The saying “one dollar can make a difference” rang true for Linda Wilkes of Roaring River, North Carolina, whose decision to spend an extra dollar on the Power Play add-on turned a $50,000 win into a life-changing $500,000 prize.
An Unexpected Windfall
Linda Wilkes had purchased a $3 Powerball Quick Pick ticket for the November 4 drawing through the North Carolina Lottery’s online platform. She opted for the Power Play feature, a decision that paid off in spectacular fashion. Her ticket matched four of the white balls and the red Powerball number, qualifying her for a $50,000 prize. However, thanks to the 10X multiplier from Power Play, her prize skyrocketed to $500,000.
“I was in disbelief,” Wilkes shared after discovering her big win. “Then I immediately called my mom.”
The winning numbers for the November 4 drawing were 6, 18, 33, 48, 53, and the Powerball number 21.
Claiming Her Prize
Wilkes claimed her prize at the North Carolina Lottery headquarters in Raleigh last week. After state and federal tax withholdings, she took home $357,501—a substantial sum that she plans to use toward purchasing a new home.
“Everybody always says, ‘What if I won the lottery, that would open a lot of doors,’” Wilkes said. “And then I did.”
The Power of the Power Play
The Power Play add-on is one of the most exciting features of the Powerball game. For just $1 extra, players can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X, depending on the draw’s multiplier. Wilkes’ win showcases how a small additional investment can lead to significant rewards.
The Next Powerball Jackpot
With Wilkes celebrating her win, the Powerball jackpot resets. The next annuity jackpot, set for Monday, December 9, stands at $20 million, following a $256 million jackpot win by a lucky New York ticket holder.
Powerball tickets cost $2 each, with the Power Play option available for an additional $1. Drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Powerball is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Your Turn to Dream
Linda Wilkes’ story reminds us that winning the lottery is more than a dream—it’s a possibility. For those considering their own shot at the jackpot, be sure to consider the Power Play add-on. It might just be the decision that changes everything.
So, knights of the lottery roundtable, what are you waiting for? Your next ticket might just be your key to the castle!
