Powerball Hits $1.7B Ahead of Weekend Draw

Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $1.7 Billion After Another Drawing Without a Grand Prize Winner

The excitement surrounding the Powerball lottery continues to build as yet another drawing has passed without a grand prize winner. With no ticket matching all six numbers in Wednesday night’s drawing, the jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.7 billion, making it one of the largest in Powerball history.

The next opportunity to win this staggering sum will be during the Saturday night drawing, which is already generating buzz across the country.

Wednesday’s Winning Numbers

The winning numbers drawn on Wednesday night were: 3, 16, 29, 61, 69, and the Powerball was 22. The Power Play multiplier was 2x, which means that non-jackpot prizes could be doubled for those who opted into the Power Play feature.

While these numbers didn’t produce a jackpot winner, they did result in several substantial prizes. According to the official Powerball website, 11 lucky players matched five white balls, earning $1 million each. Additionally, four players who matched five numbers and also opted for the Power Play saw their winnings doubled to $2 million.

No Match 5 Winners in New York This Time

Interestingly, New York State, which often sees a fair share of lottery winners, had no Match 5 winners in this round. This stands in contrast to Monday night’s drawing, where several New Yorkers celebrated significant wins. The absence of winners in such a populous state underscores the sheer randomness and difficulty of winning in a game with odds as steep as Powerball’s.

What’s at Stake: $1.7 Billion Jackpot?

With the jackpot now estimated at $1.7 billion, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. If a single ticket were to match all six numbers on Saturday night, the winner would have the option of receiving the full amount in annual installments over 30 years or taking a lump-sum cash payout.

The current estimated cash value of the jackpot is $770.3 million a jaw-dropping figure that would instantly place the winner among the wealthiest individuals in the country.

This kind of money opens the door to endless possibilities: early retirement, world travel, philanthropic ventures, or simply the ability to live without financial worry. But it also comes with serious decisions, including how to manage the windfall, whom to trust, and how to remain grounded amid sudden wealth.

Where to Watch the Drawing

For those eager to witness the moment live, the next Powerball drawing will be broadcast on NBC 3 News at 11 PM on Saturday night. Viewers can tune in to see the winning numbers revealed in real time, along with commentary and updates from lottery officials. It’s a moment of suspense and hope for millions of ticket holders across the nation.