Powerball jackpot balloons to $1.5 billion ahead of Saturday drawing
NBC News••business
Key Points:
- The Powerball jackpot has reached $1.5 billion for Saturday's drawing after nearly 45 consecutive drawings without a winner.
- This prize, with a cash value of $686.5 million before taxes, ranks as the fifth largest in Powerball history and the seventh largest U.S. lottery jackpot overall.
- Players must match all six numbers, including five white balls and the red Powerball, to claim the jackpot in the drawing scheduled for 10:59 p.m. ET Saturday.
- The $2 game is offered in 45 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with odds of winning the jackpot at 1 in 292.2 million following changes made to boost jackpots
