Virginia lottery players continue to chase the huge Powerball jackpot.
Once again, no winning tickets matched the Powerball numbers on Monday, July 17. That means the Powerball jackpot for Wednesday, July 19, has risen to the $1 billion mark.
Looking to play Powerball through the Virginia lottery this week? You’re not alone.
Powerball craze hits Virginia lottery retailers
As the Powerball jackpot rises higher and higher, Virginians are coming out in droves to buy tickets. The Virginia Lottery estimates that 1,500 tickets are sold per minute at peak times.
Ahead of Monday’s drawing for a $900 million jackpot, Virginia Lottery spokesperson Jennifer Mullen raved about the Powerball frenzy:
“It gets really exciting for everyone all across the state. It gets exciting for the players. It gets exciting for our retail partners where we sell tickets. And of course, in Virginia, all profits from the sale of lottery products support public education K through 12.”
According to the NBC 12 report, the Virginia Lottery is expected to raise more than $18 million for public education during this jackpot run. That number could, of course, climb even higher if no winning tickets are sold for Wednesday’s drawing.
How to play Powerball in Virginia
Virginians can buy Powerball tickets online through the Virginia Lottery website. You can also purchase tickets for other drawings there, including Mega Millions, Pick 3, Pick 4 and Cash 5.
- 50% Up to $100 on Deposit
- 20 Free Games on Sign Up
- Use Code: PLAYVA
The site also runs promotions for new users. Click the link above, and sign up with the promo code PLAYTEN with an initial deposit of at least $10, to receive 20 free games on Vegas Cash Drop and a deposit match bonus. The bonus is good for up to $100.
Third-largest jackpot in Powerball history
Wednesday’s drawing marks the seventh-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. It’s the second drawing of $1 billion or more this year, following a Mega Millions drawing for $1.35 billion this past January.
The largest Powerball jackpot ever came late last year. On Nov. 7, 2022, one winning ticket purchased in California matched all five numbers and the Powerball to win $2.04 billion.
| AMOUNT | GAME | DATE | WINNING STATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1: $2.04 billion | Powerball | Nov. 7, 2022 | California |
| #2: $1.586 billion | Powerball | Jan. 13, 2016 | California, Florida and Tennessee |
| #3: $1.54 billion | Mega Millions | Oct. 23, 2018 | South Carolina |
| #4: $1.35 billion | Mega Millions | Jan. 13, 2023 | Maine |
| #5: $1.337 billion | Mega Millions | July 29, 2022 | Illinois |
| #6: $1.05 billion | Mega Millions | Jan. 22, 2021 | Michigan |
| #7: $1 billion | Powerball | CURRENT | TBD |
| #8: $768.4 million | Powerball | March 27, 2019 | Wisconsin |
| #9: $758.7 million | Powerball | Aug. 23, 2017 | Massachusetts |
| #10: $754.6 million | Powerball | Feb. 6, 2023 | Washington |
