Powerball’s jackpot crossed $1 billion for Saturday’s drawing. Are you a winner? 

The excitement surrounding the jackpot, which hadn’t been claimed since May, propelled it to exceed $1 billion for the draw. It ranks as the sixth-largest jackpot ever, narrowly missing the $1.08 billion prize from 2023.

The Powerball prize on Saturday offered a cash alternative of $453.1 million. This option is typically chosen by winners instead of receiving the full amount spread over an annuity. 

Wednesday’s winning numbers were 3-18-22-27-33 and Powerball 17. The Power Play multiplier was 3x. 

Winners who match the five numbers and the Powerball can choose between receiving the full prize over 30 years or a reduced cash sum. Most opt for the cash payout.

Even with the smaller lump sum payout, federal taxes will eat into those winnings, and some states also tax big lottery prizes. 

The chance of hitting the Powerball jackpot stands at one in 292.2 million. The probability of matching all five white balls and securing the $1 million reward is 1 in 11,688,053. Meanwhile, the overall chance of winning any prize is 1 in 24.87.

The Powerball draws occur live at 10:59 p.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. For $2 per play, tickets can be purchased in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The colossal $1 billion jackpot just misses the top five largest Powerball wins. Powerball games can offer immense jackpots due to participation across multiple states.

1. $2.04 Billion – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA
2. $1.765 Billion – Oct. 11, 2023 – CA
3. $1.586 Billion – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN
4. $1.326 Billion – April 6, 2024 – OR
5. $1.08 Billion – July 19, 2023 – CA
6. $1 Billion (estimated) – Aug. 30, 2025
7. $842.4 Million – January 1, 2024 – MI
8. $768.4 Million – March 27, 2019 – WI
9. $758.7 Million – Aug. 23, 2017 – MA
10. $754.6 Million – Feb. 6, 2023 – WA