The Powerball jackpot has soared to an astounding estimated $1.1 billion after no ticket successfully matched all six winning numbers in the latest drawing held on Saturday. This exciting news comes from a recent announcement by the Multi-State Lottery Association, which oversees the popular lottery game.
The upcoming drawing on Monday, coinciding with Labor Day, marks a significant event as it will represent the fifth-largest prize in the history of Powerball. Players are eagerly anticipating this chance to win life-changing amounts of money. The winning numbers from Saturday night’s drawing were the white balls: 3, 18, 22, 27, and 33, along with the red Powerball number 17. Additionally, the Power Play multiplier for this drawing was set at 3.
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot stand at a staggering 1 in 292.2 million, making it a challenging but thrilling gamble. If a player emerges victorious in Monday's drawing, they will have the option to choose between receiving the full $1.1 billion annuity or a one-time cash payment of nearly half a billion dollars, both amounts calculated before taxes.
“America has waited all year for the chance to play for a billion-dollar jackpot,” expressed Matt Strawn, the Powerball Product Group Chair and CEO of the Iowa Lottery. Winners opting for the annuity will be paid in a structured manner over 30 years, beginning with an immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments, each increasing by 5% each year. On the other hand, winners selecting the lump sum option will take home approximately $498.4 million, as detailed by the Multi-State Lottery Association.
This upcoming drawing will mark the 40th time since the jackpot was last won on May 31 in California. The largest Powerball jackpot recorded to date was a phenomenal $2.04 billion prize won in California on November 7, 2022. Moreover, the longest stretch without a winner in Powerball history was 42 consecutive drawings, a record set in April 2024.
Powerball tickets are priced at just $2 and are available for purchase across 45 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. This accessibility contributes to the game's popularity, allowing millions of players the opportunity to dream big and participate in one of the most exciting lotteries in the nation.
As the drawing approaches, excitement builds among hopeful players. Will Monday be the day someone claims the life-changing Powerball jackpot? Only time will tell!
