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Summer 2025: Cool amusement parks in Delaware, Maryland & New Jersey

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Summer 2025: Cool amusement parks in Delaware, Maryland & New Jersey


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  • Locations include Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey.
  • Several amusement parks and water parks offer a variety of attractions for families and thrill-seekers.
  • Ticket prices and hours vary depending on the park and time of year.

This fast-moving year has brought its share of highs and lows. And you know what that means, right?

Maybe it’s a sign you’re overdue for a roller coaster ride?

If you think it’s the latter, here’s a look at seven can’t-miss amusements parks in Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey you and your kids might want to hit up this summer. These parks offer go-karting, crazy roller coasters and water slides, and so much more.

Great Wolf Lodge: Perryville, Maryland 

Your pack can soak up the fun at Great Wolf Lodge’s 126,000-square-feet indoor water park where the temperature stays a perfect 84 degrees all year long. Guests can enjoy slides like the monster Twister Slide, which stretches 275 feet and features 360 loops, plus families/groups can go rafting. 

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Additionally, folks can kick back and float in the Lazy River. The “Otter Springs” offers a play pool for younger children that has several kid-friendly slides with tiny dips. 

Great Wolf Lodge has a lot of non-water attractions such as an arcade, mini golf, bowling and a mining-themed mirror maze where you must find the exit. There’s an obstacle course that looks like something inspired by “America Ninja Warrior,” but on a smaller scale, and other cool attractions. Bear in mind, each attraction listed above are paid add-ons. 

Amenities: There are several restaurants and food shops like Hungry As A Wolf, Dunkin’, Campfire Kitchen (breakfast food like waffles), Wood’s End Creamery, Barnwood and Timbers. Folks can buy grab-and-go sandwiches and drinks at the Freshwoods Market. The Pretzelmaker dishes up fresh pretzels. Adults will find alcoholic drinks at The Watering Hole. 

Hours: Times vary, but the water park is normally open daily during the summer.  

Admission/Tickets: The price for full-day and half-day passes vary throughout June to September (before Labor Day), ranging from around $48 to $100 per person. Half-day passes are cheaper and are typically available for weekdays, allowing guests to hang out from 4 p.m. to close. Kids aged 2 or younger get in free. 

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Lodging: Folks who want to stay the night can do so in one of the lodge suites. When you lodge at Great Wolf Lodge, your water park passes are included for each registered guest, according to the website. 

The standard family suite includes two queen beds, full bath a TV and mini fridge. While the prices vary, the amount for a one-night stay for two adult guests and two kids (each over age 2) might start at around $369. There also are options for themed family suites that accommodate up to six to seven people, plus a premium option that accommodates up to 13 people.  Address: Great Wolf Lodge (1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, Maryland).  

Visit greatwolf.com/maryland or call (888) 983-9653. 

Six Flags Great Adventure: Jackson, New Jersey 

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For decades, Six Flags has been a summer staple for adrenaline junkies; and the party hasn’t stopped. The amusement park boasts dozens of rides, games and activities, including your favorite hero and villain rides like The Flash: Vertical Velocity, The Joker, Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth, The Dark Knight Coaster and Super Man: Ultimate Flight.  

Other notable experiences include the Wild Safari where guests cruise around in an open-air vehicle and discover epic animals, while learning about conservation efforts.  Amenities: There’s over a dozen restaurants, bars and food spots for patrons include the Ale House, Best of the West, Primo’s Pizzeria on Main Street, Boardwalk Steak and Fries, Totally Kickin’ Chicken Sports Bar, Sugar Shack and Rita’s Italian Ice. 

Hours: The park is usually open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 1, though hours vary.  

Tickets: $39, one-day pass starts as low as that price. $75, season pass starts as low as that price. 

Address: Six Flags Great Adventures (Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, New Jersey).  

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Visit sixflags.com/greatadventure or call (732) 928-2000.  

Funland, Rehoboth Beach  

This is an emotional year for some longtime Funland fans because owner Allen “Al” Fasnacht passed away in March. Yet, his legacy lives on in every smile and fun memory at Funland.  

The iconic amusement park in Rehoboth Beach offers 20 rides and 11 games. Funland has entertained multiple generations of families since 1962. 

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Amenities: Snack bar and gift shop. 

Hours: Open daily in the summer: 

From June 7 to Aug. 23: Games open at 10 a.m., and Rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 10:15 p.m.  

Aug. 24 to 28: Games and rides open at 1p.m. Ticket booth Closes at 9:15 p.m. 

Aug. 29: Games and rides open at 1p.m. Ticket booth closes at 10:15 p.m. 

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Aug. 30 to 31: Games open at 10 a.m. Rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 10:15 p.m.  

Sept. 1: Games open at 10 a.m. Rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 8:15 p.m. 

Sept. 2 to 4: Park closed.  

Sept. 5: Games and rides open at 6 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 9:15 p.m. 

Sept. 6: Games and rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 10:15 p.m. 

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Sept. 7, last day of 2025 season: Games and rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 8:15 p.m. 

Tickets: Single ticket is $0.75; 25 ticket book is $18.75; $50 ticket book is $33 and $100 ticket book is $55. The Unlimited Ride Wristband (1-4:30 p.m.) is $26.00. Unless you have the Unlimited Ride Wristband, the price of rides vary. Some are 1 ticket, others reach up to 6 tickets per ride.  Address: Funland (6 Delaware Ave., Rehoboth Beach). 

Visit funlandrehoboth.com or call (302) 227-1921 

Jungle Jim’s, Rehoboth Beach  

Delaware’s largest water park is where kids and parents will find a bunch of activities including giant water slides, a wave pool, kiddie pool, lazy river, activity pool, kid’s spray ground, and more. 

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But there’s more than just water here. There’s also a state-of-the-art batting cage system and two mini-golf courses with 18 holes each. 

Amenities: River Safari Café and gift shop 

Hours: Water park opens daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with twilight from 3 to 6 p.m. 

Tickets: $50, all-day water park pass for people over 3½ feet; $35, all-day water park pass for people under 3½ feet; $250, water park season pass for people over 3½ feet; $175, water park season pass for people under 3½ feet. 

Address: Jungle Jim’s (36944 Country Club Road, Rehoboth Beach) 

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Visit funatjunglejims.com or call (302) 227-8444. 

Killens Pond State Park, Felton 

For decades, kids have loved getting their feet wet at Killens Pond Water Park, a place that offers fun for all ages. The park features two speed slides and two spiral slides, a tot lot for little ones, and more.  

Hours: The park is open through Labor Day, weekends only through mid-June, and weekends only mid-August through Labor Day. The park is open two sessions per day: 9 a.m. To 1:30 p.m., and 2 to 6 p.m. 

Tickets: $8, people under 4 feet; $10 for people 4 feet and over. Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and holiday rates are $10 for those under 4 feet tall; and $12 for people 4 feet or taller.  

Address: Killens Pond (5025 Killens Pond Road, Felton).  

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Visit destateparks.com/waterpark or call (302) 284-4526. 

Midway Speedway Park, Rehoboth Beach

Midway Speedway Park is a Rehoboth gem that offers four tracks across eight styles of go-kart racing. There’s also the White Water Mountain Water Park and Fire Mountain miniature golf. Not to mention, cool attractions on tap include Zip Zone Bumper Boats, or you can go on the water and play Splashing Bumper Boat Action. 

Hours: Open daily, Go-karts and mini golf from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Water park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Tickets: $59.99, includes one all-day water park and one round of mini golf, and four choice tickets to be used on any attraction; $200 for a water park season pass. A Single Ride ticket is $12. 1 game of mini golf is $15. For more prices, see website below. 

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Address: Midway Speed Waterpark (8645 Coastal Highway. Rehoboth Beach).  

Visit midwayspeedwaypark.com or call (302) 644-2042. 

Six Flags America: Bowie, Maryland  

Folks have to make the most of their time at Six Flags America in Bowie this year, since the park is set to close permanently in November. The park boasts dozens of rides and games. 

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This year marks the return of SteamTown, the new steampunk-themed section of the park that launched in 2024, offering cool attractions like the QuantumCanyon Rapids, Professor Screamore’s SkyWinder roller coaster, Fillament’s SteamPub and more fun. There’s also the Hurricane Harbor waterpark, which is an additional fee. 

Other notable rides and experiences include Harley Quinn Spinsanity roller coaster, the Halfpipe and Batwing Coaster. 

Amenities: Over two dozen amenities are on tap like the Gotham City Funnel Cakes, Macho Nacho, Hurricane Hotdog, Heritage House Food Court, Calypso’s Bar and much more. 

Hours: Daily hours are usually 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., though hours vary. 

Tickets: One-day ticket starts at $29. Silver Pass is $59; Gold Pass is $69. 

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Address: Six Flags America (13710 Central Ave, Bowie, Maryland).  

Visit sixflags.com/america or call (301) 249-1500. 

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters. 



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New laws in Virginia, DC, Maryland take effect in the new year – WTOP News

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New laws in Virginia, DC, Maryland take effect in the new year – WTOP News


Health, social media and paychecks are among the topics addressed in a wide-range of legislation that hits the books in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland on Jan. 1, 2026.

A slew of new laws will go into effect in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. on New Year’s Day.

Health, social media and paychecks are among the topics addressed in the wide range of legislation that hits the books on Jan. 1, 2026.

Here a few of the new laws beginning in the new year:

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Virginia

You can find details on any Virginia laws on the state law portal.

Kids get social media limits

Is a break from social media on your list of New Year’s resolutions? Virginia has banned kids under 16 from using social media for more than one hour a day, under the Consumer Data Protection Act.

The law allows parents to adjust that daily limit as they see fit. Some exceptions to the law include platforms that are mostly used for email or direct messaging, streaming services and news sites.

Social media companies are required to accurately verify a young person’s age under the new law. And companies are not allowed to use the age information for anything else.

There are questions about the law’s practicality and whether it will be effective, including from Jennifer Golbeck, a professor at the University of Maryland’s College of Information, who said it’s unclear whether the law will have its intended effect.

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Solicitors’ repeated texts 

There may be an avenue to reel in unwanted texts or calls from solicitors under the Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act.

If you reply to a solicitor’s text with “UNSUBSCRIBE” or “STOP,” they are required by law to listen.

In fact, the seller won’t be allowed to reach back out to you for at least 10 years after being told to stop.

Ignoring requests to stop contact could land a solicitor with a fine, which increases with each violation.

Toxic metal in baby food

Baby food sold in Virginia needs to be tested for toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury.

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The law bans the sale or distribution of products that exceed limits on toxic heavy metals, set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The Baby Food Protection Act also requires information about toxic heavy metals to be listed on the manufacturer’s website and on the product itself. Consumers can report baby food that they believe violates the FDA limits.

Coverage for breast exams, prostate cancer screenings

Beginning on Jan. 1, insurance companies can’t charge patients for diagnostic or follow-up breast examinations, under HB 1828. The bill requires insurance providers to cover the cost of certain mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds.

Similarly, Virginia also updated the coverage requirements for prostate cancer screenings through SB 1314. Insurance companies will need to cover the cost of updated tests for prostate cancer for men over the age of 50 or high-risk men age 40 or older.

Minimum wage bump

Minimum wage is going up to $12.77 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2026.

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That’s a jump of 36 cents from the current minimum wage of $12.41 per hour. State law mandates that the wage will incrementally increase until it reaches $15 per hour in 2028.

Beginning in January 2029, the minimum wage will be adjusted based off increases in the consumer price index.

Unemployment benefits

Those on unemployment will see a bump in their weekly benefits. The payments will go up by $52 from the existing rate.

Maryland

The Maryland General Assembly has an outline of new laws for 2026 online. Here’s a breakdown of a few notable laws.

Tax protections for homeowners and heirs

A revision to the state’s tax code looks to protect homeowners and heirs who owe sales taxes on a property. Counties will be required to withhold certain properties where heirs live from unpaid sales tax.

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Maryland extended the period of time between a warning and when a property is sold for unpaid property taxes. It’s also creating a statewide registry for heirs.

Anesthesia coverage

No one wants to wake up to a surprise medical bill. Maryland has banned time limits on the delivery of anesthesia to patients when its recommended by a medical professional.

That means if your insurance agrees to cover anesthesia, they have to provide coverage for the entire medical procedure, according to the law.

It applies to groups that provide medical coverage, such as the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, managed care organizations, certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans and health maintenance organizations.

Domestic violence awareness for cosmetologists 

Hairdressers, nail techs and other cosmetologists in Maryland are being required to take a new type of training that’s centered around looking out for clients who may be facing abuse at home.

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Cosmetologists will be required to take training on domestic violence awareness as a requirement to maintain their license starting Jan. 1.

The lessons will go over how to spot signs of domestic violence and ways to talk things through with a client who may be in need of help.

Cancer screenings for firefighters

Counties that offer self-insured employee health benefit plans have to cover the cost of preventive cancer screenings for firefighters. Those firefighters who qualify won’t have to pay for those screenings.

The James “Jimmy” Malone Act also requires the Maryland Health Commission to study the impact of increasing access to cancer screenings

Pediatric hospitals 

Insurance providers cannot require prior authorization for a child to be transferred to a pediatric hospital, under this Maryland law. The same rules go for the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and the Maryland Children’s Health Program.

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DC

D.C.’s full library of laws can be accessed online.

Criminal records

There are new rules in D.C. that call for automatic expungements in certain scenarios, under a provision of the Second Chance Amendment Act.

Starting in the new year, any qualifying case will be automatically expunged within 90 days.

The change applies to cases where the charge has been legalized or found unconstitutional.

For certain misdemeanors that do not end in a conviction, the records will be automatically sealed.

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If a person is convicted, the record will be sealed automatically, 10 years after the completed sentence. There are exceptions under the law. Violent crimes, sexual abuse and driving under the influence are among the misdemeanor charges that do not qualify.

Health care for low income residents

Under the 2026 fiscal year budget, low income residents will see changes to their health care coverage starting Jan. 1, 2026. The budget changed the eligibility requirement for Medicaid, tightening the income requirement for childless adults and adult caregivers.

Those low-income residents who are no longer eligible for Medicaid could be moved to a Basic Health Plan, administered by D.C. Some services covered by Medicaid are not covered under the Basic Health Plan, including dental and vision for adults.

Ambulance fees 

The District is raising the cap for the cost of being transported by an ambulance — a cost it says will mostly fall on insurance companies, not patients.

Fees will increase from $1,750 to $2,000 for patients on life support. Any patient who is transported in an ambulance is charged by ground transport mileage; that rate is increasing from $26.25 to $30 per loaded mile.

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For the most part, D.C. Fire and EMS says insurance should cover ambulance bills in most cases. The fees help offset taxes related to funding EMS services, according to the department’s website.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.



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Woman dead, man arrested after welfare check call at Maryland home

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Woman dead, man arrested after welfare check call at Maryland home


Police in Maryland’s Prince George’s County area are investigating a homicide after a woman was found mortally wounded late Saturday night following a welfare check.

According to the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD), officers were called to a home in the 8100 block of Gorman Avenue around 11:50 p.m. on Dec. 27.

When authorities arrived at the home, they found a woman inside with apparent traumatic injuries. She was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.

SEE ALSO | Man arrested after missing 13-year-old from Kentucky found safe in Maryland

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Police said a man was found while officers were still on scene, and he was taken into custody without incident in connection with the woman’s death. His name has not yet been released, and no charges have been announced at this time.

PGPD detectives said they are still investigating the homicide. The victim’s name and her cause of death will be revealed pending notification of next-of-kin.

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Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to call PGPD.

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Maryland Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for Dec. 27, 2025

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Maryland Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for Dec. 27, 2025


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The Maryland Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 27, 2025, results for each game:

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Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

05-20-34-39-62, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 9-4-2

Evening: 3-6-1

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 6-8-4-6

Evening: 7-4-1-2

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 5-6-9-4-7

Evening: 1-4-6-1-3

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Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

10-12-21-22-35, Cash Ball: 04

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

9 a.m.: 03

1 p.m.: 13

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6 p.m.: 03

11 p.m.: 11

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Bonus Match 5 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

03-06-29-32-37, Bonus: 30

Check Bonus Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

13-22-33-61-62, Powerball: 20

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Keno

Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Maryland Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes above $600, winners can claim by mail or in person from the Maryland Lottery office, an Expanded Cashing Authority Program location or cashiers’ windows at Maryland casinos. Prizes over $5,000 must be claimed in person.

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Claiming by Mail

Sign your winning ticket and complete a claim form. Include a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID and a copy of a document that shows proof of your Social Security number or Federal Tax ID number. Mail these to:

Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center

1800 Washington Boulevard

Suite 330

Baltimore, MD 21230

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For prizes over $600, bring your signed ticket, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your Social Security or Federal Tax ID number to Maryland Lottery headquarters, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD. Claims are by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This location handles all prize amounts, including prizes over $5,000.

Winning Tickets Worth $25,000 or Less

Maryland Lottery headquarters and select Maryland casinos can redeem winning tickets valued up to $25,000. Note that casinos cannot cash prizes over $600 for non-resident and resident aliens (tax ID beginning with “9”). You must be at least 21 years of age to enter a Maryland casino. Locations include:

  • Horseshoe Casino: 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD
  • MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD
  • Live! Casino: 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD
  • Ocean Downs Casino: 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD
  • Hollywood Casino: 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, MD
  • Rocky Gap Casino: 16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Maryland Lottery.

When are the Maryland Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 11 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 Midday: 12:27 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 12:28 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.
  • Pick 3, 4 and 5 Evening: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
  • Cash4Life: 9 p.m. ET daily.
  • Cash Pop: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
  • Bonus Match 5: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
  • MultiMatch: 7:56 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
  • Powerball Double Play: 11 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Maryland editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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