Powerball's Largest Jackpot This Year; How Winners Can Claim Anonymously

Powerball Jackpot Reaches $605 Million, Sparks Excitement

The Powerball jackpot has reached a staggering $605 million, drawing the attention of players across the country for the highly anticipated drawing on Monday, August 18 at 11 p.m. ET. This massive prize is the largest of the year and has captured the imagination of many who dream of hitting the jackpot.

Despite its impressive size, this jackpot still has some distance to go before it can enter the top ten Powerball jackpots in history. To reach the tenth spot, the prize would need to surpass $731.1 million, which was won in Maryland on January 20, 2021. For the grand prize to claim the number one position, it would have to exceed $2.04 billion, a record set in California on November 7, 2022.

Anonymity Options for Winners

In some states, winners may choose to remain anonymous after claiming their prize. If the first winner since the May 31 drawing is in one of these states, their identity could remain unknown to the public. Arkansas is the only state that grants anonymity temporarily, with winners' identities protected for three years.

Here are the states where lottery winners can claim prizes anonymously, along with the requirements:

• Arizona: Prize must be over $100,000
• Arkansas: Prize must be over $500,000, and anonymity lasts for three years
• Delaware: Any prize
• Georgia: Prize must be over $250,000
• Illinois: Prize must be over $250,000
• Kansas: Any prize
• Maryland: Any prize
• Michigan: Prize must be over $10,000; applies to state-run games only
• Minnesota: Prize must be over $10,000
• Mississippi: Any prize
• Missouri: Any prize
• Montana: Any prize
• New Jersey: Any prize
• North Dakota: Any prize
• South Carolina: Any prize
• Texas: Prize must be over $1 million
• Virginia: Prize must be greater than $10 million
• West Virginia: Prize must be over $1 million
• Wyoming: Any prize

What to Do if You Win the Powerball

If you're lucky enough to win the Powerball, the "smartest thing" you can do is to stay calm and take your time. Financial advisers have emphasized the importance of careful planning when dealing with such a large sum of money.

Avoid sharing any details about your win on social media or telling too many people. Rob Burnette, a financial adviser from Ohio, advised: “If you’re lucky enough to win the lottery, keep it quiet. Get organized and make a plan. Consider staying anonymous, if it’s a possibility.”

Financial experts also recommend reaching out to professionals immediately. Steve Azoury, owner of Azoury Financial in Troy, Michigan, said: “Get a tax attorney and a tax accountant right off the bat and then a financial adviser. They’ll work hand in hand to figure out the plan.”

Where to Buy Lottery Tickets

Lottery tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell them. Additionally, you can order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in several U.S. states and territories.

Jackpocket allows users to select their lottery game and numbers, place an order, view their ticket, and collect winnings—all using a phone or home computer. The service is available in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.