The winning Powerball numbers from last night (Wednesday) were 9, 12, 15, 31 and 60, and the Powerball number was 2. The Powerball jackpot in Wednesday night's draw was an estimated $394 million with a cash option of $274.6 million—but did anyone win?
A player from Florida won the Powerball jackpot last night by matching all five balls and the Powerball. As the jackpot has been won, the jackpot for Powerball's Saturday draw is now an estimated $40 million, with a cash option of $27.9 million.
Three players, from Florida, Ohio, and Virginia, each won $1 million by matching five balls. However, none of these players used the Power Play, which would have increased their winnings to $2 million. Some 32 players won $50,000 each by matching four balls and the Powerball, eight of which used the Power Play to double their prize money.
More than 3,000 people won $100 either by matching four balls or three balls and the Powerball, and more than 500 people doubled their prize to $200 using the Power Play.
Additionally, more than 1.3 million players won smaller prizes ranging from $4 to $14 by matching balls ranging from just the Powerball to three balls.
How to play the Powerball lottery?
To enter the Powerball lottery players can purchase a ticket for $2 per play. They have the option of adding the Power Play to their ticket for an additional $1 per play.
Players must choose five numbers between one and 69 for the white balls and one number between one and 26 for the red Powerball. These numbers can be chosen by the player or randomly selected by the lottery terminal.
The Power Play last night was X2, which means that any prize, excluding the jackpot, would be doubled if a played use the Power Play. The Power Play can be either X3, X4, X4, or X10, and is selected just before the draw takes place.
The Power Play will multiply prizes by the selected numbers but the Match 5 prize is always $2 million if the Power Play is in use, no matter the Power Play number.
Powerball can be played in 44 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As of today, January 30, the lottery can also be played in Mississippi. The only states where the lottery is currently banned are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
Powerball drawings take place every Wednesday and Saturday at 10.59 p.m. ET and players can purchase a ticket up to one or two hours before the drawing, depending on the location.
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