The Powerball jackpot has surged to a staggering $1.7 billion, making it the third-largest prize in the history of the multi-state lottery game, according to lottery officials. (The two higher awards were only set in 2022 and 2023.) No ticket matched all six numbers in Wednesday night’s drawing, causing the jackpot, which previously stood at $1.4 billion, to roll over, likely to draw even more attention from players.
The jackpot stands as only the third prize in Powerball ever to surpass $1.7 billion, trailing the all-time record of $2.04 billion won in California in November 2022 and the $1.765 billion jackpot captured in October 2023. If a single ticket matches all six numbers on Saturday, the winner can select either the full annuity—a payout over 30 years totaling $1.7 billion—or a lump sum estimated at approximately $770.3 million before taxes. Federal taxes would immediately claim up to 37%, and winners in some states may owe additional state taxes, but states such as Florida, Texas, and California do not tax lottery prizes.
