Quick Summary

• Powerball jackpot rises to $1.7 billion, the third-largest in game history.
• No ticket matched all six numbers on Wednesday, marking 33 consecutive drawings without a winner.
• 11 players won $1 million; 4 won $2 million with the Power Play option.
• Jackpot winner can choose between lump sum ($770.3M) or 30 annual payments.
• Next drawing: Saturday, September 6, 2025.

The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.7 billion ahead of Saturday night’s drawing, making it the third-largest prize in the game’s history after yet another drawing failed to produce a grand prize winner.

Why the jackpot keeps growing

Wednesday night marked the 33rd consecutive drawing without a jackpot winner, extending a months-long streak that began after the last win in California on May 31, 2025.

The winning numbers on Wednesday were 3, 16, 29, 61, 69, with a red Powerball of 22. No ticket matched all six numbers, pushing the top prize to historic levels.

The estimated cash value for Saturday’s jackpot stands at $770.3 million.

Who won smaller prizes this week?

While no one hit the jackpot, thousands of players walked away with significant winnings:

• 11 tickets nationwide matched all five white balls for a $1 million prize each. These tickets were sold in:
  • California (2)
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia (2)
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
• 4 players—in Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Wyoming—doubled their winnings to $2 million each by selecting the Power Play option for an extra $1.

Lump sum or annuity: How winners get paid

If someone wins Saturday’s record-breaking prize, they’ll face a crucial choice:

• Annuity option: An immediate payout followed by 29 annual payments, each increasing by 5%.
• Lump sum option: A one-time payment estimated at $770.3 million before taxes.

Either way, the IRS takes a significant share. A 37% federal tax rate applies to lottery winnings, with additional state taxes ranging from 3% to 11% depending on location. States like California, Florida, Texas, and Washington do not tax lottery prizes.

Historical jackpots in 2025

The latest drawing continues a year of massive Powerball payouts:

• May 31: $204.5 million in California
• April 26: $167.3 million in Kentucky
• March 29: $526.5 million in California
• January 18: $328.5 million in Oregon

Despite these wins, the odds of taking home the grand prize remain daunting: 1 in 292.2 million. The odds of winning any Powerball prize are 1 in 24.9.

What’s next?

The next Powerball drawing will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025. With excitement building around the $1.7 billion jackpot, ticket sales are expected to surge nationwide.

For those who buy in, the dream is simple: a life-changing fortune, however slim the odds.