A New York resident has struck gold with the winning Powerball ticket for Saturday’s drawing, securing a life-changing jackpot of $256 million. According to the Powerball announcement on Sunday, the winner can opt for an annuitized prize or take a lump sum payment of $123.5 million before taxes.

This victory marks the ninth time the Powerball jackpot has been claimed in 2024 and the first win in New York since 2020. The last Powerball jackpot was won in Georgia in October, with a colossal prize of $478.2 million.

More Than Just the Jackpot

While the New York player claimed the jackpot, other participants also walked away with significant winnings. Powerball revealed that 12 tickets matched four out of five white balls plus the Powerball, earning $50,000 each. Six of these lucky tickets doubled their prizes to $100,000 thanks to the Power Play feature.

Winning Numbers and Powerball Details

The winning numbers for the December 7 drawing were 1, 31, 43, 55, and 57, with a Powerball of 22. The Power Play multiplier for this draw was 2X.

This win continues a streak of notable Powerball jackpots in 2024, including:

• January 1: $842.4 million – Michigan
• April 6: $1.326 billion – Oregon
• May 6: $214.9 million – Florida
• June 10: $226.6 million – New Jersey
• July 3: $139.3 million – Ohio
• August 12: $213.8 million – Pennsylvania
• August 19: $44.3 million – California
• October 23: $478.2 million – Georgia
• December 7: $256 million – New York

How to Play Powerball

Powerball tickets cost $2 each and can be purchased at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and even some airports. In participating states, players can also buy tickets online through services like Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

To play, participants choose six numbers: five white balls numbered 1 to 69 and one red Powerball numbered 1 to 26. Alternatively, players can opt for a “Quick Pick,” allowing a computer to randomly generate their numbers.

For an additional $1, players can add the Power Play option, which multiplies non-jackpot winnings by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X, depending on the draw. This feature does not affect the jackpot prize but can significantly increase other prizes.

Drawing Schedule and Growing Jackpots

Powerball drawings take place three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. If no jackpot is won, the prize rolls over, increasing by millions with each draw. This snowball effect often leads to eye-popping jackpots, such as the $1.326 billion prize won in Oregon earlier this year.

Where to Buy Tickets

Powerball tickets are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For added convenience, digital platforms like Jackpocket allow players in select states to purchase, view, and manage their tickets directly from their smartphones or computers.

Play Responsibly

While the allure of a massive jackpot is tempting, it’s important to approach lottery participation responsibly. Players are encouraged to set a budget and treat the lottery as entertainment rather than a financial strategy. For those feeling lucky, the next Powerball drawing offers another chance to dream big. As always, play within your means and enjoy the excitement of the game!