Powerball players across Mississippi and the nation are getting an early dose of holiday excitement as the game’s jackpot climbs to an estimated $820 million for Saturday.
The prize carries an estimated cash value of $383.5 million and, if won, would rank as the eighth-largest Powerball jackpot in the game’s history. Saturday’s drawing will be the 39th in the current jackpot run.
Participation continues to surge following September’s record-setting $1.787 billion prize, which players in Missouri and Texas claimed. This year has already seen four other Powerball jackpots hit in Oregon, Kentucky, and twice in California.
Powerball tickets are $2 per play, with optional add-ons including Power Play for $1 to multiply non-jackpot prizes, and Double Play for an additional $1, which provides a second chance to win in a separate drawing. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 9:59 p.m.
As Powerball heats up, other games are seeing strong activity as well. Mega Millions sits at an estimated $50 million with a $23.3 million cash value, Lotto America has grown to an estimated $8.87 million with a $4 million cash value, and Mississippi Match 5 is estimated at $130,000 for tonight’s drawing.