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.
