No one hit the top prize in Saturday night's Powerball drawing, and the grand prize rolled again — this time to an eye-popping $1.6 billion for the Monday drawing. That means millions of players across the country are either checking old slips or lining up at convenience stores hoping lightning strikes.
What happened Saturday
The big story from the weekend isn't a single multimillion-dollar winner but a couple of tidy fortunes: state lottery officials confirmed two Michigan tickets each won $1 million. Those prizes typically come from matching the five white balls (but not the red Powerball), which pays out at the $1 million tier unless a Power Play or other multiplier was in play.
Meanwhile, because there was no match for all five white balls plus the Powerball, the jackpot increased to about $1.6 billion for the next drawing. The Powerball website posts official results and prize breakdowns; if you want to check your numbers, see the Powerball official site.
If you played — now what
First: breathe. Double-check your ticket against the official numbers and the drawing time. Lotteries have strict claim windows that vary by state, so don't let a deadline slip. If you have a winning ticket:
- Small prizes can usually be claimed at retailers; larger sums require visiting a lottery office.
- Winners often hire a lawyer and a financial planner before claiming very large prizes. Advice can help with lump-sum vs. annuity choices, tax planning and protecting your privacy where permitted.
- Sign the back of your ticket. It establishes ownership.
- Store it somewhere safe and make a photocopy or smartphone photo (but keep the original secure).
- Check the official site or your state lottery's announcements — retailers sometimes misprint numbers or delay updates.
About taxes: gambling winnings are taxable income in the U.S. and some portion may be withheld immediately depending on the prize size and state rules. The IRS has guidance on gambling income and deductions that can help you understand reporting obligations.
A few practical tips for players:
A reminder on odds and expectations: big jackpots draw big crowds and headlines, but they don't change the math. The odds of matching all numbers for Powerball remain extremely long, which is why the prize rolls upward when no one wins.
If you’re the person who matched five numbers in Michigan — congratulations. For everyone else, the next drawing will be watched closely: with a $1.6 billion jackpot on the line, ticket sales will surge and the spectacle will only grow.
For official results and claim details, check your state lottery's website or the Powerball official site. For tax questions related to large gambling wins, consult the IRS guidance on gambling income or a tax professional.