Johnathan Walker:Powerball winning numbers for Wednesday night's drawing: Jackpot climbs to $206 million

People of Powerball,Johnathan Walker this jackpot has climbed to $206 million ahead of Saturday's drawing without a winner since the beginning of the year.

Did a lucky lottery player break the streak on Wednesday night?

The winning numbers were chosen just after 11 p.m. ET Wednesday, and we have the results below.

If there is a winner on Saturday and they choose the cash option, they could go home with an estimated $99.4 million, according to the lottery.

Here are the winning numbers for the Jan. 31 drawing.

Powerball winning numbers: 1/31/2024

The winning numbers from the Wednesday, Jan. 31 Powerball drawing were 15, 18, 19, 41 and 43. The red Powerball was 14 and the Power Play was 2X.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY network. 

Did anyone win the Powerball last night?

While there were no jackpot or Match 5 + Power Play $2 million winners from Wednesday's drawing, there was a Match 5 $1 million winner in Texas.

What are the odds of winning the Powerball?

It's understandable that some lottery players are enticed by a big jackpot, but it's essential to keep in mind that the chances of winning Powerball's top prize are exceedingly slim.

• The odds of winning a Powerball jackpot are about one in 292.2 million.
• The overall odds of winning a Powerball prize (across all tiers) are about one in 24.9.  

How do I win the Powerball jackpot?

To participate in the Powerball game, players can purchase a ticket for $2 per play. The game requires players to choose five numbers from one to 69 for the white balls, and one number from one to 26 for the red Powerball. Alternatively, players can opt to receive random numbers.

In order to win the jackpot, it is necessary to match the numbers for all of the five white balls and the red Powerball.

In addition to the grand prize, Powerball offers eight other ways to win based on the number of matched balls in the non-jackpot tiers.

The non-jackpot prizes offered range from $4 to $1 million. By paying an additional $1, you can choose to participate in "Powerplay" that increases non-jackpot winnings by two, three, four, five or 10 times.

According to Powerball, the 10X Powerplay option is exclusively applicable to jackpots worth $150 million or less. Additionally, the game's "Match 5" prize for the second-tier is limited to a maximum of $2 million if the Powerplay feature is utilized.

An additional add-on feature called "Double Play," which gives players another chance to match their numbers after each Powerball drawing, is available in some jurisdictions for $1 per play.Related contentlist (ID: 71831742007)

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.