Powerball Jackpot Soars to $1.1 Billion: Fifth-Largest Prize in Game History

The Powerball jackpot has grown to an estimated $1.1 billion after no ticket matched all six numbers in the recent drawing. This makes it the fifth-largest prize in the history of the game. The winner can choose to receive the prize in annual payments over 30 years or opt for an immediate lump sum payment, estimated at $498.4 million before taxes.

The odds of winning the jackpot are extremely low, at 1 in 292.2 million, making it far less likely than many other rare events, such as being struck by lightning. Despite these odds, the allure of winning such a life-changing amount keeps players participating in hopes of being the eventual winner.

Saturday's numbers were 3, 18, 22, 27, 33, and the Powerball number was 17. Powerball tickets are available for $2 each, and the game is played across 45 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings occur three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights.