The Powerball frenzy isn’t slowing down. After Wednesday night’s drawing produced no jackpot winner, the prize surged to a staggering $1.7 billion, making it the fourth-largest jackpot in Powerball history. With an estimated cash option of $770.3 million, players across the country are now eyeing one of the biggest payouts ever offered in U.S. lottery history.
The Winning Numbers That Came Up Short
The numbers drawn Wednesday night were 3, 16, 29, 61, and 69, with the Powerball 22 and a Power Play multiplier of 2. While no one claimed the jackpot, the drawing still created new millionaires. Eleven lucky tickets matched all five white balls to score $1 million prizes. These winners hailed from California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
How the Jackpot Climbed to Historic Levels
The jackpot has been on a remarkable climb since May 31, 2025, when it was last hit in California. Saturday’s drawing will mark the 42nd consecutive Powerball draw without a jackpot winner, tying the game’s record for the longest streak in history.
After no one snagged the billion-dollar prize on Labor Day, the jackpot climbed to $1.4 billion ahead of Wednesday’s draw—only to rise even higher when the numbers again didn’t line up.
Video: Powerball jackpot grows to $1.7 billion after no winner in Wednesday night’s drawing
The Next Chance to Win Big
The next Powerball drawing will be held Saturday, September 6, at 10:59 p.m. ET. Players will once again have the choice between the full annuity—paid out in 30 annual installments with a 5% increase each year—or the lump-sum cash option of $770.3 million.
Powerball tickets cost $2 each and are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are broadcast live from Tallahassee, Florida, and streamed on Powerball.com.
How This Jackpot Ranks in Lottery History
While $1.7 billion is enormous, it’s still not the biggest prize the game has ever seen. Here’s how it stacks up against other record-breakers:
- $2.04 billion – won in California, November 2022
- $1.765 billion – won in California, October 2023
- $1.586 billion – split among winners in California, Florida, and Tennessee, January 2016
This current jackpot sits just behind those historic wins, ensuring it will go down as one of the largest in U.S. lottery history.
The Odds of Striking It Rich
While dreams of winning big spread across the nation, the odds tell a sobering story. The chance of winning the jackpot is 1 in 292.2 million. By comparison, the overall odds of winning any Powerball prize are 1 in 24.9. Still, millions of players are willing to test their luck for a chance at life-changing wealth.
Why the Powerball Captures America’s Imagination
Part of the Powerball’s allure lies not just in the money, but in the fantasy it fuels. What would you do with $1.7 billion? Pay off debts? Travel the world? Build a legacy for your family? Even for those who don’t win, the $2 ticket often feels like an invitation to dream big.
The growing jackpot also sparks community excitement. Convenience stores and lottery kiosks see lines stretching out the door as hopeful buyers grab their tickets. News outlets buzz with stories of previous winners, and workplace conversations turn into playful debates about what people would do with such a massive fortune.
Looking Ahead: Will History Be Made?
Video: US Powerball jackpot soars $1.4 billion
With Saturday’s drawing just around the corner, all eyes will be on whether the record-tying streak of rollovers finally ends. If someone hits the jackpot, it will instantly mark one of the biggest payouts in lottery history. If not, the prize could climb even closer to the all-time record of $2.04 billion.
Conclusion: A Billion-Dollar Dream Awaits
The Powerball jackpot’s climb to $1.7 billion has once again proven why this game captures the attention of millions. While the odds may be steep, the thrill of possibility keeps players coming back for more. Whether or not history is made on Saturday, the story of this jackpot will be remembered as one of the biggest and boldest in Powerball’s history.
