Powerball Jackpot Increased to $800 Million, Largest in U.S. History

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The Powerball jackpot for the Jan. 9 drawing climbed to $800 million, the largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. The cash value of the jackpot is now $496 million.

The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) that operates the game on behalf of 47 participating lotteries, including the Louisiana Lottery, made the announcement Friday morning based on a nationwide surge in sales. Before the increase, the advertised jackpot was $700 million. Based on sales, the association estimates possible number combinations to be about 64 percent covered. 

The Powerball jackpot was last hit Nov. 4. Saturday’s drawing is the 19th in the current run, which in Louisiana has already produced two $1 million winners and 9 winners of the $50,000 prize level, including one who purchased the Power Play option and multiplied their prize to $150,000.

As of close of business Thursday, Powerball sales in Louisiana totaled more than $22 million for this jackpot run and are expected to climb ahead of the drawing.

The largest Powerball jackpot ever won was $590.5 million; that prize was claimed in 2013 by a woman in Florida. The most recent Powerball jackpot won in Louisiana was in May 2013. The Williams Trust of New Orleans split a $50 million jackpot from the May 25 drawing with two other winning tickets sold in Delaware and Florida.

“The excitement that follows a life-changing win is incredible, and players should prepare for it as best they can,” said Louisiana Lottery President Rose Hudson. “We always advise people to sign the back of their tickets immediately, put them in a safe place and be thinking about the resources they’ll need if they do hit the big one. That could include a trusted financial advisor, good legal advice and strong support from family and friends,” Hudson explained. “With those elements in place and the winning ticket, you can be ready to truly enjoy the win.”

In the last three years, there have been more than 40 winning Powerball tickets of $1 million or more in Louisiana.  

In Louisiana, Powerball tickets must be purchased by 9 p.m. on the night of the drawing. Powerball drawings are broadcast live from Tallahassee, Fla. on Official Lottery Draw Show TV stations, a list of which can be found on the Lottery’s website, www.louisianalottery.com/where-to-watch.