Powerball jackpot climbs to estimated 1.7 billion on Thursday morning

The Powerball jackpot has reached an estimated $1. 7 billion following a drawing where no winning tickets were sold, making it the third-largest prize in the game's history. This increase in the jackpot has led to a surge in ticket purchases at local retailers, including White Oak Station in Rogers, Arkansas. Scott Hardin, spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, stated that many players only buy tickets when the jackpot exceeds a billion dollars. The odds of winning the overall jackpot are 1 in 292 million, while the odds of winning any prize stand at about 1 in 24.

9. Notably, an Arkansan has never won the Powerball jackpot, with the largest win in the state being $12 million in 2010. Since its inception in 2009, the Arkansas Lottery has generated $1. 5 billion for scholarships, benefiting students in the state. Hardin emphasized that lottery proceeds ultimately support educational initiatives, not just winners.

The next Powerball drawing is set for Saturday, September 6th.