The top prize in America's multi-state Powerball lottery has ballooned to a staggering $1.7 billion, setting the stage for a potentially life-changing Christmas Eve draw. This colossal sum comes after an extended run of 46 consecutive drawings failed to produce a single grand prize winner.
Monday's Numbers and the Staggering Prize
The winning numbers drawn on Monday, 22nd December, were 3, 18, 36, 41, 54, with the Powerball number 7. With no ticket matching all six numbers, the jackpot rolled over to its current historic level. The next opportunity to win will be on Wednesday 24th December – Christmas Eve. If claimed, this prize is projected to become the fourth-largest in the entire history of US lotteries.
Cash Option and Incredible Odds
While the headline figure is the annuity value, winners almost universally choose the lump-sum cash alternative. For this draw, that cash option is estimated to be a monumental $735.3 million before taxes. The dream, however, remains exceptionally elusive. The odds of any single ticket securing the Powerball jackpot are a daunting 1 in 292.2 million.
Where to Play and Previous Controversy
Tickets for the draw cost $2 each and are sold across 45 US states, as well as in Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The news of this record-breaking prize comes shortly after a separate high-profile legal case was resolved, where a $2 billion Powerball winner successfully won a lawsuit after being accused of having a stolen ticket.
All eyes will now be on the Christmas Eve drawing to see if the lengthy jackpot drought will finally end, creating one of the world's newest billionaires overnight.
