DES MOINES, Iowa – Powerball players will get another chance Monday at a jackpot estimated at over $1 billion, after no one won the big prize Saturday night.
The billion-dollar frenzy has players across Central Florida trying their luck. James Pugh, a local lottery player, says he already knows what he’d do if he struck it rich.
“$1.1 billion, yeah let’s not forget that ‘one!’ Because we need that,” Pugh said with a laugh. “Mostly I would support family first, and then obviously, you know, there’s a lot of charities out there.”
No one has matched all six numbers since May 31, allowing the jackpot to swell to $1.1 billion, which would be the fifth-largest prize in the game’s history. Payments would be spread over 30 years, or a winner could choose an immediate lump sum of an estimated $498.4 million, again before taxes.
The odds of matching all six numbers are astronomical: 1 in 292.2 million. The likelihood of getting struck by lightning is far greater. But with so many people putting down money for a chance at life-changing wealth, someone eventually wins.
For comparison, Google data shows Floridians are far more likely to be struck by lightning than win the lottery.
“I think I got a chance just like the rest of us,” Pugh said.
The numbers drawn Saturday were 3, 18, 22, 27 and 33, with the Powerball 17.
Powerball, which costs $2 per ticket, is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are held each week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights.
Still, Powerball officials say even if you don’t win the jackpot, millions of dollars in smaller prizes are still available.