The largest Powerball jackpot ever won was $1.586 billion in January 2016. The prize was shared by three winning tickets from California, Florida, and Tennessee, making history.
In March 2019, a single ticket in Wisconsin won the $768 million Powerball jackpot, one of the biggest solo wins. The lucky winner chose the lump-sum option, taking home $477 million.
In August 2017, a Massachusetts woman won the $758.7 million Powerball jackpot. It remains one of the largest single-ticket prizes, and she opted for the lump sum payout of $480 million.
The odds of winning the Powerball Jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. While the chances are slim, every ticket has an equal chance of hitting the jackpot, making it exciting to play.
If there are multiple winners for the Powerball Jackpot, the prize is shared equally among all winning tickets. This means the jackpot could be split between several lucky players.
If you win, the next step is to claim your prize. Smaller amounts can be claimed at retailers, but larger amounts require you to visit a state lottery office for the payout.
Jackpot winners can choose a lump sum payment or an annuity option. However, be aware that winnings are subject to federal and state taxes, which can significantly reduce the prize amount.