Sunblock, charcoal … and Powerball? Holiday weekend lottery jackpot worth $1 billion is up for grabs

Sunblock, charcoal … and Powerball? Holiday weekend lottery jackpot worth $1 billion is up for grabs

What’s Going On?

** Powerball's jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1 billion**, making it the sixth-largest prize in the game's history. This surge comes just in time for the Labor Day weekend drawing.AP News+1The Telegraph

Drawing time: The drawing took place Saturday night, August 30, 2025, at 10:59 p.m. ET.The TelegraphAP News+1
Prize options for a lucky winner:
- Annuity: Total payments over 30 years, growing annually by about 5%.
- Lump-sum cash: Approximately $453 million before taxes.AP News+1

The Numbers

Winning numbers drawn: 3, 18, 22, 27, 33, Powerball 17.
As of reporting, it wasn’t immediately known whether anyone hit the jackpot.New York PostAP News

Behind the Hype (and the Risks)

This mega-jackpot hasn’t just spurred excitement—it’s also raised concerns.

Growing ticket sales (previously $950 million) have fueled the jump to $1 billion.AP NewsIndiatimesWBRZPowerball
Significantly, this jackpot follows 39 consecutive drawings without a winner, since May 31, 2025.IndiatimesPowerball

But high-stakes draws can bring trouble for some people:

A former lottery addict, Adam Osmond from Connecticut, lost about $1 million, including his businesses and home, before seeking help. His story stands as a stark warning.MarketWatch
According to experts, 2.5 million U.S. adults struggle with severe gambling issues, and 5 to 8 million face mild-to-moderate problems. Lotteries like Powerball—especially with massive jackpots—can amplify these risks.MarketWatch

TL;DR

A $1 billion Powerball jackpot was up for grabs Saturday, Aug 30, 2025.
Drawn numbers: 3-18-22-27-33 & Powerball 17—winner status unknown.
Winner could choose $453 million cash or a 30-year annuity.
The jackpot arrived after a 39-draw streak without a grand prize winner.
The excitement is real—but so are risks for those vulnerable to problem gambling.