Single Powerball ticket sold in Illinois wins $1.04 billion

A ticket purchased in Illinois secured the largest Powerball jackpot of the year, according to lottery officials. The winning numbers - 4, 26, 66, 67, 69, and red Powerball 9 - were drawn on Wednesday night. The estimated jackpot stands at $1.04 billion, making it the eighth-largest Powerball jackpot in the game's history. Winners have the option to receive the prize as an annuity paid out over 29 years or a lump-sum cash payment of $450.5 million.

Both amounts are before taxes. This winning ticket marked the 44th consecutive drawing since the last jackpot was won on May 2, 2025. Last year saw two Powerball jackpots surpass the $1 billion mark, including a $1.8 billion jackpot won on Christmas Eve, which remains the biggest U.S. lottery prize ever. A $1.787 billion Powerball jackpot from September 2025, won by tickets in Missouri and Texas, ranks as the third-largest prize in U.S. lottery history. This story is ongoing, and further updates will be provided.