The Powerball jackpot has risen to an impressive $131 million for the upcoming drawing on Saturday, April 19, 2025, following a successful drawing on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. In this recent drawing, a ticket sold in New York matched four out of five numbers plus the Powerball, earning its holder a substantial prize of $50,000. This ticket was one of 62 winning tickets sold in the state during the same drawing.
The winning numbers for Wednesday's Powerball drawing were 20, 24, 42, 43, 49, with a Powerball number of 19. Additionally, the Power Play multiplier was set at 3x, which means non-jackpot prizes could potentially be multiplied by three times. The excitement surrounding the Powerball continues to grow as players eagerly anticipate the next drawing.
Despite the lack of a grand prize winner in the latest drawing, the jackpot has increased significantly since no one won the previous drawing on April 14, 2025, which had a starting jackpot of $100 million. The jackpot swelled by $13 million overnight, showcasing the allure and unpredictability of the lottery.
For those interested in trying their luck, the next Powerball drawing will take place at 11 p.m. ET on Saturday. Tickets are priced at $2 each, and players can opt to add the Power Play feature for an additional dollar, which enhances the potential winnings for non-jackpot prizes.
In addition to the notable winning ticket sold in New York, there was also a significant win in Minnesota, where a ticket matched all five numbers (excluding the Powerball) for a $1 million prize. This adds to the excitement as players across the country check their tickets and dream of winning big.
As the Powerball continues to capture the public's imagination, many are curious about the luckiest places to buy tickets. According to the New York State Lottery, 7-11 stands out as the luckiest store in the state, having sold over 1,100 "Big Money" winning tickets since 2017. Other notable locations include Tops Markets, which has sold over 500 winning tickets, and Wegmans, with more than 300 winners.
Powerball drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and players can purchase tickets from various retailers, including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. In some states, tickets can even be bought online through services like Jackpocket, which is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are quite steep, sitting at 1 in 292.2 million. However, the thrill of the game and the potential for life-changing winnings keep players coming back for more. In fact, the largest Powerball jackpot ever recorded was a staggering $2.04 billion, won in California on November 7, 2022.
As the next drawing approaches, players are reminded to check their tickets carefully. For those who may be wondering about claiming their winnings, it's important to note that prizes must be claimed within a certain timeframe, which varies by state. In Florida, for example, winners must claim their prizes within 180 days, while New Jersey has a deadline of 60 days for cash option claims.
As the anticipation builds for the next drawing, many are left wondering: will this be the week someone finally hits the jackpot? With millions of dollars at stake, the excitement is palpable. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and to remember that while winning is a dream, the odds are always a factor.
In summary, the Powerball continues to be a thrilling game that captures the hearts of many, with its jackpots growing larger and excitement building with each drawing. The next chance to win is just around the corner, and who knows? This could be the moment that changes someone's life forever.
