Schuylkill County residents dreaming of a Christmas miracle have a $1.7 billion reason to check their stockings tonight.
The Powerball jackpot climbed to the fourth-largest prize in history after no ticket matched all six numbers in Monday’s drawing, setting the stage for a potentially life-changing payout on Christmas Eve.
If a single winner claims the jackpot tonight, they can choose an annuity option or take a lump sum cash payment estimated at $781.3 million.
“Much like the holidays, Powerball is a game that brings people together to dream big and hope for a brighter future,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair.
For players hoping for a holiday miracle, history is on their side. While rare, Powerball jackpots have been claimed during the festive season in previous years.
A lucky player won the jackpot on Christmas Eve in 2011. The odds have been even better on Christmas Day, with winners claiming the top prize four times: in 1996, 2002, 2010, and 2013.
Odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. The drawing takes place tonight at 10:59 p.m. ET.
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