Powerball Jackpot Soars to $1.7 Billion, Becoming Fourth Largest in Game History

The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.7 billion after no ticket matched all six numbers in Monday night’s drawing, setting the stage for one of the largest lottery prizes in U.S. history just as Christmas approaches.

According to Powerball officials, Monday’s winning numbers were 3, 18, 36, 41 and 54, with a Powerball of 7 and a Power Play multiplier of two. While there was no jackpot winner, nine tickets matched all five white balls, earning $1 million prizes. Those winning tickets were sold in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

The $1.7 billion jackpot is now the fourth-largest in Powerball history and the second-largest jackpot of the year. It trails only a handful of massive prizes, including the record-setting $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in 2022. The current run has stretched to 46 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner, with Wednesday’s drawing marking the 47th.

Although Powerball has seen jackpot winners on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the past, none of those prizes have ever reached the $1 billion mark. If a winning ticket is sold in the upcoming drawing, it would be the first time a Christmas-related Powerball jackpot exceeds that threshold.

The advertised $1.7 billion prize reflects the annuity option, paid out over 30 years. The estimated lump sum cash option is about $781.3 million before taxes. Winners can choose between the lump sum or the annuitized payout, though most opt for the cash option. Federal taxes apply, and state taxes may also be deducted depending on where the ticket is purchased.

Powerball tickets cost $2, with drawings held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Eastern time. The odds of winning the jackpot remain steep at 1 in 292.2 million, though smaller prizes are far more likely.

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