The Powerball jackpot has climbed to a staggering $815 million, with the estimated cash value of $367.9 million making it the seventh largest in the game's history.
The Powerball jackpot rolled over again Monday night after no ticket matched all six numbers. But it wasn't a total loss. Two lucky players in Georgia and Texas matched all five white balls to snag $1 million prizes.
Other big wins from the night include 26 tickets worth $50,000 each, five tickets that scored $150,000 and one Double Play ticket sold in Maryland that brought home a $500,000 prize.
As hopeful players rush to buy tickets ahead of the next drawing, here's what Alabamians need to know before trying their luck.
Can you play Powerball in Alabama?
Alabama is one of the few states that does not operate a state lottery, which means you cannot buy Powerball tickets in Alabama itself.
If you're in Alabama, you'll need to hit the road as the state does not sell lottery tickets, meaning hopefuls must cross the border into Tennessee, Georgia, Florida or Mississippi to play.
How do you play Powerball?
Each Powerball ticket costs $2 per play. Players choose five numbers between 1 and 69 for the white balls, plus one number between 1 and 26 for the red Powerball. Don't want to pick? You can let the computer randomly generate your numbers.
How do jackpot payouts work?
Winners can choose between two prize options: an annuity paid out in 30 graduated payments over 29 years, or a lump-sum cash payment. Both amounts are before federal and state taxes are taken out.
Can you remain anonymous in Alabama if you win the lottery?
Technically, no one can win Powerball in Alabama, but if an Alabama resident buys a winning ticket in another state, the Alabama Department of Revenue lists prizes and awards as income that must be reported on state income tax returns. Winners will also be taxed by the state where the lottery ticket was purchased.
If you're an Alabama resident who wins the Powerball, you must claim your prize in the state where you bought your ticket, and that state's rules on anonymity will apply.
Tennessee: You have anonymity unless someone officially requests information about the lottery winner. In that case, the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation is required to release your name, home state, and hometown.
Florida: Florida lottery winners cannot remain anonymous. The law mandates that the winner's name, city of residence, game won, date won and amount won be provided to any third party who requests information.
Mississippi: Lottery winners have anonymity.
Georgia: Lottery winners have anonymity.
When is the next Powerball drawing?
Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 9:59 p.m. CST. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Can you play Powerball in Alabama? Jackpot at $815M
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