Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $1.7 Billion, Third Largest in U.S. Lottery History

By The NY Pulse

The Powerball jackpot has surged to an astonishing $1.7 billion, making it the third largest in U.S. lottery history after no winning tickets were drawn in Wednesday night’s game.

The winning numbers—[insert actual numbers once released]—produced smaller prize winners across the country, but none matched all six numbers needed to secure the record-breaking grand prize. The next drawing is scheduled for Saturday night at 10:59 p.m. ET.

The Growing Frenzy

The jackpot has been steadily climbing for weeks as players across the nation try their luck. With long odds of 1 in 292.2 million, lottery officials say the rising jackpot reflects both the difficulty of hitting the winning combination and the overwhelming number of tickets being purchased.

Convenience stores and gas stations nationwide reported long lines Thursday morning, with some players buying tickets in bulk in hopes of changing their lives overnight. “It’s the dream of financial freedom,” one hopeful buyer said. “Even though I know the odds, someone has to win.”

Historical Context

At $1.7 billion, the jackpot trails only the world-record $2.04 billion Powerball prize won in California in November 2022 and the $1.765 billion Powerball jackpot claimed in October 2023. Both winners opted for lump-sum cash payments worth hundreds of millions after taxes.

If a single player wins Saturday’s drawing, they could choose between receiving the full jackpot spread out over 30 years or a one-time lump-sum cash value estimated at more than $800 million before federal and state taxes.

Economic and Social Buzz

Large lottery jackpots often spark economic ripple effects, from surges in state lottery revenue—much of which is allocated to education and public programs—to the online buzz that dominates social media whenever prize amounts climb into the billions.

But experts caution that while jackpots grow, the odds remain the same. “Players should view this as entertainment, not an investment strategy,” said one lottery analyst.

What’s Next

The next Powerball drawing will take place Saturday night, with millions expected to tune in and millions more buying last-minute tickets. Whether the $1.7 billion prize will finally be claimed—or continue climbing toward another record—remains to be seen.

Until then, hopeful players across the country will be clutching their tickets, imagining what they might do with a billion-dollar windfall.

Sources:

• People.com — Powerball Jackpot Hits $1.7 Billion to Become Third Largest in U.S. Lottery History

• Axios — Powerball jackpot grows to $1.7 billion, third largest in U.S. history

• Economic Times — US Powerball jackpot explodes to $1.7 billion

• The Telegraph — Powerball lottery winners announced for $1.7 billion draw

• Statesman.com — Powerball winning numbers and jackpot odds