The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.6 billion after no ticket matched all six numbers in Saturday’s drawing. The winless draw pushed the prize to its fourth-largest total in Powerball history and the fifth-largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.
Jackpot Details
The drawing that failed to produce a winner had a jackpot of $1.5 billion. Because no ticket matched the six numbers, the prize rolled over to the next drawing. The next jackpot, scheduled for Monday, December 22, is projected at $1.6 billion.
Drawing Results
The numbers drawn, in order, were 4, 5, 28, 52, and 69. The red Powerball was 20, and the Power Play multiplier was 3×. Although the top prize was not claimed, several players still walked away with substantial winnings.
Five-Number Winners
Tickets that matched five numbers and the Powerball earned $1 million each. Winners came from California, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Ohio, with two additional winners in Michigan.
Record-Setting Streak
Saturday’s draw marked 45 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner, the longest streak in Powerball history. The previous record was 42 drawings. The last win occurred on September 6.
Odds and Options
The odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. The jackpot is paid to a sole winner who opts for the annuity, spread over 30 years. Most winners choose the cash option, which would be $735.3 million.
Powerball Mechanics
Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets cost $2 each, and adding the Power Play option-multiplying winnings by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10-adds $1. Drawings occur three times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The official drawing takes place at 10:59 p.m. ET and can be streamed live on Powerball.com.
Math Professor’s Surprise
Math professor Nicholas Kapoor bought a ticket to demonstrate how improbable it is to win the lottery. He won $100,000, a win he described as a lesson that didn’t go according to plan. He shared his experience to illustrate the odds of the game.
Key Takeaways
- The jackpot is now $1.6 billion, the fourth-largest in Powerball history.
- No winner has claimed the prize since September 6, creating a record 45-draw drought.
- Five-number matches earned $1 million each in several states.
The Powerball continues to attract players with its massive jackpots and the slim odds of winning the top prize. The next drawing on December 22 will decide whether the $1.6 billion prize will finally find a winner or roll over again.
