Powerball players in the US have won the nearly $US1.8 billion ($A2.7 billion) jackpot, overcoming astronomical odds to end the lottery game’s three-month drought without a big winner.
The two winning players bought their tickets in Missouri and Texas.
The winning numbers were 11, 23, 44, 61, and 62, with the Powerball number being 17.
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The winning ticket in Texas was sold at a petrol station-convenience store in Fredericksburg, according to the Texas Lottery.
The $US1.787 billion prize, which was the second-largest US lottery jackpot in history, followed 41 consecutive drawings in which no one matched all six numbers.
The last drawing with a jackpot winner happened on May 31.
Powerball’s terrible odds of one in 292.2 million are designed to generate big jackpots, with prizes growing as they roll over when no one wins.
Lottery officials note that the odds are far better for the game’s many smaller prizes.
There are three drawings each week.
Each ticket holder will have the choice between an annuitised prize of $US893.5 million or a lump sum payment of $US410.3 million.
Both prize options are before taxes. If a winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by five per cent each year.
Powerball tickets cost $US2, and the game is offered in 45 states plus Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
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