The winning numbers for the Powerball jackpot are 4, 8, 19, 27, 34, PB 10.

There are at least three winning tickets in the Powerball jackpot - sold in Los Angeles, Tennessee and Florida - lottery officials said.

The previous draw was the 19th without a grand prize winner, which requires all six numbers to match.

Thousands of people earlier queued up outside shops across the US, hoping to defy the odds of 292.2 million to one.

The winners can collect their winnings in annual payments over 29 years, or opt to share a lump-sum payment of $930m.

The government would share in the big prize, however, levying a 39.6% federal income tax on the winners, plus any taxes that the winners' home state may impose.

Six of the 50 US states do not participate in the lottery, forcing some of their residents to drive hours to buy tickets.

Alabama, Mississippi and Utah cite religious reasons, while Alaska has said it would not be economical in such a sparsely populated state.

In Hawaii, proposed legislation to start it fails consistently and in Nevada the lottery is rejected because the state's world famous casinos prefer not to have competition.

(BBC News)