The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.25 billion for Wednesday’s drawing, with a cash value of $572.1 million, making it the second-largest jackpot this year and only the second time in Powerball history with back-to-back billion-dollar jackpots. The jackpot increased after no ticket matched all six numbers in the previous drawing, which featured white balls 23, 35, 59, 63, 68 and a red Powerball 2. The latest drawing saw no jackpot winner, but two tickets sold in Arizona and California matched all five white balls for $1 million prizes, and numerous smaller prizes were awarded. If won, the jackpot can be taken as an annuity of $1.25 billion or a lump sum of $572.1 million before taxes. Powerball tickets cost $2 and are sold across 45 states and territories, with proceeds supporting local causes. The game’s odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, with the overall chance of winning any prize at 1 in 24.9. The jackpot has previously reached record highs, including a $2.04 billion prize in November 2022. The upcoming Saturday’s Powerball drawing could also deliver a $1.5 billion windfall, with the winning numbers being 4, 5, 28, 52, 69, and Powerball 20. Despite no winner in Wednesday’s draw, two tickets sold in Arizona and Massachusetts each won $2 million. The potential Saturday jackpot offers a lump sum of approximately $689.3 million, and the odds of winning remain 1 in 292.2 million.