Powerball ticket in California wins $1.73B, 2nd largest in US history

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) – A single Powerball ticket sold in the state of California won the $1.73 billion jackpot, which is the second-largest in US history.

The ticket matched all six numbers drawn Wednesday night to win a Powerball jackpot worth $1.765 billion. The jackpot has a cash value of $774.1 million, Powerball said Thursday in a statement.

The winning numbers in the drawing were white balls 22, 24, 40, 52, 64 and red Powerball 10.

"For 31 years, some players who have dreamed about winning a Powerball jackpot have defied the odds, and in doing so, have helped generate critical funding for public services and programs supported by U.S. lotteries," said Drew Svitko, Powerball Product group chair and Pennsylvania Lottery executive director.

The winning ticket holder now has the choice between an annuitized prize worth an estimated $1.765 billion, or a lump sum payment of $774.1 million. Both prize options are before taxes.

"The Powerball jackpot was hit in the 36th drawing of the jackpot run, marking the first time that two consecutive Powerball jackpot cycles have produced billion-dollar grand prizes," the statement said.

A Powerball jackpot worth $1.08 billion was won on July 19 on a ticket in California.

The probability of matching all six numbers on a single ticket is 1 in 292 million, while tickets cost $2 per game.

The biggest Powerball jackpot was $2.04 billion on Nov. 7, 2022, also won in California.