The Powerball jackpot has surged to an astounding $1.7 billion following the 46th drawing without a significant winner.
The drawn numbers on Monday night were 3, 18, 36, 41, 54, with the Powerball being 7.
Since September 6, there have been 46 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner.
The next drawing is set for Christmas Eve, with this jackpot projected to become the fourth-largest in U.S. lottery history.
Powerball's odds stand at 1 in 292.2 million, aimed at creating substantial jackpots. Lottery officials emphasize that the game offers much better chances for numerous smaller prizes, and there are three drawings each week.
A winner who opts for the 30 payments over 29 years through an annuity would be eligible for the estimated $1.6 billion jackpot. However, most winners take the game's cash option, estimated at around $735.3 million for the Monday night drawing.
Powerball tickets are sold for $2 and are available in 45 states plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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Contributed by Emilie Megnien, videojournalist with The Associated Press.
