New Yorkers have at least two chances to become wealthier beyond their wildest dreams as the Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots continue to soar near or above the billion-dollar mark.
Nobody hit the grand prize in Saturday night’s Powerball drawing, though New York saw three lucky contestants win third-place prizes worth $50,000 each.
Two of those winners were hit in New York City, according to the New York Lottery. One lucky ticket was sold in Brooklyn at the City Fresh Market located at 229 Knickerbocker Ave. in Bushwick; the other was produced at the Murray Hill Mini Mart in Manhattan, at 520 3rd Ave.
Third-place winners had four correct numbers and the Powerball. The March 23 winning numbers were 6-23-25-34-51, with the Powerball 3.
With no one striking it rich across America Saturday, the Powerball jacket for the next drawing on Monday, March 25, ballooned to $800 million. To win that grand prize, you have to match all five numbers and the Powerball — the odds of that happening are astronomical, 1 in 292,201,338.
If you wind up beating the fantastic odds and win the grand prize, you can take a lump-sum payment worth about $544 million before taxes, or a 30-year annuity equal to that amount.
Of course, with the odds not ever being in your favor, chance are good that you’ll miss out on Monday night’s Powerball jackpot. But that’s okay, because Tuesday night’s Mega Millions jackpot is also up for grabs at an astonishing $1.1 billion.
The most recent Mega Millions drawing on Friday night, March 22, also did not see a winner. Four people in New York state did win the third-prize worth $10,000 each for having four correct numbers and the Mega Ball. The winning numbers were 3-8-31-35-44 with the Mega Ball 16.
The $1.1 billion jackpot Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday night, March 26. Your odds of hitting all five numbers and the Mega Ball are even larger than the Powerball jackpot: 1 in 302,575,350.
Still, if you defy the odds and win the top prize, you’ll walk away with about $737 million, before taxes, which you can take as a lump sum or an annuitized payment.
Remember: Bet with your head, not over it! If you or someone you love has a gambling problem, seek help by calling 877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY at 467369.
