The Powerball jackpot has soared to an estimated $1 billion following the latest drawing on Wednesday night, where no grand prize winner was declared. This significant surge brings the estimated cash option to approximately $461.3 million, according to lottery officials.
In the latest drawing, the winning numbers were 10, 16, 29, 33, 69, with the Powerball number being 2. Additionally, the Power Play multiplier was set at 3X. While the jackpot remained unclaimed, three winning tickets sold in Maryland, Michigan, and New Jersey matched all five white balls, each winning a $1 million prize.
This upcoming Saturday will mark the 42nd drawing within the current jackpot run, setting a record for the most consecutive drawings in a single jackpot cycle. The last winner of a Powerball jackpot occurred on September 6, when tickets sold in Missouri and Texas shared a staggering $1.787 billion prize.
Powerball drawings take place three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, providing players with multiple opportunities to win. The winners from this drawing will face a decision: take the annuity option, which pays out the $1 billion over 30 years with increasing annual payments, or opt for the lump sum payment of $461.3 million, both amounts before taxes.
Since the beginning of this jackpot run, there have been 53 Match 5 winners who pocketed $1 million each, alongside eight Match 5 + Power Play winners who received $2 million prizes. The previous Saturday’s drawing alone yielded four prizes exceeding $1 million, with winning tickets sold across states including Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
While the excitement grows around the record jackpot, players are reminded that the odds of winning any Powerball prize remain challenging. The overall odds of winning a prize stand at 1 in 24.9, while the odds of hitting the jackpot are a daunting 1 in 292.2 million.
With the jackpot reaching new heights, players are encouraged to partake in this thrilling lottery experience while keeping in mind the importance of financial protection for potential winners.