Powerball jackpot surges to $400 million

August 4, 2013 Posted by NC Lottery at 10:27 AM

The Powerball jackpot rolled on Saturday night for a 12th straight drawing, growing to an estimated annuity value of $400 million for Wednesday's drawing. If there is no 'perfect ticket' on Wednesday night, the jackpot could set a new record for the largest in the game's history.

Two Powerball tickets sold in Buncombe County won $40,000 prizes in Saturday's drawing. The $3 Power Play tickets were both sold at the Food Lion on the Smokey Park Highway in Candler. We do not yet know if the tickets were purchased by the same lucky player or not.

Speaking of jackpot games, three North Carolina Mega Millions tickets won $10,000 prizes in Friday's drawing - in three different regions of the state. One was sold in Caldwell County at the Q Express on Abington Road in Lenoir. Another was purchased at the Hoor Food Mart on N.C. 55 West in Durham. And the third was sold at Porter's Neck on Market Street in Wilmington.

As always, we're hoping a lucky player in our state makes history. Our state has had five jackpot winners of $12 million to $141.4 million, so we'll be watching the drawings with you this week to see what happens.

85 COMMENTS

8/09/2013 10:21 - sunny n.

I'm tired of not winning

8/09/2013 12:56 - Brenda H.

I just want to win one time and I would be a happy woman!

8/09/2013 12:38 - Reneta M.

I think my chances are getting worse, daily one digit of, fell short on my number on the pick 4 and 3 by one digit. Everytime I get close the machine shuts me down with the winning dropping somewhere else. I be glad when I get a break.

8/08/2013 02:05 - NC Lottery

@ EYEDONTNO - The way winning tickets are distributed at random throughout the entire printing run of instant games is done according to audit-approved industry standards. We do not respond to comments on the Lucke-Zone Players' Club blog in order to engage in arguments or "refute" ideas; we provide information as a form of customer service. If you have more questions, please feel free to call our player customer service toll-free 877-962-7529

8/08/2013 01:36 - Charles Allen W.

You did not refute my idea. Can you state that it is possible that all major winning tickets could be released in the first week of a game? If that ever happened the lottery would lose millions on every game.

8/08/2013 10:35 - NC Lottery

@ EYEDONTNO - Some instant scratch-off games, such as the "Bucks Family" and the "Week for Life" games are re-ordered and always in stores. Other games have millions of tickets in the entire game and, since there's no telling where a winning ticket or top prize could be, it's always possible that one or more of those tickets is at the "end" of the supply of tickets. Also, we don't know if a player has already scratched a top prize and not claimed yet, or never realized they won. All of the lottery's practices are reviewed and audited on a regular basis to ensure they are fair to players everywhere. Good luck to you!

8/08/2013 10:30 - Charles Allen W.

After looking at the particulars of the scratch off games, I notice that some games have been out for a year or more and still have top tier prizes available. This leads me to believe that the top tier winning tickets are in a controlled release, in other words the lottery commission knows which books of tickets have the major prize winning tickets and control the release date of those books.

8/07/2013 10:57 - Tiffany S.

why why the economy is coming to an end everyday more tax raise plants shutting dont and you waste your money on power ball wow really you got billions of people in united states buying hundred dollars in powerball so common sense says sont waste the money then you want to bad mouth and chew out the lottery bc you lost. my god people lottery is for fun not to rely on it to pay your bills jeeze lottery should shut down for a week i bet yall would go insane be lost wow fine another habit if your unhappy

8/07/2013 12:13 - mary m.

Shaunjohn ...i won 5,000 on the summer chance game and I was notified by email and i was sooo shocked i didnt think it was real at first ! Took me 3 days to verify it by calling the number they give you but that was because it fell on 4th of july. It was a blessing !

8/06/2013 03:55 - NC Lottery

@ SHAUNJOHN312 - The lottery first attempts to notify winners of Lucke-Rewards drawings by e-mail, usually within 48 hours of the drawing. If a winner does not respond to e-mail notification, we attempt to reach the winner by phone and, if that doesn't work, certified mail. Here is a link you can copy & paste into your browser for more info about winners from the Durham area: http://bit.ly/14gy4dV

8/06/2013 02:10 - Kenneth G.

I hope we all win

8/06/2013 12:28 - Shaunecey J.

I would love to win just a portion, as would everyone else. Of course it's all about luck. I would like to know how the wednesday winners of the 2500.00 are notified. I don't think I've EVER seen a Durham winner.

8/06/2013 10:31 - Howard J.

I hope I can win BIG!!

8/06/2013 10:12 - NC Lottery

@ ANNE - We offer many games that have a larger # of smaller top prizes; the main appeal of games like Powerball & Mega Millions to players across our state and across the country is that the jackpots get so big. We've had five multimilliondollar jackpot winners in NC lottery history and we're always hoping for #6!!! :-)

8/06/2013 09:40 - Alexander B.

I've been playing my same sets of numbers for a few years now. Hopefully the small county of Vance will win the with my set of numbers :). Fingers crossed.

8/06/2013 09:30 - anne b.

if u want to help the working people split the lottery up in at least 10 different #s that would help a lot of families 1 person doesn't need that much money and I agree let nc win for a change thanks

8/06/2013 09:13 - mary m.

To those who dont believe ...I won $5,000 dollars and I only played a small amount! Im not rich or well im an average gal who works at a Piggly Wiggly. Keep trying and if you think its rigged then dont play so the rest of us have more chances to win LOL ! :)

8/05/2013 11:42 - BRENDA w.

I SURE HOPE I COULD WIN SOME OF THAT JACKPOT. DON'T NEED IT ALL, JUST SOME OF IT. BUT IT WOULD BE VERY NICE TO WIN IT ALL. WILL GIVE HALF OF IT AWAY RIGHT OFF THE TOP. GOOD LUCK TO ALL......................

8/05/2013 11:27 - Ronald C.

Hope it is I THAT WIN. GOODLUCKEVERYONE

8/05/2013 11:19 - Montrell P.

I just wish everybody the best of luck and hope for the best

8/05/2013 09:32 - patrina u.

"I wish you all the best of luck"

8/05/2013 09:26 - Sandra J.

I do believe the games are rigged. I play when it's a big jackpot even though odds are better when jackpot smaller because not as many people play. Wish they would have more winners when it's a big jackpot. Good luck to North Carolina players.

8/05/2013 09:25 - Richard M.

All that I will say is Google "is the lottery rigged" and you will see that EVERY drawing is controlled and when someone wins, it's because they wanted them too, NOT because of a random drawing. I still play bc I hope that they choose my numbers, but I've been playing for over 9 years and never won over $250. Good luck bc you'll need it!!

8/05/2013 08:53 - sarah j.

Good Luck and God Bless N.C. There's so many people that need this money, hope it will be someone that will spend it wisely. God Bless...all.

8/05/2013 07:43 - RONALD R.

THE FIRST THING I WOULD DO WITH MY WINNINGS IS: MAKE SURE EVERY MINORITY IN THE USA RECEIEVES THE BEST EDUCATION THAT EXIST. AND NEXT, MAKE MORE JOBS FOR AMERICANS WITHOUT ALL THE STRESS AND HELP THE HOMELESS BECOME SOMETHING. LASTLY, LIVE MY LIFE TO THE FULLEST KNOWING THAT I DID WELL WITH A SMILE. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE FROM ABOVE.

8/05/2013 07:34 - coyan h.

i would love to win some.of it ive raised all my 6 kids as a single parent.i just need a vacation.GODKNOWS!!!!!!!!

8/05/2013 06:50 - josh p.

i don't play cause im afraid i might win...i believe its harder for a rich man to get to heaven and i ain't trying to make it any harder

8/05/2013 06:05 - John C.

I Need a win never wone in any of the lottrey numbers I have picked,I am playing and hopefully win with the numbers I pick In N.C.

8/05/2013 04:45 - beverly b.

lifes good im a live but i would love to not be struggling for awhile god bless everyone

8/05/2013 04:25 - dorothea k.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE !!!!

8/05/2013 02:36 - NC Lottery

@ JACKOFDIAMONDS - On July 18, we posted a blog announcing changes coming to Mega Millions in October. The ticket price will not be changing. The multistate jackpot games are popular with many players precisely because the jackpots get so big; there are many other games to choose from if that's not your cup of tea! :-) http://bit.ly/1enQOtB

8/05/2013 02:30 - LaTonya R.

LORD I pray for everyone in this nation who's really an need..God only you know who is the WINNER...good luck everyone an use your money wisely this is one time chance..For me an my family WE OUT OF HERE...with love..lol.

8/05/2013 01:49 - Paul M.

Next up is an increase in the Mega Millions ticket price to $2, yet the jackpot odds get worse. Both tickets should have stayed at a dollar. These large jackpots are ridiculous for just one person to win.

8/05/2013 01:48 - Lena W.

Good Luck to everyone.Just hope someone in NC win it.......

8/05/2013 01:11 - NC Lottery

@ HAMOFAGUY - Our state has in fact had three Powerball jackpot winners of $74.5 million to $141.4 million, and two Mega Millions jackpot winners of $12 million to $57 million. The odds are the same on a ticket no matter what state it is purchased in.

8/05/2013 01:08 - Natalie T.

i could really use that. get a home of my own, help my kids & their family. help one son with his medical needs that he can't do anything about due to finances. i know so many people i would help & be able to end my homeless situation too.

8/05/2013 01:06 - NC Lottery

@ TAUGUST1970 - More than two years ago, we announced that changes were coming to the Powerball game starting in January 2012 that would raise ticket prices, but increase the prize values and odds of winning. You can copy & paste this link into your browser for more info: http://bit.ly/jzxbAD

8/05/2013 12:04 - Thom B.

Why is Powerball $2?!!!

8/05/2013 11:36 - Roger K.

I want to wish all Good luck on Wednesday night! But I believe the winner will be from California this time. Why do I say that! Because California just joined Powerball in April, last Saturday they had 188,786 winners from that state alone!from 5 numbers right on down to the PB number right. New York was 2nd highest number of winners,184,125 winners from that state..I really hope there is a JACKPOT winner from NC and I hope it is me!!!If anyone wants to play these numbers on WED, feel free to do so. I shook them from my pill bottle this morning!! 1-3-14-28-35+8 Hope to meet you in Raleigh on Thursday morning!! GOOD LUCK ALL who plays!!

8/05/2013 11:17 - Reuben T.

My name says it all, it's mine!!!! I claim it. I will win the PowerBall jackpot. And invest in Charlotte, Detroit, Atlanta and in my family

8/05/2013 11:06 - Gloria I.

Hoping for a win! Will try again Wednesday!!!!

8/05/2013 09:56 - Howard J.

Like so many more players I to hope that I can win a big sum of money because my next to the oldest has a desperate need for hip surgery and I need to win so I can get some needed repairs to my house Maybe I can be lucky and win this time!!

8/05/2013 08:28 - Kimberly F.

I would be happy with just a portion, enough to be comfortable and help out friends and family!!

8/05/2013 08:17 - Billy H.

My time is near so I can bless so many family members, friends and others in need.

8/05/2013 12:13 - Doug B.

There is no way that the power ball is rigged. Why would they they make billions of dollars regardless. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty that is the American way! Don`t jinx yourself by saying any different:-)

8/05/2013 12:10 - Reginald B.

Good luck!!!!!!

8/04/2013 10:55 - Michelle R.

Lets win the 400 million on Wednesday! ! Good luck to all

8/04/2013 10:20 - phil h.

Good luck everyone

8/04/2013 09:32 - Dock D.

anyone can possibly win good luck to all of us.

8/04/2013 08:57 - michael e.

I dont plan to ever buy a powerball ticket such a waist of hard earned money people dont win nothing you just give it to the tax people and they waist it on whatever they want to so dont enter powrball drawings if you want to lose your money period.....I have spoken.......

8/04/2013 08:48 - michael e.

WHO CARES any way no one from nc will ever win its rigged for all states to not win..big winner here is the ( states).

8/04/2013 08:24 - Willie B.

i could use it and so could St. JUDE IN MEMPHIS, TENN

8/04/2013 08:19 - James G.

me and the familey could really use it

8/04/2013 07:04 - carolyn b.

I hope someone in North Carolina wins, Good luck ever body. .

8/04/2013 07:04 - NC Lottery

@ MR. BROOKS - The reason the Powerball jackpot grows to a large amount is because the odds of any one ticket matching all six numbers in a particular drawing are 1 in 175,223,510. Anytime that doesn't happen, the jackpot rolls. As you can see from the comments, many players enjoying having the chance to win such a large jackpot.

8/04/2013 06:50 - Rita W.

I'm praying for that big blessing :)

8/04/2013 06:42 - Joseph N.

If I win I will spread the wealth with my family, friends love ones and people in need.

8/04/2013 06:36 - Jacqueline V.

I hope to win any amount, I'm not picky.

8/04/2013 06:17 - jessica M.

I'd be happy with 1 million :-)

8/04/2013 06:12 - Joseph N.

If I win I will spread the wealth with my family, friends love ones and people in need.

8/04/2013 06:05 - herschel B.

my family and i need to win that

8/04/2013 06:05 - cathy p.

I need some luck,it would be a blessing.

8/04/2013 06:01 - Pamela W.

Yes, This is the BIG One!!!!! I will definitely be playing!! I hope someone from N.C. wins this money!!! Good Luck to you all!!!!

8/04/2013 05:27 - Rosalie M.

Would be nice to win at least once!!! This one would be the one to win!! AMEN!!!

8/04/2013 04:42 - Walter K.

Really need this money like most everyone!!!

8/04/2013 04:38 - Dorothy W.

god is good work for what you need pray for what you want

8/04/2013 04:26 - jennifer y.

i hope I win I got to get me some good numbers I am praying

8/04/2013 04:12 - Tammy M.

I pray my daddy win

8/04/2013 04:11 - Lorry C.

I will win at least $50,00, if not more, on Wednesday's PB drawing!

8/04/2013 03:22 - Lakita W.

The things I could do with that money.

8/04/2013 02:53 - Bruce W.

This is my Blessing from God to help families and better my life! Nc powerball is mines in Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

8/04/2013 02:17 - shakara b.

i pray someone does..

8/04/2013 02:12 - carolyn b.

what a GOD SENT BLESSING this would be to win this....the 1st thing would be to give a large amount to my "CHURCH" THEN HELP ALL MY FAMILY ...THERE IS A LOT OF GOOD YOU CAN DO WITH THAT MUCH MONEY.....TY GOD FOR YOUR MANY BLESSINGS ON ME.......

8/04/2013 02:09 - James I.

OK....It's my time to win!

8/04/2013 01:52 - Cory H.

That would be a miracle for this guy here!!

8/04/2013 01:50 - SARAH s.

me to

8/04/2013 01:50 - Marie L.

If I should win I could make a lot of people happy!

8/04/2013 01:50 - Lucille M.

I too want to win, and a couple others to win. The pot is sure big enough

8/04/2013 01:49 - Anthony B.

The lottery is rigged and they will let it go when they want. So that is why power ball get up to over 100 million all the time. You can't sit there and tell me that it is random numbers when you can see that it isn't.

8/04/2013 01:49 - Teresa a.

I just would like to know how it feels to money.

8/04/2013 01:48 - Carlos S.

Good luck to me and to all!

8/04/2013 01:34 - Sharon W.

I am in it to WIN IT!!!!!!!

8/04/2013 01:25 - shirley w.

yes i hope i win a portion of the winning # really could use some.

8/04/2013 12:22 - Diana R.

I hope someone in North Carolina wins!!!!

8/04/2013 11:32 - kim G.

I pray I win that

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Powerball jackpot surges to $400 million

August 4, 2013 Posted by NC Lottery at 10:27 AM

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