A player in Grand Blanc, MI has achieved the dream that millions hope for each and every week. A winning Powerball ticket worth $842 million was sold at the Food Castle of Grand Blanc, a local convenience store in Grand Blanc.
The jackpot is the fifth-largest Powerball jackpot ever won. It is also the 10th-largest prize ever won in the United States. In Michigan, it was the second-largest – the biggest being a $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot that a Michigan resident won back in January 2021.
The Winning Numbers
The jackpot reached the astronomical number of $842 million when it was hit. The winning Powerball numbers for January 1 were 12-21-42-44-49, the Red Powerball Power Number was 1, and the Power Play Number was 3. There are similar games offered at your local casino, though the jackpots are much smaller.
The winner will have one year from the drawing to step forward and claim the prize the from Michigan Lottery. The winner can choose to receive an annuity worth the entire amount or a cash option that is estimated to be worth $425.2 million. Before this jackpot, no one had won the jackpot in 35 straight drawings going back to October 12. With that drawing, a California player won $1.765 billion.
Other Recent Powerball Winners
The grand prize winner was not the only one to cash in. Six players managed to match all five of the regular numbers, earning $1 million in the process. Those tickets were sold in Connecticut, California, Florida (two winners), Maryland, and Texas.
One of the Florida players, as well as the Texas player, hit the Power Play number to bump those winnings up to $2 million. Like playing at an online casino, users can purchase tickets online for the Powerball and attempt to win real money.
Lottery News
The Powerball is unique because it is a nationwide lottery contest. Each state has its own lottery commission, running (usually) smaller jackpots. Powerball, however, is offered to 44 states, Washington D.C., the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. It costs just $2 to purchase a ticket and the player must select five white numbers and a red ball.
There is also the Mega Millions, which has a current jackpot of roughly $187 million. The cash payout would be $91 million, no small sum deposit not being the massive payday of the most recent Powerball winner.
Conclusion
Cashing in on a lottery win, let alone one that is worth more than $800 million, is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime circumstance. Matters like these are typically handled through an attorney to protect the identity of the winner.
Even taking the cash prize of $426 million, the winner has achieved financial security for this lifetime and those of their great-great-grandchildren going forward. Now, it’s time to wait for the next big Powerball winner.
