DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The numbers for an estimated $1 billion Powerball jackpot were drawn on Saturday night, though it’s not immediately known if anyone hit the jackpot.
The numbers drawn were 3, 18, 22, 27 and 33, with the Powerball 17.
There hasn’t been a winner who matched all six numbers since May 31, causing the jackpot to climb to $1 billion, making it the sixth-largest in the game’s history. With ticket sales increasing this week, officials raised the estimated Saturday night jackpot from $950 million to $1 billion, before taxation. The winning amount would be distributed over 30 years, or a winner can opt for an immediate lump sum of $453 million, again before taxes.
The likelihood of matching all six numbers is staggeringly high at 1 in 292.2 million. In comparison, the chances of being struck by lightning are significantly higher. But with so many hoping for a life-altering fortune, eventually, someone does win.
Powerball is priced at $2 per ticket and is available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings occur on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights each week.
