The winning numbers for the $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot at January 13 draw are 4, 8, 19, 27, 34, PB 10.

At least one winning ticket was sold, at a shop in Los Angeles, officials say.

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 winner – assuming no split in the prize – stands to take home the jackpot in annual payments over 29 years. He or she could also opt for one lump-sum payment of $930 million.

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

After paying tax, however, the winner would still be wealthier than Beyonce and Lionel Messi, according to AFP news agency.

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.