The Powerball jackpot has surged to an astonishing estimated $1.7 billion ahead of the upcoming drawing scheduled for Saturday night, marking it as the third-largest prize in the history of the game. This significant increase follows the Wednesday night drawing, during which no ticket successfully matched all six numbers drawn, allowing the jackpot to grow substantially. The current estimated cash value of the jackpot stands at $770.3 million.
In the most recent drawing, the numbers revealed were 3, 16, 29, 61, and 69, with the red Powerball being 22. Despite the jackpot eluding winner, eleven tickets across the nation managed to score a $1 million prize by matching all five white balls. These tickets were purchased in several states, including California (two winners), Colorado, Florida, Georgia (two winners), Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, four players from Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Wyoming increased their winnings to $2 million by opting for the Power Play feature for an extra dollar.
Once a lucky ticket holder claims the jackpot, they are presented with a choice between receiving their winnings in annual installments or as a lump sum payment. Opting for the annuity provides an immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year. However, potential winners should also prepare for significant tax deductions; a 37% federal tax rate applies, and some states impose their own taxes ranging from 3% to 11%. Notably, states like California, Florida, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming do not tax lottery winnings.
This latest jackpot marks an unprecedented streak, with 33 consecutive drawings having taken place since the last grand prize was claimed on May 31, 2025, in California. That draw awarded a jackpot of $204.5 million.
For those hoping to strike it rich this Saturday, the odds of winning the grand prize are approximately 1 in 292.2 million, while the odds of winning any other prize stand at 1 in 24.9. Players interested in participating should prepare for the next drawing, which is set to take place on Saturday, at 10:59 p.m. ET.
