With every ticket purchased, the Powerball jackpot goes up. That’s exactly what’s been happening since Thursday morning heading into Saturday’s drawing with the grand prize now at a whopping $1.8 billion.
The new jackpot number, released by lottery officials Friday, makes for the second-largest prize since the game’s beginning in 1992. It passed the October 2023 prize of $1.765 billion but still sits behind a November 2022 prize of $2.04 billion.
Any potential winner at this point would receive the chance to accept their prize in one lump sum or in 30 annual payments, which start small and increase each year by 5%. The estimated cash value currently stands at $826.4 million.
Saturday’s Powerball drawing is scheduled to take place at 9:59 p.m. CT.
While the Powerball continues to capture headlines, the Mega Millions jackpot continues to climb, as well. The estimated jackpot is $336 million with an estimated cash value of $151.3 million heading into Friday night’s drawing.
The Mississippi Lottery Corporation is encouraging players to try their luck in either game.
“Tickets for both games are available at Mississippi Lottery retailers statewide. Powerball plays are $2 each, with the option to add the $1 Power Play to multiply prizes or the $1 Double Play for a second drawing with a separate prize structure,” the MLC reminded in a press release.
As for local games, Friday night’s Mississippi Match 5 drawing currently has a $120,000 jackpot. The MLC also introduced a slate of new scratch-off games for the month of September.
