Los Angeles, CA – The Powerball jackpot has soared to a staggering $1.4 billion after no winning tickets emerged from Wednesday night’s drawing, which had a grand prize of approximately $1.2 billion. The numbers drawn were 9, 35, 54, 63, 64, with a Powerball number of 1. This upcoming Saturday’s drawing is expected to offer the third-largest jackpot in Powerball history and the fifth-largest in U.S. lottery history.

Since a lucky ticket sold in Los Angeles won a $1.08 billion jackpot on July 19, there have been no Powerball grand prize winners. Wednesday night’s drawing marked the 33rd drawing since then, making it quite a record. Interestingly, this is the first time in Powerball history that two back-to-back jackpots have reached the billion-dollar mark. Powerball officials are astounded by this feat.

The richest jackpots in the history of the Powerball and U.S. lottery occurred in November 2022, where a staggering $2.04 billion was won by a man in Los Angeles. In the upcoming Saturday drawing, the winner will have a choice between receiving approximately $643.7 million in a lump sum payment before taxes, or an annuity option that consists of an instant payment followed by 29 annual installments.

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are one in 292.2 million, making it an incredibly rare and elusive prize. Powerball tickets are sold for $2 each, and they are available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings take place three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, all at 11 p.m. Eastern time.

Billion-dollar lottery jackpots have become more common in recent years as both Powerball and Mega Millions have increased ticket prices and reduced the odds of winning the jackpot. In 2015, Powerball adjusted the odds of winning from 1 in 175.2 million to the current 1 in 292.2 million.

In conclusion, the Powerball jackpot has skyrocketed to $1.4 billion, with no recent winners and a history-making streak of two consecutive billion-dollar jackpots. The chance of winning is extremely slim, but that hasn’t deterred millions of hopeful Americans from purchasing their $2 tickets for a shot at the ultimate prize. The upcoming drawing is anticipated to reach new heights in lottery history.