Hopeful Arkansans scramble for Powerball tickets as a $1 billion prize approaches

Little Rock, Arkansas – Since nobody was able to match all six numbers in the Powerball game on Saturday to win the enormous reward, the jackpot has increased to an estimated $1.55 billion.

The $1.55 billion reward is awarded to a single winner who will receive yearly checks over a period of 30 years via an annuity. The majority of jackpot winners choose cash, which for Monday night’s drawing would be an estimated $679.8 million.

Since the top reward was last won on July 19, the jackpot has rolled over for 34 straight drawings, making it the fourth-largest lottery prize in the world. The record of 41 draws set in 2021 and 2022 is surpassed by that streak.

Thousands of people have traveled to qualified retail establishments throughout Arkansas in the hopes of retrieving the winning ticket.

I’m so excited! Just to think that I have a chance to win that kind of money,” Madeline Cox said. “That would be game-changing.”

Ashlea Worsham promised to manage her finances well.

“Pay off everything. Help my family…help others,” she said. “Invest…that’s smart.”

More than simply the victors gain from ticket sales, which contribute to scholarships for students around the state.

“My son has actually taken advantage of those college credits so it’s a great thing,” Cox said.

Additional justifications for participating were provided by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.

“So really just get out there and go buy your ticket and play,” said Ashley McNatt, marketing and advertising director for state’s lottery system. “And while we have never had a jackpot winner here in Arkansas, we do have… Or we have had some big winners of this jackpot run. We’ve had a lot of Powerball winners. We had one last week in Conway and one in Waldo, so people are winning in Arkansas so just get out there and buy your ticket.”

Because the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are so high—1 in 292.2 million—there aren’t many winners.

You never know. You might win,” said Worsham while waving her ticket. “Might be your lucky day!”

The deadline to purchase tickets for Monday’s drawing is 8:59 p.m. The drawing is scheduled for 9:59 p.m.

If you want to play online, you can download the Jackpocket app, but in-person ticket purchases require cash.

In addition to 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands all play Powerball.