Millions of Americans are gearing up for a potentially life-changing Christmas Eve Powerball draw, with the jackpot soaring to an eye-popping $1.7 billion.
This enormous prize comes after months without a jackpot winner, fueling excitement across the country.
Record Jackpot After 46 Draws Without a Winner
The upcoming drawing marks the United States’ fourth-largest Powerball jackpot on record.
Players have been eagerly participating after 46 consecutive draws failed to produce a winner.
The last jackpot-winning ticket was sold on September 6, making this a long-awaited opportunity for hopeful participants.
Lottery officials note that the game is functioning as intended.
Changes made to the odds in 2015 make it harder to win the jackpot while simultaneously increasing smaller prize wins, allowing the prize to snowball to record levels.
After no winning tickets were sold in Monday’s drawing, the estimated jackpot climbed past $1.2 billion.
Most Popular Powerball Numbers
For players hoping to gain an edge, historical data can be insightful. According to USA Mega, which tracks Powerball numbers dating back to October 2015, the five most commonly drawn numbers are:
- 61
- 32
- 21
- 63
- 36
The most frequently drawn Powerball itself is number 18.
On the flip side, for those looking to avoid the numbers that appear most often, the least popular main numbers are 13, 34, 49, 29, and 26.
The least drawn Powerball number is 15.
State Payouts Vary Significantly
Where you live can impact the amount you actually take home.
For example, in Indiana, the lump sum after taxes would be roughly $330 million, while in Illinois, it would be closer to $320 million.
Differences in state taxation and personal deductions account for the variation, emphasizing the importance of consulting a financial advisor or attorney before claiming a jackpot.
Odds of Winning Remain Astronomically Low
Regardless of whether players select their own numbers or rely on a “Quick Pick,” the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are extremely slim – 1 in 292 million.
The draws occur three times a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 9:59 p.m. Central Time, CBS writes.
Increasing Frequency of Massive Jackpots
Mega-jackpots are becoming more common.
In November 2022, the Powerball prize reached $1.6 billion, while the Mega Millions topped $1.2 billion in August 2023.
With a $1.7 billion prize on the line this Christmas Eve, the stakes are higher than ever, sparking excitement, speculation, and plenty of holiday dreams.