Powerball jackpot now surges to $1.5B after Wednesday's draw

• One of the biggest lottery jackpots is up for grabs in the United States
• The current cycle is already the longest one, say officials
• Lottery players are reminded to check their tickets this Saturday

The Powerball failed to drop on Wednesday, meaning one thing and one thing only - the Saturday prize draw is now going to be one of the biggest on record, with more than $1.5bn as the mega jackpot.

The winning numbers for yesterday’s draw were 25, 33, 53, 62, and 66, with a red Powerball 17, but no single ticket managed to scoop it. Powerball officials have already confirmed that Saturday’s drawing is the 45th consecutive one without the mega jackpot, setting a new record for the most draws during a single cycle.

The Powerball harped on the good Samaritan heart of players, reminding them that a portion of every $2 ticket sold goes to support various local good causes and public programs & services, but there is a good chance that most eyeballs are glued to the final amount of the prize.

With $1.5bn up for grabs, a person could claim $686.5m outright as a single cash prize or opt for the annuity if they prefer. The jackpot is still a far cry from the record holder - $2.04bn, which was won on November 7, 2022, and it is not likely that the current cycle will go that far.

Yet, lottery aficionados should be mindful not to forget checking their tickets on Saturday, after the big night’s draw.

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