The Powerball jackpot continues to climb, reaching an estimated $1 billion after no winning ticket matched the numbers 5, 8, 9, 17, 41, and Powerball 21 in the latest drawing. The upcoming Wednesday drawing’s jackpot will be the seventh highest in U.S. history and the third-largest for Powerball, with the option for winners to choose between a $1 billion payout in yearly increments or a $516.8 million one-time lump sum before taxes. While three lucky individuals won $2 million by matching all five numbers plus the Power Play in Arkansas, Georgia, and Texas, five others claimed $1 million for matching all five numbers in Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, New York, and Pennsylvania. With odds of 1 in 292.2 million, the game is designed to generate significant prizes that attract more players. The previous largest Powerball jackpot was a staggering $2.04 billion in November of the prior year.