On October 2, 2023, the Powerball lottery failed to produce a grand-prize winner, leading to two significant outcomes: widespread disappointment among hopeful participants and a monumental jackpot climb, now reaching record-breaking heights. The current jackpot stands as the third-largest in Powerball history, particularly exciting for the Midwestern state known for producing numerous lottery winners. The good news is that there’s still time to participate in this historic game, and purchasing a ticket has never been more convenient.
With such a massive jackpot up for grabs, you might be tempted to rush to your local lottery retailer in pursuit of quick riches. However, did you know that you can purchase Powerball tickets from the comfort of your own home, provided you live in certain states and utilize a lottery app?
Interested in claiming your share of the 10-figure prize? Here’s a guide on acquiring your ticket without stepping out, but be sure to act swiftly before the next drawing!
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Current Powerball Jackpot
Before diving into strategies for selecting lottery numbers, it’s crucial to grasp the immense potential of the Powerball jackpot. As of October 3, 2023, the Powerball jackpot has surged to an astonishing $1.2 billion. To put this into perspective, the second-highest jackpot in history was a $1.5 billion win in 2016, and the fourth-largest jackpot amounted to $1 billion in July 2023. The jackpot winner faces the choice between a lump-sum payment of $551.7 million or $1.2 billion paid in 30 annual installments.
Keep in mind that the winner won’t receive the entire $1.2 billion if opting for the lump sum. According to Forbes, the post-tax lump sum would range from $419.29 million (after mandatory federal tax withholding) to $347.57 million (the lowest figure possible after the federal marginal tax rate of up to 37%), contingent on the winner’s taxable income.
Nonetheless, even the lowest possible prize remains a substantial sum of money. Purchasing a ticket before the upcoming drawing on October 4, 2023, could secure your opportunity to claim a portion of this impressive prize.
Powerball Drawing Schedule
The Powerball drawing takes place live at 10:59 p.m. EST on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. So, ensure your ticket is ready for the next drawing!
Current Mega Millions Jackpot
The Powerball isn’t the sole path to a financial windfall; the Mega Millions lottery offers another avenue. The next estimated Mega Millions jackpot stands at $300 million. If you’re eager to participate, be sure to obtain your ticket before the drawing on October 3, 2023, at 11 p.m. EST.
A word of caution: While envisioning your lottery fortune, remain vigilant for potential lottery scams. These scams prey on individuals’ dreams of hitting the jackpot, so exercise caution when receiving calls claiming you’ve won the lottery.
Purchasing Lottery Tickets Online
Say goodbye to last-minute trips to your neighborhood convenience store to purchase a lottery ticket. Depending on your location, you might have access to lottery tickets via a smartphone app.
Two notable lottery apps, Jackpocket and Lotto.com, offer this service, sharing many similarities. Both apps allow you to order lottery tickets conveniently from anywhere, as they purchase your ticket from a local retailer, provide a digital copy, and securely store the physical ticket for you. However, both apps have limitations on the states in which they operate.
To buy a ticket on the Lotto.com app, you must reside in one of the following six states:
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- Texas
For those interested in using Jackpocket, it’s available in 17 states:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Texas
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
Please note that purchasing a lottery ticket for a state you are not physically located in is not permitted. Additionally, you must be verified as 18 years or older to play, with specific regulations varying by state.
Expanding Availability
Both apps have plans to expand their availability. Lotto.com has announced its intention to expand to new states, offering both draw and scratch tickets, although the precise states included in this expansion remain undisclosed. Jackpocket also expressed its desire to expand but has yet to disclose the specifics of where and when this expansion will occur.
In the meantime, if you’re not in one of the mentioned states, you’ll have to visit a local convenience store or live vicariously through other lottery winners.
Fees Associated with Lottery Apps
The saying “you have to spend money to make money” rings true in the world of lotteries. To participate, you need to purchase lottery tickets, and if you choose to use a lottery app for digitally delivered tickets, a small fee will apply.
Lotto.com charges a convenience fee ranging from 50 to 70 cents for a single Powerball ticket, depending on your state. Jackpocket imposes a service charge ranging from 7% to 10%.
Safety of Lottery Apps
With substantial investments and over $1 billion potentially at stake, the safety of your lottery ticket is a paramount concern. Both companies claim to prioritize security.
Lotto.com boasts enhanced security measures, including partnerships with industry-leading organizations compliant with PCI standards to manage payment information and a 24/7 monitored fireproof vault for physical lottery tickets.
Jackpocket emphasizes digital safety measures, assuring customers that their bank account information will not be stored. After the courier purchases your ticket, you’ll receive a scan and a confirmation email with the ticket’s serial number, followed by secure storage in a fireproof safe.
Innovations in Lottery Apps
While the Lotto.com app itself may not be new, having launched in 2021, it has been continually evolving, particularly with expanded access to various lotto games. Similarities exist between Lotto.com and Jackpocket, but Lotto.com offers a unique feature worth considering: digital scratch tickets, albeit currently available only in Texas and Colorado.