UPDATE: The Powerball jackpot has surged to a staggering $1 billion after a record-breaking 41 consecutive drawings without a winner. This unprecedented streak began on September 6, 2023, when the last winner matched all six numbers.
As anticipation builds, the latest drawing held on Wednesday saw no jackpot winners, but players in Maryland, Michigan, and New Jersey each walked away with $1 million after matching the five white ball numbers. The numbers drawn were 10, 16, 29, 33, 69, with the red Powerball being 22.
This Friday’s drawing will mark a significant milestone, making it the seventh-largest jackpot in Powerball history. Players have the option to choose between a $1 billion payout spread over 29 years or a lump sum of approximately $461.3 million before taxes.
In context, the last jackpot winner occurred during the $1.7 billion drawing on September 6, with two winners splitting the prize. Since the rules changed in 2015, the odds of winning the jackpot have lengthened, now sitting at about 1 in 292 million.
While the jackpot continues to grow, Powerball offers numerous smaller prizes, with odds of winning any prize sitting at approximately 1 in 25. The game operates in 45 states and Washington, D.C., and has seen all ten of its largest jackpots occur post-2015, including the record-setting $2.04 billion jackpot won on November 7, 2022.
As excitement reaches a fever pitch, players are urged to check their tickets closely. The next drawing is set for Friday, and millions are hoping to become the next Powerball millionaire.
Stay tuned for developing updates as this incredible jackpot story unfolds!
