The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $1 billion ahead of Saturday night's drawing — one of the largest prizes in the game's history. Why it matters: It's the seventh-largest Powerball jackpot ever and the second time this year the top prize has crossed the $1 billion mark.

After no ticket matched all six numbers drawn in Wednesday night’s Powerball jackpot drawing, the prize has now grown to an estimated $1.5 billion.