The game’s terrible odds of 1 in 292.2 million are designed to generate big jackpots and ever-larger prizes.
WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The Powerball draw happening on Saturday could potentially offer the second-largest lottery jackpot ever recorded, estimated at $1.8 billion.
This jackpot has increased after more than 40 draws in a row without a player successfully matching all six winning numbers. Each time a draw does not yield a jackpot winner, the potential winnings continue to grow.
The game’s terrible odds of 1 in 292.2 million are designed to generate big jackpots and ever-larger prizes. There are three drawings each week.
The largest jackpot on record, $2.04 billion, was drawn in 2022 and went to a California ticket buyer.
No one has won the grand prize since May 31.
The $1.8 billion amount applies to a winner who opts for an annuity, which includes 30 payments over 29 years. Most winners, however, tend to pick the cash option, which, for this draw, would be estimated at $826.4 million.
Powerball tickets cost $2, and the game is offered in 45 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
When is the next Powerball drawing?
The upcoming drawing is set for Saturday, September 6, at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Draws occur thrice weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Tickets, priced at $2 per play, are available in 45 states, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Largest U.S. jackpots winnings:
1. $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 7, 2022. The winning ticket was sold at a Los Angeles-area gas station.
2. $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023. The winning ticket was sold at a liquor store in a tiny California mountain town.
3. $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023. The winning ticket was sold at a supermarket in Neptune Beach, Florida.
4. A $1.586 billion jackpot on January 13, 2016, also from Powerball, had winning tickets bought at a convenience store in the Los Angeles area, a Florida supermarket, and a Tennessee grocery store.
5. $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018. The winning ticket was sold at a South Carolina convenience store.
6. $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023. The winning ticket was sold at a Maine gas station.
7. $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022. The winning ticket was sold at a Chicago-area gas station.
8. $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 7, 2024. The winning ticket was sold at an Oregon convenience store.
9. $1.269 billion, Mega Millions, Dec. 27, 2024. The winning ticket was sold at a gas station in Northern California.
10. $1.13 billion, Mega Millions, March 26, 2024. The winning ticket was sold at a liquor store in New Jersey
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