The Powerball jackpot has surged to a staggering $1.7 billion after 46 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner. The most recent numbers drawn were 3, 18, 36, 41, 54, and Powerball 7. With no jackpot winner since September 6, anticipation is building for the next drawing, set for Christmas Eve on Wednesday. The prize is projected to be the fourth-largest in U.S. lottery history.
Powerball’s long odds—1 in 292.2 million—are intentionally designed to create massive jackpots, as prizes grow each time there’s a rollover. Despite the daunting odds for the jackpot, there are numerous smaller prizes with much better chances of winning. Powerball holds three drawings each week.
For those lucky enough to hit the jackpot, the estimated $1.6 billion prize can be claimed as a 30-year annuity paid in 30 installments, or as a lump sum cash option, which for the latest drawing would be approximately $735.3 million. Most winners choose the cash payout.
Powerball tickets are available for $2 in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and are managed by the Multi-State Lottery Association. Proceeds from ticket sales support public education and other state services.
Nevada residents can’t purchase lottery tickets within the state due to a constitutional ban, but many make the short drive to The Lotto Store in Primm, California, just over the state line along Interstate 15, to get their chance at the jackpot.