The Powerball jackpot rose to $856 million—the biggest lottery prize of the year so far—after no tickets matched all six numbers drawn on Wednesday night, although the eventual winner will take home a much smaller payout after taxes and deductions.
The Powerball jackpot soared to $856 million after Wednesday's draw.
The six numbers drawn on Wednesday night were 14, 20, 59, 60, 61 and Red Powerball 25.
If a winner emerges in the next draw, they can choose between taking the $856 million split across 30 annual installments or a one-time cash prize of $372 million—the preferred pick for most winners.
If the lump sum prize is claimed, the winnings will first drop to $282.7 million after a mandatory 24% federal withholding is applied.
