The U.S. locations that have never won a Powerball Jackpot. Which are the unlucky states?
Powerball is one of the most popular lotteries in the U.S., but four states have never had a jackpot winner. Find out which states have never won, why the odds are so tough, and why Powerball remains so popular.
Lotteries in the United States have long been a source of excitement and hope for millions, offering the dream of life-changing wealth with just a single ticket. However, luck has not been evenly distributed across the country.
While some states have celebrated multiple Powerball winners, others have yet to see a single jackpot victory. Despite Powerball being available in most of the U.S., four states have never produced a jackpot winner in the history of the game.
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Which U.S. states have never won a Powerball Jackpot?
Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, along with Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, certain regions have yet to witness a jackpot win. The four states that have never had a Powerball jackpot winner are:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Nevada
- Utah
Additionally, the U.S. Virgin Islands have also never recorded a jackpot winner. The main reason behind this is that these states and territories do not participate in Powerball, significantly reducing their chances of having a winner.
How does Powerball work, and Why is it so hard to win?
Powerball drawings take place three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:59 PM (ET). To play, participants must select five numbers from 1 to 69, along with a Powerball number from 1 to 26.
The odds of winning the jackpot are an astonishing 1 in 292.2 million, making it an extremely difficult prize to claim. However, secondary prizes offer better chances of winning, especially with the Power Play option, which multiplies winnings in certain prize categories.
Why is Powerball so popular despite the low odds?
Despite the slim chances of winning, Powerball remains one of the most popular lotteries in the United States. With tickets priced at just $2, the opportunity to win hundreds of millions—or even billions—of dollars keeps millions of players coming back.
Jackpot amounts frequently reach record-breaking figures, generating nationwide excitement whenever there is a rollover with no winner. While some states are still waiting for their first jackpot victory, enthusiasm for Powerball remains strong, as thousands continue to play in hopes of striking it rich.