Powerball lottery game can be found in 48 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Virgin Islands, with the first drawing taking place in April 1992. Since then, several jackpot winners have emerged; some giving back large portions to charity or family while others simply using them to improve their lives.
Mavis Wanczyk of Chicopee was one of the most notable winners. After she won $758 Million in the August 2017 drawing and instantly became a household name, she announced she would retire from working at a medical center to spend more time with her family and donate most of it to Red Cross. Although lottery wasn’t her usual hobby, she bought one at the last minute hoping it might lead to big winnings.
New York stands as the leader among states when it comes to Powerball and Mega Millions winners, having generated 54 overall. New Jersey came second with 47 victories while California led with 38 winners so far.
Tennessee has seen over 30 jackpot wins since Powerball replaced Lotto America in 1992, including Mark and Cindy Hill from Dearborn who took home $587 Million in cash payout. Tennessee allows players to add Double Play tickets onto their tickets as an additional form of insurance against any possible big wins in Powerball games.
Florida was scheduled to join Powerball when it first debuted in 1998, but Governor Jeb Bush opposed this due to concerns that it would erode existing lotteries in his state. Once Jeb had left office in 2008 and Governor Charlie Crist took office, Florida joined Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). Since then it has proven very popular; one cheese factory worker won $208 Million after rubbing a Buddha statue as good luck!
Mississippi stands out among states for being generous in its lottery proceeds distribution, returning 26 percent back to education. This generousity has resulted in many big jackpot winners like Marie Holmes from Shallotte winning $564 Million in February 2015; alternatively players can remain anonymous by using trusts such as Emerald Legacy Trust which won $457 Million last March 2018. Powerball tickets in Mississippi can be bought online and even subscribe for up to one year to ensure you don’t miss any draws! Plus there’s an assortment of other lottery games!