Nobody hit Monday night's numbers, so the prize keeps climbing.
The estimated jackpot for Wednesday's Powerball drawing is now $975 million, putting it in the game's top ten all-time list. It is the eighth-largest prize Powerball has ever offered, a figure that puts Wednesday night's drawing in rare company.
Monday's winning numbers were 6, 37, 54, 55, and 64, with a red Powerball of 10 and a Power Play multiplier of three.
The current jackpot run started after the May 2 drawing, when a $20 million prize was won. No one has matched all six numbers since then, and the pot has been building with each passing drawing. Wednesday night's drawing will be the next opportunity for someone to take home the massive prize.
Wednesday's drawing marks a significant milestone in Powerball history. With an estimated jackpot of $975 million, it stands as the eighth-largest prize ever offered in the game. That places it alongside a select group of jackpots that have exceeded $900 million, each of which captured national attention and drove ticket sales to record levels.
Get the free Always Be Buying eBook and learn the simple system for building wealth on any income
For players, the sheer size of the prize makes the draw an event in itself. The last time a jackpot reached this level, the winning ticket was sold in a small town and the winner opted for the lump sum, which is a common choice among big-prize recipients. Such outcomes often trigger a wave of ticket purchases, and Wednesday's drawing is expected to follow that pattern as casual players and regulars alike try their luck.
Winning $975 million sounds simple, but the fine print matters.
The advertised figure is the annuity option, which pays out over time. The cash option, which is the lump sum most winners choose, is $422.3 million, according to the lottery. That is the estimated cash value of the prize, and it is the figure that most winners will actually see.
Either way, the winner walks away with a life-changing amount of money.
In a video included with the report, economist Jeffery Degner offers guidance on how winners can safeguard their personal information, handle their money wisely, and prevent common errors. For anyone lucky enough to hold the winning ticket, those early decisions can make a significant difference in how the prize is ultimately enjoyed.
Degner's advice covers the practical side of winning: protecting your identity, figuring out how to handle the money, and steering clear of errors that could eat into the prize.
The bottom line: The jackpot is massive, and the prize is one of the biggest in the game's history. Whether you buy a ticket or not, the math stays the same. If you do play, just remember that the $422.3 million cash option is the real number to think about.
Download the free Always Be Buying eBook and start putting your money to work today