Powerball Jackpot Explodes to $1.7 Billion Ahead of Next Drawing

Powerball Mania Hits a New High

Powerball excitement is at a fever pitch as the jackpot rockets to an estimated $1.7 billion, with a cash option of about $781.3 million. That makes it the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot in U.S. history, and it has players nationwide dreaming big.

Lottery leaders say the buzz feels a lot like the holidays — hopeful, shared, and full of possibility. Powerball always starts at $20 million, but when no one hits all six numbers, the prize keeps climbing. It can take close to 40 drawings before it breaks into billion-dollar territory.

? When Are Powerball Drawings?

Drawings happen three nights a week:

• Monday

• Wednesday

• Saturday
  All drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

? Don’t Miss the Ticket Deadline

Cutoff times aren’t the same everywhere. Each state sets its own deadline, often well before the drawing, and some digital sellers stop sales even earlier. Waiting until the last minute could mean missing out.

? Where You Can Buy Tickets

Powerball tickets are widely available, including:

• Convenience stores

• Gas stations

• Grocery stores

• Select airport locations

• Digital lottery apps (availability varies by state)

? Watching the Drawing

The drawing is shown live at 10:59 p.m. ET, with many local TV stations also carrying it.

? How Powerball Works

• Ticket price: $2

• Power Play add-on: $1 (boosts non-jackpot prizes up to 5x, or 10x when the jackpot is under $150 million)

• Pick 5 white balls (1–69) and 1 red Powerball (1–26), or go with Quick Pick

Prizes include:

• $4 for matching just the Powerball

• $1 million for matching all five white balls

• The full jackpot for matching all six numbers

? If You Win

Officials strongly recommend:

• Sign your ticket immediately

• Store it somewhere safe

• Contact your state lottery

• Consider speaking with legal and financial professionals before claiming

? The Odds

• Jackpot odds: 1 in 292,201,338

• Match five white balls: 1 in 11,688,053

Final Thought

With a jackpot this massive, millions will take a shot. Just remember — play for fun, enjoy the thrill, and only spend what you’re comfortable losing. The dream is huge, but smart play always comes first.