Three Powerball players missed the jackpot but got rewards worth celebrating in North Carolina.
The players purchased tickets that matched all but one of the numbers chosen in the November 4 drawing. Because two of the players spent an extra dollar on the Power Play option, their $50,000 rewards were increased to $500,000, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery’s website and an email to McClatchy News.
The winning numbers were white balls 6-18-33-48-53, with red Powerball 21.
Each player’s ticket matched four white balls and one red ball to win big. Here’s where the lucky $2 or $3 tickets were sold:
- $50,000 ticket sold at Circle K in Winston-Salem suburb of Kernersville
- $500,000 ticket sold at Circle K in Raleigh suburb of Apex
- $500,000 ticket sold online to player in Roaring River area of Wilkes County
Though the players are about to gain richer, their tickets were one number away from winning the jackpot prize. According to the Powerball website, no one in the country hit the jackpot, which was projected to be worth $65 million the night of the drawing.
In North Carolina, Powerball winners have approximately six months to claim their winnings. Lottery administrators announced the winners early on November 5, before the lucky ticket holders had an opportunity to cash in, according to the game rules.
The expected prize for the upcoming Powerball drawing on November 6 is $75 million.
What to know about Powerball
To win the jackpot in Powerball, a player must match all five white balls and the red Powerball.
The odds of winning the jackpot are one in 292,201,338.
Tickets can be purchased on the day of the drawing, though sales times and prices vary by state.
Drawings are televised on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays at 10:59 p.m. ET and can be viewed online.
Powerball is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.
Many people can gamble or play games of chance without causing harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that may destroy lives and families.