The Powerball lottery drawing on Monday, December 18th failed to produce a winner for the record $543 million jackpot, sending the top prize even higher for the next drawing later this week. With no tickets matching all six numbers, the Powerball jackpot has now rolled over to a staggering $572 million for the drawing on Wednesday, December 20th.
Jackpot Surges with No Winner
The winning numbers selected in Monday night’s drawing were 2, 7, 11, 17, 32, and the Powerball number was 11. While over a million players won smaller prizes totaling $13.7 million, the coveted jackpot eluded everyone once again.
With no jackpot winner, the top prize has continued increasing according to lottery rules. Sales typically surge as the advertised jackpot rises, in turn funding the growth to new record amounts.
“We look with anticipation on the growing jackpot,” said Lottery Executive Director May Scheve Reardon. “We hope we will be cheering on our first Powerball jackpot winner in Kentucky this Wednesday!”
The new estimated $572 million prize is for players who opt for an annuity paid out over 29 years. Most jackpot winners choose the cash option, which for Monday’s drawing was $335 million. The next cash value will likely be around $350 million.
Changes Make Jackpot Harder to Win
Two recent changes to Powerball have made it more difficult to win the escalating jackpots. In August the pool of numbers changed from 69 to 59 white balls, lowering the odds, and in November a third drawing was added each week.
“This Powerball game is a big driver in helping us meet our mission of providing maximum benefits to Maine people,” said Michael Boardman, deputy director of Maine Lottery. “And when the jackpots get high, lottery excitement builds.”
While reduced odds make jackpot rollovers more common now, state lotteries have enjoyed increased revenue from more frequent million dollar winners at lower prize tiers.
The overall odds of winning any prize is now just 1 in 24.9. For the big jackpot, the chances remain a distant 1 in 292 million. Matching just the Powerball number returns $4, but thousands of tickets with 3 or 4 winning numbers also win prizes in every drawing.
Lottery Fever Grips the Nation
As the new headline record prize was announced, ticket sales erupted across the 44 participating state lotteries. The Multi-State Lottery Association expects 200 million tickets will be in play for Wednesday night’s mega drawing.
“It’s lottery fever season and Powerball has another enormous jackpot on the line,” said Ohio lottery director Pat McDonald. “We look forward with much anticipation and excitement.”
Cautionary voices always appear amid lottery mania, warning that playing games of chance is still gambling even with the benefit of funding valuable state programs. Keith Whyte at the National Council on Problem Gambling reinforced concerns over excessive spending.
“We urge people to play responsibly and within their budgets. If playing is no longer fun or feels risky or out of control, help is available.”
Yet the vast majority will play purely for entertainment, tossing a few bucks at a infinitesimal chance of instant fortune. $2 tickets are sold until 10 pm local time on Wednesday. Results are typically announced around 11 pm Eastern Time.
What Would You Do with $572 Million?
With the jackpot clearing a half billion dollars once again, many are indulging dreams of potential winnings. Financial advisors always strongly suggest winners retain legal counsel and create trusts to keep their identity private as they develop a prudent plan. An elite team of professionals can help navigate major decisions in the short frenzy after a big lottery win.
- “I would immediately resign from my job and take a long vacation!” – Cincinnati nurse
- “Pay off debts, help my whole family, donate to charity, give my church a new building.” – Retired teacher in Maryland
- “I promised my kids pools and ponies… we’d be living in a damn zoo!” – Single mom in Oregon
Most advise winners assemble a team of experienced financial managers, lawyers, and tax experts to help maintain stability through sudden wealth shock. Lotteries also assign case managers to provide guidance through the chaos.
While entertainment fantasies are fun, crazy extravagance seen in some past winners often ends badly. Experts assist winners in planning durable long-term prosperity and security for their family’s future.
Responsible management leaves most lottery winners better off decades down the road. They can quit jobs, buy new homes, support charities, travel the world and still retire with lifetime financial peace. Who couldn’t have fun thinking up new ways to pass the time and give back if all money worries disappeared with one lucky ticket?
Powerball Sales Cutoff Times
State lotteries have different sale cutoff times on the night of a draw. Ticket purchases can continue until just an hour or two before the balls drop in the drawing machine. Check with your local lottery for the exact retail sales stop time in your state.
| State | Cutoff |
|---|---|
| Arizona | 7:00 pm |
| Florida | 10:00 pm |
| Indiana | 9:58 pm |
| Kansas | 8:59 pm |
| Kentucky | 10:00 pm |
Remember for just $2 you could have a tiny chance tonight at winning a massive half billion dollars. But play responsibly – the odds are overwhelmingly against hitting the jackpot. Know your limits and have fun imagining “what if!” along with millions of people across the country.
What Happens Next?
If there is still no jackpot winner Wednesday night, raw nerves will carry over into the Christmas weekend with the Powerball prize likely topping $600 million. Plenty of tickets would sell as the tantalizing prize draws in more casual players.
One certainty is the run must end eventually. A single winner could emerge this week to claim the 8th largest lottery prize in US history. If not, tense anticipation will crest near New Year’s eve at levels rarely seen before.
Powerball players keep the faith that maybe one fortunate bounce of the balls could radically transform their life before the holidays arrive this year. Everyone is wondering – will a Maryland retailer sell that single lucky slip of paper inscribed with the 6 magic numbers? All will soon learn the amazing outcome together this Wednesday night!
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
