India, Sept. 4 -- The Powerball jackpot climbed to $1.444 billion by Wednesday night's drawing, making it one of the largest in US history. Lottery officials had originally projected $1.4 billion but bumped the estimate just before the winning numbers were revealed.

The lucky combination was drawn, and the powerball and a Power Play multiplier were revealed.

Who won the Powerball lottery on Wednesday?

Whether the lucky digits created instant billionaires will not be known until ticket checks are completed, and officials said it could take hours to confirm if anyone hit the jackpot.

For those holding losing tickets, the disappointment may not be final. Powerball players still have a 1 in 24.87 chance of winning smaller prizes, even wit...