Powerball could deliver a life-changing Christmas Eve surprise after no ticket matched all six numbers in Monday night’s drawing, pushing the jackpot to an estimated $1.7 billion. The prize carries an estimated cash value of $781.3 million.
The massive jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in Powerball history and among all U.S. lottery games. The current run has reached a record 47 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. The last Powerball jackpot was won Sept. 6, when tickets sold in Missouri and Texas split a $1.787 billion prize.
While there was no jackpot winner Monday, many players still cashed in. Nationwide, nine tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million each. Winning tickets were sold in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York (two), Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin. In addition, 107 tickets won $50,000 prizes and 28 tickets won $100,000 prizes.
Powerball jackpots have previously been won once on Christmas Eve and four times on Christmas Day. If a winner emerges tonight, they may choose between the $1.7 billion annuity or the $781.3 million lump-sum option, before taxes.
Powerball drawings are held Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights at 10:59 p.m. ET and are broadcast live from Tallahassee, Florida.