After more than three months without a big winner, the Powerball jackpot has swelled to $1.8 billion -- the second-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history -- with the next drawing set for Saturday night. The estimated cash value -- if a winner opts for a lump sum payment -- is $826.4 million before taxes. Besides a lump sum, a winner can also choose an annuitized prize of the full estimated $1.8 billion -- which will come in one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year. Saturday’s drawing will be the 42nd since the Powerball jackpot was last won on May 31 in California. The current streak has tied the game’s record for the most consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. Tickets cost $2 and are available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puert
Powerball jackpot surges to $1.8B -- 2nd largest jackpot in US history

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