Lester Elder has joined the Missouri Lottery as the organization’s sixth executive director just as the Powerball jackpot reaches a new world record.
“Talk about an exciting time to come on board,” Elder said. “It’s my first day leading the Missouri Lottery and tonight we have a drawing for the highest Powerball jackpot ever!”
The jackpot for tonight’s Powerball drawing now stands at an estimated $1.9 billion, with a cash option of $929.1 million – the highest ever offered in the game.
As a result of Saturday night’s drawing, a Missouri Lottery player won $1 million for matching all five white-ball numbers drawn, and an additional five players won $50,000 prizes for matching four white-ball numbers plus the Powerball. The winning numbers drawn on Saturday, Nov. 5, were 28, 45, 53, 56 and 69, and the Powerball number was 20.
| Amount Won | Retailer | Address |
| $1 million | Lucky T Convenience | 30364 Highway 37, Seligman |
| $50,000 | K&M Country Store | 203 W. Colorado Ave., Bland |
| $50,000 | On the Run | 42 W. Highway N, Wentzville |
| $50,000 | Sugarfoot Convenience Store | 5430 N.E. Highway 82, Osceola |
| $50,000 | Country Club Express Wash | 17195 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield |
| $50,000 | QuikTrip | 1402 N. State Route 291, Harrisonville |
It’s estimated that Powerball’s current jackpot run, which began in August, has so far generated about $18 million in proceeds for Missouri public education.
“The reason the Lottery exists is to provide funds for public education in Missouri,” Elder added. “Large jackpots like this help increase interest in our games – and, of course, lead to higher ticket sales – which, in turn, lead to more proceeds for education.
“We want our players to have fun with this jackpot, but only by playing within their means,” he continued. “It only takes one ticket to win, so please play responsibly.”
Prior to joining the Missouri Lottery, Elder served as chief administrator of the Missouri Department of Revenue’s Compliance and Investigation Bureau, overseeing criminal and administrative investigations, as well as duties related to budget, legislation and policy development. He was also previously a Missouri State Highway Patrolman, retiring a Captain after 30 years of service. During his tenure, Elder also served as director of the Gaming Division from 2006-2011.
