Powerball Jackpot Reaches Record-Breaking $1.7 Billion
The Powerball jackpot has soared to an estimated $1.7 billion for Saturday night’s drawing, after no tickets matched the winning numbers in Wednesday’s $1.4 billion grand prize drawing. According to Powerball, Saturday’s pot of gold would have an estimated cash value of $770.3 million, both totals being before taxes. This significant increase in the jackpot is a result of the growing number of tickets being purchased as the jackpot approaches.
The winning numbers in Wednesday’s drawing were 3, 16, 29, 61, and 69, with a Powerball of 22. Although no one claimed the top prize, the excitement is building up for Saturday’s drawing, which could potentially become the third-biggest in U.S. lottery history. The current record holders are the world-record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won on November 7, 2022, and the $1.765 billion jackpot captured on October 11, 2023, both of which were won in California.
Historic Jackpots and Growing Odds
Saturday’s windfall would be the third-biggest in U.S. lottery history, and there’s a chance it could eclipse the current runner-up and take the No. 2 spot. Including the upcoming drawing, there have been six jackpots of more than $1 billion in Powerball’s 33-year history. So far this year, the Powerball jackpot has been grabbed four times, with the most recent win occurring on May 31, 2025, in California. The current run of 41 drawings without a jackpot winner ties the game’s mark for most consecutive drawings without a top prize winner.
If a single ticket wins Saturday’s jackpot, the purchaser would get to choose between an annuity-tied estimated $1.70 billion or a lump sum payment of roughly $770.3 million, which is the cash value. If the winner opts for the annuity option, they would receive an immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5 percent each year. The odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 292.2 million, according to Powerball, with drawings taking place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 11 p.m. ET.
Powerball Ticket Sales and Availability
Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the jackpot continues to grow, more and more people are purchasing tickets, increasing the chances of someone winning the top prize. With the drawing scheduled for Saturday night, excitement is building up, and many are hoping to become the next big winner. For more information on the Powerball jackpot and the winning numbers, visit Here
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