Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $900 Million; Two Texas Residents Become Millionaires

In a thrilling weekend, the Powerball jackpot reached an impressive estimate of $875 million, offering participants a chance at immense wealth.

However, the Powerball drawing ended without any jackpot winners.

The Powerball winning numbers for that draw consisted of the white balls numbered 2, 9, 43, 55, and 57 and the red Powerball numbered 18.

Meanwhile, Texas witnessed two fortunate individuals secure $1 million each through their Powerball tickets, KSAT noted.

One ticket was purchased at Edge Mart in Katy, while the other was obtained from a Circle K in Frisco, as confirmed by the Texas Lottery.

Moreover, a $1 million ticket was also sold in Colorado.

In addition to the million-dollar winners, 89 tickets came close to hitting the Powerball jackpot, according to FOX Business.

These tickets matched four of the five white balls and the red Powerball. Among these, 75 tickets secured a $50,000 prize each, as stated on the Powerball website.

However, the remaining 14 tickets took advantage of the Power Play option, which entails an additional $1 per play.

By opting for Power Play, the $50,000 prize for these tickets was doubled, resulting in a total prize of $100,000 for each fortunate holder.

As anticipation continues, the next drawing for the Powerball jackpot is scheduled for Monday, July 17, with a staggering estimated prize pool of $900 million.

Monday's Top Prize Is the 3rd Largest Powerball Jackpot

The upcoming Powerball drawing on Monday presents ticket buyers with an enticing choice: the opportunity to claim the impressive sum of $900 million in yearly installments or a substantial one-time lump sum of $465.1 million before tax deductions, AP reports.

The top prize ranks as the third-largest Powerball jackpot and the seventh-largest in the history of U.S. lotteries, Powerball confirmed Sunday.

With each drawing that passes without a jackpot winner, the prize pool continues to grow, intensifying the anticipation and excitement surrounding the game.

This is a deliberate strategy employed by Powerball, as its daunting odds of 1 in 292.2 million are designed to generate substantial prizes that capture the attention of a greater number of players.

The largest Powerball jackpot ever recorded stands at an astonishing $2.04 billion in November.

Meanwhile, the most recent Powerball jackpot victory occurred on April 19, when a fortunate player claimed a top prize of nearly $253 million.

Since then, there have been 37 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner, adding to the anticipation as participants eagerly await the next big win.

Edwin Castro: Historic Powerball Jackpot Winner

Edwin Castro made history by becoming the sole winner of the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot in November.

However, it was not until February that the Californian finally received his lottery winnings, having chosen the option of a lump-sum payment amounting to $997.6 million per AS.

Since then, Castro's life has undergone a complete transformation. He has invested in a lavish $25 million mansion in the Hollywood hills, immersing himself in the company of movie and music industry stars who call the area home.

Additionally, the 30-year-old has acquired a $4 million house in Altadena, California, and indulged in a Porsche valued at approximately $250,000.

Given his newfound wealth, Castro has prioritized his personal security. It is common to spot him accompanied by a team of at least three bodyguards whenever he ventures out on the streets of Los Angeles.

However, Castro's journey to fortune has not been entirely free from controversy.

Another Californian named José Rivera filed a lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court in Alhambra in February, asserting that he, not Castro, was the rightful purchaser of the winning ticket from the November draw. Rivera alleges that the ticket was stolen from him.

Nevertheless, the California State Lottery believes Castro is the legitimate recipient of the colossal jackpot.

The lottery organization expresses unwavering confidence in its vetting process for major winners, asserting that the appropriate protocols were followed to ensure the rightful distribution of prizes.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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