Powerball jackpot soars to $1.25 billion

(NBC, KYMA) - The Powerball jackpot is soaring once again, giving lottery players nationwide a shot at a billion-dollar payday just in time for the holidays.

The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.25 billion for Wednesday night's drawing, with a cash option of about $572 million.

It's the second-largest Powerball jackpot this year and only the second time in the game's history that back-to-back billion-dollar jackpots have been offered.

The jackpot rolled over after no ticket matched all six numbers in the largest drawing: 23, 35, 59, 63, 68 and the Powerball was 2.

However, several players still scored big, including two one-million-dollar winning tickets sold in Arizona and California.

Lottery officials are reminding players to check their tickets and to play responsibly. A single Powerball ticket costs two dollars, with proceeds supporting programs in the states where tickets are sold.