Massive Powerball Jackpot Soars to $1.1 Billion After Saturday’s Drawing Leaves No Winners!

Powerball’s jackpot has skyrocketed to an impressive $1.1 billion. This marks the fifth-largest jackpot in its history, following the last drawing where no winning tickets were sold. The numbers drawn on Saturday night were 3, 18, 22, 27, and 33, with a Powerball of 17. Although nine tickets matched all five white balls and won $1 million each, no one hit the jackpot.

For the upcoming drawing on Monday, players have a shot at a staggering cash option of $498.4 million. Jackpot winners can choose between taking the lump sum and receiving $498.4 million before taxes or opting for an annuity, which pays out in 30 installments—with the first payment given immediately and each subsequent payment increasing by 5% each year, all before any taxes are deducted.

This is not the first time Powerball has seen a jackpot reach the billion-dollar threshold. In its 33-year run, this is only the sixth occurrence. The last winner, however, was back on May 31 when a ticket sold in California won $204.5 million, yielding a cash value of $91.6 million.

Historically, California has been a hotspot for billion-dollar Powerball jackpots, accounting for four of the five previous occurrences. Notably, a ticket sold in Altadena in 2022 claimed a record-setting $2.04 billion prize, the largest in the game’s history.

As for the excitement surrounding the next drawing, it will take place at 11 p.m. ET on Monday, broadcast live from Tallahassee, Florida. Tickets are priced at $2 and can be purchased in 45 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Interestingly, social media has seen a surge in discussions about the Powerball, with many sharing their strategies and hopes. According to recent surveys, nearly 60% of Americans play the lottery regularly, and a significant portion views it as a fun way to dream about unexpected wealth. Experts highlight the role of such games in society, suggesting they provide a small escape and excitement for millions, even if the odds of winning are minimal. Nevertheless, it’s a thrilling ride leading up to each drawing!

For more details about previous winning tickets and the latest updates, you can visit the official Powerball website.

Written by Kierra Frazier.

Kiki Intarasuwan
News Editor, CBS News & Stations

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