Such a Goodnews: Two lucky Powerball players, one in Missouri and another in Texas will split a staggering $1.787 billion jackpot after Saturday’s drawing, ending a three-month stretch without a top prize winner according to AP.
The winning numbers were 11, 23, 44, 61, and 62, with the Powerball number 17.
In Texas, the jackpot-winning ticket was purchased at a gas station-convenience store in Fredericksburg, according to the Texas Lottery. The Missouri Lottery has yet to release details about its winning ticket holder.
This colossal payout ranks as the second-largest Powerball jackpot in U.S. history, just shy of the record-setting $2.04 billion prize won in California in 2022. The win follows 41 consecutive drawings without a jackpot, the last being on May 31.
Powerball’s odds—1 in 292.2 million—are designed to create headline-grabbing jackpots that keep players coming back. While the odds of winning the top prize are slim, officials highlight that smaller prizes are awarded more frequently. With three drawings each week, the game remains one of the most popular lottery options nationwide.
Each winning ticket holder now faces a pivotal choice:
An annuitized prize of $893.5 million, paid over 30 years with annual increases of 5%.
A lump-sum payout of $410.3 million, offered upfront.
Both amounts are before taxes, which will significantly reduce the final take-home sum.
Powerball tickets cost just $2, making the dream of becoming a billionaire accessible to millions. The game is available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.