran confused the dates on the final drawing of the ticket he purchased, leading him to purchase another (winning) multi-draw ticket, which was featured on the same drawing.
Corcoran, a Fitchburg resident, told the Massachusetts lottery, “I initially bought tickets for seven Powerball Drawings and mistakenly thought that the final drawing of that ticket had already occurred.”
One of the winning tickets was purchased at a grocery store in Fitchburg, and the other was purchased at a gas station in Leiminster at a gas station five miles away.
According to a news release from the Massachusetts lottery, he won two $1 million Powerball awards after the first five numbers printed on the ticket matched those selected in the drawing.
“Both Powerball tickets matched all five whiteballs drawn that night. The Whiteballs 5, 9, 25, 28, 69 and Red Powerball 5 were awarded two $1 million prizes for Cocoran,” Powerball said in a statement.
The winner feels “good” but he doesn’t know what to do with good luck.
Two days after the painting, Colcoran, who claimed his small fortune on July 11, told the Massachusetts lottery that he didn’t know how he was going to spend the money while he felt that victory was “good.”
According to Powerball, the overall odds for winning a prize are 1 in 24.9, with a chance of winning a jackpot of 1 in 292.2 million.
What is the Powerball Jackpot today?
As of July 17th, the estimated Powerball Jackpot is $288 million and its cash value is $130 million. The following drawings will be held on July 19th at 11pm (8pm ET).
How to play Powerball
You won’t win if you haven’t played it, but to play Powerball seriously you’ll need to buy a $2 ticket. This can be done in a variety of places, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and even grocery stores. In some states, Powerball tickets can be purchased online.
Once you have your ticket, you will need to select six numbers. Five of these are white balls with numbers 1 to 69. Red Powerball ranges from 1 to 26. People can also add “Power Play” for $1.
The “Power Play” multiplier can be multiplied by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x on the prize.
If you feel unlucky or want your computer to do your job, the “quick pick” option is available. Here, the computer-generated numbers are printed on the Powerball ticket. To win a jackpot, players must match all five white balls with any order and Red Powerball.
The Powerball painting takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturday nights. If no one wins the jackpot, the prize money will continue to be engraved.
Where to buy lottery tickets
Tickets can be purchased at gas stations, convenience stores, or grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online Jack Pocket, the official digital lottery delivery company of the USA Today NetworkThese US and territories include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Maine, Maine, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app lets you select lottery games and numbers, order, look at tickets, and collect all your winnings using your mobile phone or home computer.
Jack Pocket is the official digital lottery delivery company of the USA Today Network. Gannett may earn revenue from viewer referrals to Jackpocket Services. Must be over 18 in AZ, 21+, and 19+ in NE. It is not affiliated with the state lottery. Gambling issues? Call 1-877-8-Hope-Ny or Text Hopeny (467369) (NY). 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-mylimit (or); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-Gambler (all other). visitjacketpocket.com/tos In perfect conditions.
Contributor: Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today
