Update: Powerball Reaches $1.6 Billion; Highest Lottery Jackpot Ever

CONCORD, NH — Saturday’s Powerball jackpot is expected to be at least the third-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history, if not second, possibly, due to surging ticket sales.

Due to no winner on Wednesday, the estimated jackpot is $1.6 billion. The third-highest prize, an October 2018 Mega Millions drawing, was $1.537 billion, while the previous largest-ever jackpot was a $1.585 billion Powerball drawing from January 2016.

Charlie McIntyre, the lottery’s executive director, said $3.6 million in Powerball sales have been reported so far this week, with the total end-of-the-week sales expected to reach $6.5 million.

“Can you believe it?,” he asked. “It is difficult to describe the level of excitement and anticipation as this jackpot continues to skyrocket toward a near-record high — it’s palpable. You can feel it in the air — everyone is talking about Powerball.”

McIntyre said he hoped a New Hampshire player would be a winner. He also stressed the need to play responsibly, adding, “It only takes one to win.”

If anyone wins on Saturday, the one-time cash payout, before taxes, is expected to be $782.4 million.

Powerball drawings are held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:59 p.m. More than $2.45 billion in state education funds have been raised from lottery sales.

Tickets are on sale at more than 1,200 retailers statewide and online at NH iLottery.

For more information and to play, visit nhlottery.com.

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