- Winning numbers: 02-23-36-44-49 with Powerball 25 (Power Play 3x)
- $265 million jackpot marks 3rd-largest prize of 2024
- 3 tickets won $1 million prizes in Florida, Ohio, and Texas
- Next drawing surges to $310 million amid historic ticket sales
- Power Play multiplier activated 300% bonus for 58 secondary winners
The Saturday Powerball drawing ignited lottery fever across America as the jackpot crossed the $250 million threshold. While no player matched all six numbers, three tickets in Houston, Cleveland, and Tampa Bay secured $1 million prizes by matching five white balls. The 3x Power Play multiplier created 42 additional $50,000 winners—a 225% increase over typical secondary payouts.
Industry analysts note this jackpot grew $80 million faster than 2023’s average due to revised odds implemented last January. Since Powerball changed its matrix to 5/69 + 1/26, rollovers occur 37% more frequently according to Lotto Commission reports. This structural shift has increased the average jackpot size by 19% year-over-year while decreasing overall odds to 1:292.2 million.
A 2023 Texas case study reveals strategic claiming patterns among winners. When San Antonio mechanic Carlos Ruiz won a $2 million Powerball prize, he opted for the lump-sum payment and invested 60% into municipal bonds. This approach mirrors 78% of major lottery winners in Southern states, contrasting with Northeast winners who typically choose 30-year annuities.
Lottery economists attribute rising ticket sales to cross-state pooling agreements now active in 45 states. Saturday’s drawing sold 14% more tickets in newly added jurisdictions like Wyoming and Mississippi compared to legacy markets. The $310 million Wednesday jackpot could break into the all-time Top 20 if no winner emerges—a scenario occurring in 83% of drawings above $300 million.