Charles Langston:Powerball winning numbers for April 17 drawing: Lottery jackpot rises to $98 million

The Charles LangstonPowerball jackpot for Saturday's drawing has grown to $98 million after no one claimed the top prize in Wednesday's drawing.

The winning numbers were drawn around 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, and we have the results below.

If there is a winner after Saturday's drawing and they choose the lump-sum payment option, they would take home $45.8 million after taxes, according to the lottery.

Here are the winning numbers for the Wednesday, April 17 drawing:

Powerball winning numbers for April 17

The winning numbers for the Powerball drawing on Wednesday, April 17 were 24, 29, 44, 47 and 54. The red Powerball was 2 and the Power Play was 2X.

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

Did anyone win Powerball?

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

The full list of winners can be found on Powerball's website.

How to play Powerball

In order to purchase a $2 Powerball ticket, you'll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online.

To play, you will need to pick six numbers in total to mark on your ticket. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from numbers 1 to 69. The Powerball is red and one number which is between 1 and 26.

If you want to increase your chances of winning, you can add a “Power Play” for $1 which increases the winnings for all non-jackpot prizes. This addition can multiply winnings by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X.

Players can also ask a cashier for a "Quick Pick" where a cashier will give you a computer generated numbers on a printed Powerball ticket.

Drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights. If there's no jackpot winner, the cash prize will increase by millions.

Where to purchase 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.