New Jersey Ticket Wins Powerball Jackpot

A ticket sold in New Jersey matched all six numbers in the Nov. 4 Powerball drawing, winning a jackpot advertised in reports at either $847 million or $835 million. The winning numbers were 15, 34, 41, 53, 56 and Powerball 21. The ticket holder’s identity had not been disclosed in reports published by Nov. 5. The prize estimates differed across reports about the same drawing. Several reports gave an estimated annuity jackpot of $847 million and a cash option of $363.1 million. Two reports published before or around the drawing put the estimate at $835 million, with a cash option of $357.9 million. The reports did not explain the difference, and the estimates should not be treated as a confirmed final value. The winner can choose between an annuity paid over 29 years and a one-time cash payment, with both options reported before taxes. The game operator’s description of the annuity says it consists of one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year. The cash option provides the prize as a single payment rather than installments. The winning drawing ended a run of 35 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. The previous jackpot was won on...