Powerball jackpot nears record $2 billion, set to become the biggest lottery in US history; here’s how you can be the next billionaire

The race for the record books continues. The Powerball jackpot is climbing fast, now sitting at an estimated $1.7 billion, just a step away from the historic $2 billion mark. If no one claims the prize in the upcoming drawing, Saturday, Sept. 6, the grand prize could become the largest in US lottery history.

Wednesday(September 3) ’s drawing, with an estimated jackpot of $1.44 billion, passed without a winner, marking the 41st consecutive drawing without a Powerball grand prize winner. The last jackpot was claimed in May by a lucky ticket-holder in California.

Here’s how the numbers stack up:

• Estimated jackpot: $1.7 billion
  
• Cash value: $770.3 million
  
• Odds of winning: 1 in 292.2 million
  

The top three Powerball jackpots ever recorded are:

1. $2.04 Billion - Nov. 7, 2022 - California
   
2. $1.765 Billion - Oct. 11, 2023 - California
   
3. $1.70 Billion - Sept. 6, 2025 - TBD
   

How to play the Powerball jackpot

Tickets for the jackpot cost $2 and are available at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and some online platforms in participating states. Players pick five white balls (1-69) and one red Powerball (1-26). Adding the $1 Power Play option can multiply non-jackpot winnings by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X.

For those feeling lucky or indecisive, the Quick Pick option allows a computer to generate your numbers. Drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights, and the jackpot continues to climb until someone hits the winning combination.

As the jackpot nears $2 billion, millions of Americans are expected to try their luck this weekend. Will you be one of them?

FAQs

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6, just after 11 pm ET. Drawings occur on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights every week.

How much is the jackpot worth?

The estimated jackpot for the Sept. 6 drawing is $1.7 billion, with a cash value of approximately $770.3 million. If no one wins Saturday, the jackpot could climb even higher, potentially approaching $2 billion, which would make it the largest jackpot in US history.

What happens if no one wins?

If no one matches all six numbers, the jackpot rolls over, increasing the prize for the next drawing. This has happened 41 times in a row since the last jackpot was won in May.

When is the best time to buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased up until about an hour before the drawing in most states. Waiting too long risks missing the deadline.