Powerball is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States, including in Minnesota. Players try to match their numbers to the numbers drawn to win huge jackpot prizes. But how many numbers do you need to match to win a Powerball prize in Minnesota? Let’s take a closer look.
Quick Answers
– To win the Powerball jackpot, you need to match all 5 white ball numbers and the red Powerball number. That’s 6 numbers total.
– To win any other prize, you need to match at least 3 white ball numbers or just the red Powerball number.
– The more numbers you match, the bigger the prize you can win, except for the jackpot.
So in short, you need to match 3, 4, 5, or 6 numbers to win a Powerball prize in Minnesota. Matching all 6 numbers wins you the multimillion dollar jackpot.
How to Play Powerball in Minnesota
Powerball is operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association and is available in 45 states, including Minnesota. Here are the basics of how to play:
– Powerball tickets cost $2 per play in Minnesota.
– When playing, you first select 5 numbers from 1 to 69 for the white balls.
– Then you select 1 number from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball.
– You can choose your own numbers or do a Quick Pick and let the computer randomly select numbers for you.
– Powerball drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday night at 9:59 p.m. CT.
– To win prizes, you’ll need to match the numbers you selected to the numbers drawn.
How Many Numbers Do You Need to Match?
As we mentioned earlier, you’ll need to match anywhere from 3 to 6 numbers to win a prize:
– Match all 5 white balls plus the red Powerball to win the jackpot prize. The odds of this are around 1 in 292 million!
– Match 5 white balls to win $1 million. Odds are 1 in 11,688,053.
– Match 4 white balls plus the Powerball to win $50,000. Odds are 1 in 913,129.
– Match 4 white balls to win $100. Odds are 1 in 36,525.
– Match 3 white balls plus the Powerball to win $100. Odds are 1 in 14,494.
– Match 3 white balls to win $7. Odds are 1 in 579.
– Match the red Powerball alone to win $4. Odds are 1 in 38.32.
As you can see, the more numbers you match, the bigger the prize you can win, except for the jackpot. Even matching just the red Powerball ball wins you a free ticket for another chance to play.
What Are the Biggest Powerball Jackpots Won in Minnesota?
While no one from Minnesota has won the record $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot split by winners in California, Florida, and Tennessee in January 2016, there have been some pretty huge jackpots won in the state:
Top 3 Minnesota Powerball Jackpots
| Winner | Jackpot | Date Won |
|---|---|---|
| Paul White | $149.4 million | August 2013 |
| Tom and Kathie Hansen | $101.3 million | October 2005 |
| Anonymous | $50.3 million | March 2019 |
As you can see, Minnesotans have claimed some massive jackpots over the years! The biggest prize went to Paul White from Ham Lake, who won nearly $150 million in August 2013. At the time, it was the 6th largest Powerball jackpot in history.
The second largest Minnesota prize was won by Tom and Kathie Hansen of Navarre in October 2005. Their $101 million jackpot was split with winners in Oregon and Wisconsin who had selected the same numbers.
Most recently in March 2019, a lucky anonymous player from Minnesota won the $50 million jackpot. The ticket was purchased at a Casey’s General Store in Redwood Falls.
While no one from Minnesota has ever won the record Powerball jackpot, local players still have tremendous odds at life-changing riches. It only takes one Powerball ticket and a little luck!
Biggest Powerball Jackpots in History
For some perspective, here are the 10 biggest Powerball jackpots of all time:
Top 10 Powerball Jackpots
| Jackpot | Date Won | Winning Location(s) |
|---|---|---|
| $1.586 billion | January 13, 2016 | California, Florida, Tennessee |
| $768.4 million | March 27, 2019 | Wisconsin |
| $758.7 million | August 23, 2017 | Massachusetts |
| $687.8 million | October 27, 2018 | Iowa, New York |
| $590.5 million | May 18, 2013 | Florida |
| $587.5 million | November 28, 2012 | Arizona, Missouri |
| $564.1 million | February 11, 2015 | North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Texas |
| $559.7 million | January 6, 2018 | New Hampshire |
| $487.0 million | July 30, 2016 | New Hampshire |
| $456.7 million | March 17, 2018 | Pennsylvania |
As you can see, Powerball jackpots frequently climb into the hundreds of millions and even billions of dollars. The current record is that massive $1.586 billion jackpot shared in January 2016. Several other jackpots have surpassed $500 million and beyond.
While Minnesota may not have claimed any of the top 10 biggest prizes, local players still have as good a chance as anyone at winning when the jackpot rolls over and continues growing to epic proportions. For just $2 per play, incredible multimillionaire-making riches could be yours if you match all 5 white balls and the Powerball!
Strategies for Winning Powerball in Minnesota
We know Powerball has staggering odds, but it can be won in Minnesota with these savvy playing tips:
Top Tips for Winning Powerball in MN
– Stick with your own numbered picks instead of Quick Picks. Repeating the same numbers gives you more coverage for your bucks.
– Mix up high and low numbers. Lottery number history shows winning numbers are often spread across the number field.
– Balance odd and even digits. Odd and even numbers alternate frequently in Powerball drawings.
– Buy multiple tickets. The more number combinations you have in a draw, the better your chances. But only play what you can afford.
– Join a lottery pool. Splitting tickets with others gives you more total tickets and number coverage.
– Try the Power Play multiplier. For an extra $1 per play, you can multiply non-jackpot winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x!
– Keep playing consistently. Regular play over time boosts your overall odds versus random quick picks now and then.
– Have fun and dream big! Someone has to win eventually, and Powerball could turn you into a millionaire overnight with just $2 and some luck!
Following these tips can help strategic players in Minnesota increase their odds and potentially win a major Powerball prize.
Where Powerball Winners Can Buy in Minnesota
If you’re lucky enough to win a Powerball jackpot in Minnesota, you may be wondering what types of luxury real estate you can buy around the state. Here are some options:
What You Can Buy in MN After a Powerball Win
– A lakefront cabin up north – $500,000+
– An incredible loft condo in downtown Minneapolis – $1,000,000+
– A massive hilltop estate in suburban Edina – $5,000,000+
– An entire resort complex on Lake Minnetonka – $10,000,000+
– Luxury condos in downtown St. Paul – $2,000,000+
– A vintage mansion in historic St. Paul – $3,000,000+
– Sprawling countryside acreage near Rochester – $1,500,000+
– Oceanview condos in Florida or California – $2,000,000+
– A private island on Lake of the Woods – $1,500,000+
– First-class world travel and 5-star hotels everywhere – Priceless!
As Minnesota’s newest multimillionaire, you can afford all of this and more with your Powerball jackpot winnings. Consult a financial advisor to invest and maximize your prize for lifelong security.
How Winning Powerball Changes Lives in Minnesota
Beyond just buying fancy things, winning Powerball truly changes lives in Minnesota:
Powerball’s Life-Changing Impact
– Pay off all debts once and for all – mortgage, loans, medical bills, everything!
– Build your dream home from scratch or renovate existing properties.
– Travel the world in first-class luxury. See everything on your bucket list.
– Take care of family by paying for college, weddings, etc. Set up trusts.
– Give generously to charity and causes important to you.
– Create family memories with vacations anywhere you want.
– Work less or even retire early to pursue your passions.
– Build a profitable business doing something you love.
– Help your community with donations and volunteering.
– Enjoy financial security for the rest of your life.
Winning Powerball gives you almost unlimited options to live life to the fullest. While money doesn’t buy happiness, financial freedom removes stress and allows you to focus on what’s truly meaningful.
Don’t Forget About Taxes!
If you are lucky enough to win Powerball in Minnesota, don’t let the tax implications take you by surprise:
Taxes on Powerball Winnings
– Federal taxes – You’ll pay 37% on prize amounts over $500 million. Lower amounts have lower federal rates.
– State taxes – Minnesota income tax rate is up to 9.85% depending on income level.
– Some cities may also tax a portion of lottery winnings.
– Taxes are taken out immediately at the time you claim the prize.
– You may have to pay more at tax time if not enough was withheld initially.
– Consult a tax professional to manage implications and minimize amounts owed.
While taxes make the final prize smaller, you’ll still have more than enough money to do everything mentioned above in Minnesota and more! Just make sure you plan accordingly at tax time.
Who You Should Tell If You Win Powerball
Winning Powerball will make you an instant multimillionaire, but be careful who you tell and watch out for scams:
Who to Tell and Not Tell
Do Tell:
– Spouse and close family who can keep quiet. Share winnings responsibly.
– Your lawyer, accountant, and financial advisor. They’ll help secure your prize.
– Close friends only if absolutely needed. Make them sign an NDA agreement.
Don’t Tell:
– Distant family and friends asking for money. Say you “inherited money from a relative.”
– Former boyfriends/girlfriends, coworkers, neighbors. They may ask for handouts.
– Strangers congratulating you. They may have ulterior motives.
– The media, unless you want the spotlight. Lottery winners get tons of attention.
The fewer who know about your winnings, the better. You have to protect yourself from leaks, scams, and requests for money.
Let professionals like lawyers and advisors handle inquiries. Keep your inner circle small to avoid headaches and hangers-on down the road.
Conclusion
Winning Powerball in Minnesota takes matching either 3, 4, 5, or 6 numbers out of 69 white balls and 26 red Powerballs. While the jackpot odds are a staggering 1 in 292 million, smaller prizes have much better odds for players. With Powerball frenzy reaching new heights and jackpots breaking records, someone from Minnesota could easily win it big on any given draw. For as little as $2 per play, unbelievable multimillionaire-status awaits anyone lucky enough to hit the right numbers. Just imagine how your life would change with a huge Powerball payday, and get your tickets before the next drawing! It truly takes just one ticket to win.