$842 million Powerball ticket sold in Michigan, first New Year's Day win.

 In Johnston, Iowa, For the first time since the game's inception in 1992, a Michigander has won the $842.4 million Powerball jackpot on the first day of 2024.

Here are the winning numbers: 12, 21, 42, 44, 49, and 1 for the red Powerball.

The Powerball jackpot grew from an initial estimate of $810 million to $842.4 million due to final ticket sales, making it the tenth biggest U.S. lottery prize ever won and the fifth highest Powerball jackpot ever.

The jackpot had been steadily increasing since about the middle of October before the huge victory on New Year's.

There is a 1 in 292.2 million chance of winning the Powerball jackpot.

A lump sum payout of $425.2 million or an annuitized reward of $842.4 million, payable over 30 years, will be offered to the fortunate ticket holder. Before taxes, both prize alternatives are available.

There were four more top-winning tickets that won $1 million each; they were sold in the states of California, Connecticut, Florida, and Maryland.

By purchasing the Power Play option for an extra $1 per play, two tickets from Texas and Florida were able to match all five white balls and win $2 million jackpots. There are 45 states that offer Powerball games, plus DC, PR, and the US Virgin Islands.

Watch this space for further developments.