Powerball jackpot surges to $113 million for May 20 drawing – Here’s what the winner could actually pocket on Wednesday night

The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $113 million for the May 20 drawing after no ticket matched all six numbers in Monday night’s results. The rising prize has renewed excitement among lottery players across the United States, all hoping for a life-changing win. The jackpot winner will be able to choose between two payout options: an annuity plan that pays the full $113 million over 30 years in gradually increasing annual installments, or a lump-sum cash option estimated at about $49.6 million before taxes.

Despite the extremely low odds of around 1 in 292 million, millions continue to take part in the draw, drawn by the dream of instant wealth. Tickets are sold across most US states as well as Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Recent big wins have kept interest high, including a $209.3 million jackpot in North Carolina in January, a $250.8 million win in Arkansas in March, and a $231 million prize in Delaware in April. Several shared jackpots have also been recorded in recent weeks, adding to the excitement.
With no winner in the latest draw, the jackpot keeps rolling over, setting the stage for the next drawing and another round of nationwide anticipation.

Powerball winning numbers for May 18

The winning numbers for May 18 (Monday): 04-13-34-61-65 and the Powerball is: 12. The Powerplay was 2X.
When is the next Powerball drawing?The next drawing will take place May 20, Wednesday. Drawings are held three times per week at approximately 10:59 PM ET every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

What is the Powerball payout?

• Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot
• Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
• Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000
• Match 4 White Balls: $100
• Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100
• Match 3 White Balls: $7
• Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7
• Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4
• Match Powerball: $4
• Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million
• Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000
• Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400
• Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400
• Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28
• Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28
• Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16
• Match Powerball with Power Play: $16

Deadline to buy Powerball tickets

The Powerball ticket purchase deadline varies by state, so one shouldn’t wait until the last minute. In New Jersey, sales close at 9:59PM on the day of the drawing, while in New York, the cutoff is 10PM.

How to play Powerball?

Powerball tickets cost $2 each, with an optional Power Play for an additional $1, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 5x (except for the jackpot and Match 5), and up to 10x if the jackpot is under $150 million.

Each player chooses five numbers from 1 to 69 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball. A quick pick option is also available by the lottery machine which randomly generates numbers.

Prizes range from $4 for matching only the Powerball to $1 million for matching all five white balls (except in California), and the jackpot for matching all six numbers.

How many states have Powerball?

Powerball is available in 45 states, along with Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, making it one of the most widely played lottery games in the United States.

How to buy Powerball tickets?

Powerball tickets can be bought in person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals.

Alternatively, tickets can be purchased online through the Jackpocket app in select states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington DC, and West Virginia.

The Jackpocket app lets players choose their game and numbers, place orders, view tickets, and collect winnings directly from their phone or home computer, providing a convenient digital alternative to in-person purchases.