Powerball Jackpot Remains Elusive, Climbs to $320 Million: One Lucky Texan Wins $1 Million

The Powerball jackpot continues to tantalize lottery enthusiasts across the nation, swelling to an estimated $320 million for the upcoming drawing on Saturday. The anticipation grew even more intense after Wednesday’s drawing failed to produce a grand prize winner, leaving millions dreaming of striking it rich. While the top prize remained unclaimed, the allure of a life-changing sum of money fueled ticket sales and conversations across state lines.

The current jackpot represents a substantial financial windfall for any lucky individual who manages to match all six winning numbers. However, winners also have the option of claiming a one-time cash payment, which, in this case, is estimated at a considerable $150.3 million. This option allows winners to access a large sum of money immediately, enabling them to pursue their financial goals and desires without delay.

Wednesday’s drawing proved to be a night of near misses for many. While no one managed to secure the jackpot, the $2 million prize, or even the $1 million prize, a glimmer of hope emerged for one lucky player in Texas. This individual successfully matched five numbers, entitling them to a cool $1 million payout. News of the Texan’s victory spread quickly, reminding players that even without winning the jackpot, significant prizes remain within reach.

The year 2025 started on a high note for one Oregon resident who secured the first jackpot-winning Powerball ticket of the year. On January 18th, this fortunate player claimed a staggering $328.5 million jackpot, instantly transforming their life and financial future. This earlier win serves as a testament to the possibility of winning big, inspiring others to participate in the hopes of replicating that success.

The winning numbers for the Powerball drawing held on Saturday, March 8th, were officially announced shortly after 11 p.m. ET. The numbers drawn were: 2, 4, 16, 23, and 63, with the Powerball number being 13. The Power Play multiplier was 3x, meaning that non-jackpot prizes won with the Power Play option would be multiplied by three.

The winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Jackpocket provides a convenient platform for players to purchase lottery tickets online in select states and territories, adding another layer of accessibility to the game.

Despite the absence of a jackpot winner in Saturday’s drawing, the news of the Texas resident claiming the $1 million prize generated excitement. This served as a reminder that even if the top prize eludes players, there are still opportunities to win substantial amounts of money.

For those interested in examining the history of Powerball winners, a link to the official lottery website provides a comprehensive list of past jackpot winners and their stories. These success stories offer inspiration and fuel the dreams of aspiring lottery winners everywhere.

The next Powerball drawing is scheduled to take place on Monday, March 10th, shortly after 11 p.m. ET. As the jackpot continues to grow, the anticipation and excitement surrounding the game are sure to intensify even further.

Participating in the Powerball is simple and straightforward. Tickets cost $2 each and can be purchased at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, players can even purchase Powerball tickets online, offering added convenience.

To play, participants must select six numbers. Five of these numbers are white balls, and they must be chosen from a range of 1 to 69. The remaining number is the red Powerball, which is selected from a range of 1 to 26.

For those seeking to increase their potential winnings for non-jackpot prizes, the "Power Play" option is available for an additional $1. This feature multiplies the value of non-jackpot prizes by a factor of 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X, depending on the Power Play number drawn.

For players who prefer a more hands-off approach, the "Quick Pick" option allows a computer to randomly generate the numbers for their Powerball ticket. This eliminates the need for manual selection and provides a convenient alternative for those who feel unsure about which numbers to choose.

To win the coveted jackpot, players must successfully match all five white balls in any order, as well as the red Powerball. Achieving this feat unlocks the grand prize and transforms the winner’s life in an instant.

Powerball drawings are held three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. This regular schedule provides players with frequent opportunities to test their luck and pursue their dreams of winning big.

If no one manages to win the jackpot in a particular drawing, the cash prize is rolled over to the next drawing, causing the jackpot to grow progressively larger. This rollover effect contributes to the increasing excitement and anticipation surrounding the Powerball game.

Powerball tickets can be purchased in person at a wide range of retail locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. In some cases, lottery tickets may also be available for purchase at airport terminals, providing travelers with a chance to try their luck.

In addition to traditional in-person purchases, players can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Jackpocket offers a convenient and secure platform for purchasing lottery tickets in select states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.

The Jackpocket app allows users to select their preferred lottery game, choose their numbers, place their order, view their ticket, and even collect their winnings, all from the convenience of their phone or computer. This digital platform offers a modern and accessible way to participate in the lottery.

Jackpocket’s role as the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network highlights the increasing integration of technology into the lottery industry. Gannett, the parent company of USA TODAY, may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services, reflecting the collaborative nature of this partnership.

It’s important to remember that lottery participation is subject to age restrictions. Players must be 18 years or older in most states, although some states have higher age requirements. In Arizona, the minimum age is 21, while in Nebraska, it is 19.

Responsible gambling is crucial, and it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive lottery play. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, resources are available to provide support and assistance. In New York, you can call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369). In Massachusetts, call 1-800-327-5050. In Oregon, call 1-877-MYLIMIT. In Puerto Rico, call 1-800-981-0023. For all other states, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

For complete terms and conditions, players are encouraged to visit jackpocket.com/tos.

This article was written by Fernando Cervantes Jr., a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on X @fern_cerv_.