The Powerball jackpot continued its elusive streak during Wednesday night's drawing, leaving players across the nation in suspense as no ticket managed to match all six numbers. The drawn numbers were: white balls 9, 35, 54, 63, 64, and the red Powerball 1, with the Power Play multiplier set at 2X.
Now, brace yourselves for the astronomical news, the Powerball jackpot has soared to an astonishing estimated value of $1.4 billion for the upcoming Saturday night drawing! This jackpot boasts a cash value of an impressive $643.7 million.
Saturday's projected jackpot stands as the third-largest ever in the Powerball game and ranks fifth among the monumental U.S. lottery jackpots in history.
The recent Powerball drawing on Wednesday night brought joy to over 3.2 million lucky ticket holders nationwide. Among them, seven tickets (two from California, plus Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and two from Texas) matched all five white balls, securing $1 million prizes. Adding a sprinkle of excitement, three tickets (from Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Texas) seized the opportunity to double their winnings to a dazzling $2 million by embracing the Power Play feature, available for an additional $1 per play.
The impending Powerball drawing on Saturday marks the 34th installment in this thrilling jackpot saga, making history as the first time two consecutive jackpot cycles have culminated in billion-dollar grand prizes.
The Powerball jackpot was last claimed on July 19, when a California ticket holder seized the staggering $1.08 billion jackpot.
For the lucky player who emerges victorious on Saturday night, a pivotal choice awaits ? they can opt for the annuity option, promising an estimated $1.4 billion paid out in 30 annual installments with a 5% increase each year, or they can take the lump sum option of approximately $643.7 million.
Powerball tickets remain an affordable delight at just $2 per play and are available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from Powerball ticket sales remain within the jurisdiction where the ticket was purchased. Excitement builds every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday as the Powerball drawings take place live at 10:59 p.m. EST from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. For up-to-date Powerball results and live jackpot updates, visit Lottery Corner. Don't miss your chance to seize a life-changing jackpot!