- The Powerball prize swelled to a historic $2.04 billion.
- Officials said the winning ticket was sold in California.
For one lucky person, their bank account just got a little larger.
Lottery officials announced Tuesday that the historic $2.04 billion prize has been determined after a minor technicality delayed the announcement.
Officials said the winning ticket was purchased in California
State lottery officials in California said the ticket was purchased at a gas station in Los Angeles County.
"California Lottery makes its FIRST EVER Billionaire!" officials tweeted. "One lucky ticket sold at Joe's Service Center in Altadena matched all 6 numbers in the November 7 #Powerball draw."
—California Lottery (@calottery) November 8, 2022
Following a delay on Monday, reportedly due to Minnesota's lottery sales verification system, the drawing for the jackpot took place on Tuesday. The winning numbers were 10, 33, 41, 47, 56, and the Powerball number was 10.
"Not only did California have the BIG #Powerball winner, three more tickets matched 5 numbers missing just the Powerball in Gardena, Beaumont, and San Francisco," officials added.
In a press release on Tuesday, state officials said that Joe's Service Center will receive $1 million for selling the ticket. In addition, California schools are poised to receive 156.3 million.
How much is it to play Powerball and how do I play?
Tickets cost $2, a low barrier to entry for such an enormous prize. In order to win the grand prize, players select 5 numbers between 1-69, represented by white balls, and 1 "red ball" number between 1-26. You can also randomly select your numbers using a "quick pick" option. All the numbers on your ticket should match the numbers announced during the Powerball drawing in order to win the jackpot.
However, players can still win various prizes with just one number match.
Players can also increase their non-jackpot winnings by purchasing a "Power Play" option for $1 when obtaining their ticket. This increases the prize by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times.
How can I buy tickets? Can I buy them online?
Powerball operates in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Each state provides retailer locations on its lottery website.
A list of these sites can be found on the Multi-State Lottery Association's website, but those interested in purchasing a ticket may be able to do so at their local grocery store, gas station, or convenience store.
Online tickets are only available for purchase in certain states, according to The Hill.
In New Jersey, New York, Colorado, and Texas, residents can purchase tickets on Lotto.com.
In Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, DC, residents can purchase tickets on the state's website.
In Oklahoma and Indiana, residents can purchase tickets online but must print them out in person.
In Oregon, players can purchase tickets online and a local office will print and scan the ticket.
Players should also check their state's website to see the cut-off time to purchase tickets.
What are the most common Powerball numbers?
According to Powerball.net, 32, 39, 22, 41, 36, and 16, are the most common numbers drawn and 18, 24, 6, 20, and 26 are the most common red Powerball numbers.
Saturday's winning Powerball numbers were 28, 45, 53, 56, 69, and 20. According to Powerball, 17 players were able to match 5 out of the 6 numbers during Saturday's drawing.
But no one matched all the numbers, which increased the price.
What are the chances of winning the lottery?
The chances of winning the grand prize are 1 in 292 million — not very high, but still possible. According to estimates, players are more likely to be killed by fireworks than win Powerball.
However, despite the slim chances, people still love to partake in lottery drawings.