Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $1.8 Billion as Florida Player Wins $1 Million

The Powerball jackpot has reached an estimated $1.80 billion, making it the second-largest prize in the game’s history. A ticket sold in Florida came just one number away from winning it all. That ticket still earned $1 million after matching all five white balls.

Lottery officials confirmed the winning numbers from Wednesday’s drawing were 3, 16, 29, 61, 69, and the Powerball was 22. The Power Play multiplier was 2x. The next drawing is set for Saturday, September 6, at 10:59 p.m. EST.

Florida Winner Among Many High-Tier Prizes

According to the Florida Lottery, the near-miss ticket matched the five main numbers but did not use the Power Play option. If added, the prize would have doubled to $2 million. Still, the win placed the Floridian among a wave of big winners nationwide.

Officials reported multiple $2 million Match 5 + Power Play winners in Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Wyoming. Several other $1 million winners came from California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

No one hit the jackpot, so the prize rolled over again. The cash option is now set at $826.4 million. Reuters reported that this prize is only behind the record-setting $2.04 billion jackpot won in November 2022.

Why the Powerball Jackpot Keeps Growing

Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each ticket costs $2. Players select five numbers between 1 and 69 plus a Powerball number between 1 and 26. The odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

Because no one has won the top prize in recent drawings, the jackpot has continued to grow. Interest in the game spikes as the prize climbs. Long lines are expected before Saturday’s drawing, with many players hoping to be part of lottery history.

Experts note that large jackpots often bring in new players. While the odds stay the same, the size of the prize draws national attention. For regular players, even matching five numbers without the Powerball still creates millionaires.

The Powerball jackpot is now at $1.8 billion. Millions of players will watch Saturday’s draw, hoping to hit a life-changing fortune.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the current Powerball jackpot?

The jackpot is now estimated at $1.80 billion. The cash option stands at $826.4 million.

Q2: When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing takes place on Saturday, September 6, at 10:59 p.m. EST.

Q3: What were the last winning numbers?

The numbers from Wednesday, September 3, were 3, 16, 29, 61, 69, and Powerball 22. The Power Play was 2x.

Q4: What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?

The odds are 1 in 292.2 million. Odds of smaller prizes are better but still long.

Q5: How much does a Powerball ticket cost?

Each play costs $2. Adding Power Play costs an extra $1 per ticket.