Powerball and Mega Millions jackpot numbers are nearing record highs.
With so much money on the line, there’s no better time for Tennesseans to try their hands at a jackpot win.
Previous Tennessee Powerball winner
The last time a big Powerball win hit in Tennessee was in July 2019 when a Hendersonville resident scored a $198 million prize.
In total, 76 Tennesseans have won Powerball figures over $1 million – seven of which were jackpot winners.
Recently, an increase in lottery sales has resulted in an estimated $550 million jackpot.
The next time players have a chance to cash in comes during the drawing on Wednesday, Jan. 13.
Mega Millions winners from the past
The first time Mega Millions rose past $600 million was in March 2012. Winners in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland shared a prize of $656 million, setting the world record for any lottery jackpot game.
The second largest jackpot came in December 2013, when California and Georgia winners split $648 million.
Then in October 2018, one lucky winner in South Carolina scored a massive $1.5 billion prize, marking the world’s biggest jackpot from a single ticket.
The Mega Millions jackpot has not surpassed $600 million since then.
Players hit the jackpot four times in 2020. The last time was back in September when a Wisconsin winner claimed $120 million.
Currently, Mega Millions jackpot numbers have rocketed past $750 million.
Players have another chance to win the fortune during the Friday, Jan. 15 drawing.
How to play Powerball in Tennessee
When purchasing a Powerball ticket in Tennessee, you can play up to five sets of numbers, with sets priced at $2 each.
Most winning tickets are purchased through Quick Pick. With this option, a computer randomly generates the numbers.
For more extensive options, players can fill out a detailed payslip and present it to any Tennessee Lottery retailer. In this scenario, players enter their choice of five numbers, ranging from 1-69. They also enter one PowerBall number, ranging from 1-26.
When you select Multi-Draw, your chosen numbers can be used for up to 10 consecutive drawings. Additionally, you can purchase Power Play for another $1 per play for a chance to multiply your winnings.
Powerball drawings occur twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To find out if a ticket is a winner, players can used the TN Lottery App to directly scan the ticket and to pull up previous winning numbers.
Winning numbers can also be searched for by date or via an exact search.
How to play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is an almost identical process. Quick Pick and Multi-Draw are available options just like for Poweball.
This time, players may select five numbers from 1-70 and a final Mega Ball number between 1-25.
Each Mega Millions play costs $2, and a Megaplier multiplier can be added to a payslip for another $1 per play.
Powerball and Mega Millions tickets cannot be canceled, so it is important to ensure the payslip is appropriately marked before presenting it for purchase.
Drawings take place two times a week on Tuesday and Friday evenings, and winning numbers can be located on the Tennessee Lottery website.
Cashing in on a winning ticket
Current pandemic regulations make cashing in on a winning ticket slightly different than in years past.
Tennessee players with winning numbers may claim their prize at the Nashville Headquarters or at any of the district office claim centers located in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Memphis.
All prizes of over $200,000 must be claimed at the Nashville Headquarters.
When claiming any prize over $600, winners must have a handful of items on hand:
- A signed winning ticket (for large wins, consult a lawyer before signing/redeeming ticket)
- A completed claim form
- Proof of I.D.
- Proof of Social Security Number
Claims can also be sent to the Nashville Headquarters via mail, though this usually isn’t the quickest process.
Claims for all drawing-style games must be made within 180 days of the winning drawing date.
