Lottery excitement is reaching fever pitch across the United States as the Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1 billion, making it the largest lottery prize offered in 2026 so far. The massive jackpot comes after no ticket matched all six numbers in Monday night’s drawing, extending the current jackpot run to 44 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner.

According to Powerball officials, Wednesday night’s winner will have the option of receiving the full $1 billion annuity prize, paid over 30 years, or a lump-sum cash payment of approximately $433.1 million before taxes. The jackpot now ranks among the largest in Powerball history and marks the 15th time a U.S. lottery jackpot has reached the billion-dollar milestone.

While no one claimed Monday’s $905 million grand prize, several players still walked away with significant winnings. A ticket sold in Tennessee won $2 million by matching five numbers with the Power Play option, while tickets in California and Maryland each won $1 million.

Despite the life-changing prize, the odds remain extremely long. Lottery officials estimate the chance of winning the Powerball jackpot at 1 in 292.2 million. Nevertheless, growing excitement has fueled a surge in ticket sales, pushing the jackpot beyond earlier projections.

The drawing is scheduled for 10:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 12, and Powerball tickets are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United Kingdom.