The Powerball jackpot has increased to an estimated $1.5 billion after nobody matched all six numbers in the Wednesday, Dec. 17 drawing. As of the afternoon of Dec. 19, the cash value was an estimated $689.3 million, according to the Powerball website.

This increase marks the fifth biggest Powerball and seventh largest US lottery jackpot ever.

The next Powerball drawing will be held at 10:59 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20.

In New Jersey, the deadline to purchase a Powerball ticket is 9:59 p.m. on the day of the drawing. But what are the odds of actually winning and if you did win, what would you do?

Things you could do in New Jersey and NYC with Powerball jackpot

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 292,201,338-to-1.

The odds of matching all five white balls are 11,688,053-to-1.

If you happened to beat those odds, what would you do with all that cash? Here are some crazy things you could do with the Powerball jackpot in New Jersey and New York City.

Buy a home in Alpine

Looking to upgrade your home after your big lottery win?

Check out homes for sale in Alpine, where five of the year’s 10 most expensive home sales in New Jersey took place, including the record-breaking sale of 48 Rio Vista Drive for $17.7 million in September.

According to Zillow, the average home in Alpine is valued at $2,953,357.

Buy a luxurious house on the Jersey Shore

For many New Jerseyans, a shore house would definitely be on their mind after winning millions.

As of November 2024, according to the New Jersey Real Estate Network, the most expensive beach towns on the Jersey Shore include:

  • Mantoloking: Average home prices around $1.8 to $2 million.
  • Rumson: Median home prices exceeding $1.7 to $2 million.
  • Sea Girt: Median home values in the $1.8 to $2.1 million range.
  • Stone Harbor: Average home price of $2.3 to $2.5 million.
  • Monmouth Beach: Most homes range from $1 to $4 million.
  • Avalon: Median home prices around $2.5 to $2.6 million.
  • Harvey Cedars: Typical home prices from $1.5 to $3 million.
  • Avon-by-the-Sea: Median home prices around $1.7 million.
  • Longport: Most homes range from $2 to $5 million.

You might as well pick up a fishing boat and some jet skis while you’re at it.

Go on a designer shopping spree at American Dream Mall

From designer stores to entertainment and activities, there is no shortage of ways to spend your money at the American Dream Mall.

During your day at the mall, you can definitely include a shopping spree at The Avenue, which is described by American Dream as “an exclusive journey through the world’s most iconic luxury brands all under one roof.”

On your stroll down The Avenue, you can stop into several luxury stores from Saks Fifth Avenue to Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and more.

Buy a private suite at MetLife Stadium and/or Prudential Center

Watch your favorite teams, musical artists, and more from a lavish box at MetLife Stadium and/or Prudential Center.

Private suites at these North Jersey venues offer a variety of perks and luxuries from VIP parking to private bathrooms, customizable menu and bar options, and of course some of the best seats in the house.

Pay for Cody Bellinger’s contract

Where the free agent will end up for the 2026 season is still in the air, but you could make the Yankees’ top holiday wish come true by using a bit of your newfound bank account to cover Cody Bellinger’s contract.

Organize the ultimate New Jersey music festival

With that kind of money, you could potentially gather the time and resources to organize the ultimate Garden State music festival. Of course, the perfect lineup would include Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, SZA, My Chemical Romance, The Jonas Brothers, Kool & the Gang, Halsey, and Frankie Valli, among others.

Buy a luxury New York loft

City life calling your name? Spend some of your lottery winnings on your dream living space in New York City.

Splurge on a day/night out in the city

If you would rather your home stay in North Jersey, you can still take the quick trip into the city where there are endless options for things to do, places to eat, and ways to drop some cash.

If you’re looking to spend your Powerball winnings on a fun day and/or night out in the city, there is plenty to choose from including fine dining and memorable cocktails, luxurious spas, unique attractions, a Broadway show, a shopping spree on Fifth Ave, lavish nightclubs, and more.

You can even charter a private yacht or take a helicopter tour for some of the greatest views of the New York City skyline.