The prize carries a cash value of $826.4 million, trailing only the record $2.04 billion jackpot hit in California in 2022.
WASHINGTON — The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.8 billion, offering a cash value of approximately $826.4 million, making it the second-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history.
The only prize larger was the $2.04 billion jackpot won in November 2022.
The jackpot for Saturday’s drawing was initially set at $1.7 billion, but game leaders increased the estimate Friday morning.
“Excitement is building as players look forward to tomorrow night’s drawing for this historic jackpot,” Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO said. “We encourage everyone to play responsibly and take pride in knowing that every $2 ticket also helps support good causes in their community.”
Since May 31, there have been 42 straight drawings without a big winner.
This lottery streak has produced “101 winning tickets worth $1 million or more, and more than a thousand winning tickets worth $50,000 or more,” Powerball said.
Here is a look at the largest U.S. jackpots won and the places where the winning tickets were sold:
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. $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016. The winning tickets were sold at a Los Angeles-area convenience store, 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
What are the odds of winning the Powerball?
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are one in 292.2 million. The odds of matching all five white balls and winning the $1 million prize are 1 in 11,688,053. The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.87.
When is the next Powerball drawing?
The next drawing is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6, at 10:59 p.m. ET. Drawings are held three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets, which cost $2 per play, are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
