DES MOINES, Iowa: The Powerball jackpot has soared to a staggering US$1.7 billion after no one won the top prize in the September 3 drawing.

The winning numbers drawn that night were 3, 16, 29, 61, 69, and the Powerball number 22. But once again, no ticket matched them all. This marks the 41st consecutive drawing without a jackpot winner since May 31.

The next drawing will take place on the night of September 6, and the prize is now projected to be the third-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history.

Powerball is known for its incredibly tough odds — just 1 in 292.2 million for the jackpot. Those odds are intentional, designed to keep rolling the prize higher and higher until someone finally wins. While the top prize is difficult to hit, lottery officials point out that the chances are much better for the game's smaller prizes, which are awarded regularly. Drawings are held three times a week.

For the draw on September 4, the jackpot was estimated at $1.4 billion for a winner who chose the annuity option, which pays out in 30 installments over 29 years. Most winners, however, pick the cash option, which would have been worth about $634.3 million.

Powerball tickets cost $2 each and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.