Maricopans brace for $1 billion lottery drawing tonight

Powerball lottery players tonight stand to become instant billionaires as the winning pot inches closer to a record-breaking high.

The winning pot differs from draw to draw, with some rare jackpots eclipsing the $1 billion marker.

Such a life-altering sum has the power to make dreams come true and change the trajectory of individuals, families and even communities.

Last year, InMaricopa asked: “How many lottery tickets, including Powerball and Mega Millions, do you buy each week?”

Overwhelmingly, people responded to the answer, “Zero. It’s a total waste of money,” with 69 percent of our 145 voters choosing to hold onto their money.

A distant second was this response: “1 to 9. I know I have next to no chance but it’s worth the small risk,” at 28.3 percent.

A measly 2.7 percent of respondents fit into the high-roller category by choosing this answer: “10 or more. Somebody has to win sooner or later, it might as well be me.”

While Maricopans may not be opening their wallets to play lottery games, the rest of the state certainly is.

Huge jackpot drawings this week

The next drawing for the Powerball will happen tonight with an estimated jackpot of $1 billion. The largest Powerball jackpot ever was in 2018 when a player won $1.537 billion.

The Mega Millions drawing happens Friday with an estimated jackpot of $720 million. It’s one of the largest Mega Millions jackpot ever.

The Powerball and Mega Millions lottery tantalize with the possibility of instant wealth, igniting dreams of a life unburdened by financial constraints. The payouts have the potential to change lives and provide opportunities for personal fulfillment and giving back to society.

While the odds of winning may be slim, the allure of the Powerball lottery continues to captivate millions, offering a chance at the extraordinary. Even for those of us in Arizona’s small towns.

Related stories: lottery – InMaricopa