Better luck next time! Powerball climbs to $687 million

( NEXSTAR)-- No one won the big prize in Monday night's Powerball illustration, but you must still examine your tickets.

A $2 million winner was sold in Florida, and $1 million winners were sold in Maryland, Minnesota, Texas (2) and Virginia.

The winning numbers for the Powerball drawing on Monday were 44, 39, 10, 17, and 20. The Powerball was 16, and the PowerPlay was 3X.

The jackpot soared to an approximated $687 million after nobody matched all 6 winning numbers, with a cash alternative of $327.3 million.

On the other hand, the Mega Millions grand prize is now estimated at a whopping $875 million-- the sixth-largest in video game history-- ahead of Tuesday's drawing.

Just keep in mind that the odds of winning any lotto jackpot are really slim. Mega Millions players have a 1 in 302.6 million chance of taking home the leading reward. And it's not much easier to win a Powerball prize with the odds near 1 in 292.2 million.

If you are fortunate sufficient to win either of the big prizes, Robert Pagliarini, the president and primary monetary advisor for Pacifica Wealth Advisors, Inc. in Irvine, California, offered some guidance.

" Take a deep breath," Pagliarini told The Associated Press. "You will be confronted with many tax, legal, and monetary decisions so I desire you to stay grounded, since when you are calm you can make much better decisions."

Can Powerball, Mega Millions jackpot winners remain confidential? Not in these states

Pagliarini suggested building a group to assist with decisions, consisting of an attorney, tax specialist and financial advisor experienced in handling windfalls.

" Lastly, despite the fact that you have professionals directing you, do not forget that this is your money and you are in charge-- they work for you. Ask concerns and make them describe things so you understand them. The objective is to turn your abrupt wealth into long lasting wealth," he said.

Prize winners have 2 choices to get their prize: an annuitized payout of slowly increasing payments over 29 years or as a swelling amount. The payouts can differ depending upon the state as well. You might wish to reconsider taking the cash choice, however.

In case you're curious, here are the largest lottery rewards in the U.S.:

1. $2.04 billion (Powerball): Nov. 7, 2022; California



2. $1.765 billion (Powerball): Oct. 11, 2023; California



3. $1.602 billion (Mega Millions): Aug. 15, 2023; Florida



4. $1.586 billion (Powerball): Jan. 13, 2016; California, Florida, Tennessee



5. $1.537 billion (Mega Millions): Oct. 23, 2018; South Carolina



6. $1.348 billion (Mega Millions): Jan. 13, 2023; Maine



7. $1.337 billion (Mega Millions): July 29, 2022; Illinois



8. $1.08 billion (Powerball): July 19, 2023; California



9. $1.05 billion (Mega Millions): Jan. 22, 2021; Michigan



10. $842.4 million (Powerball): Jan. 1, 2024; Michigan

Powerball tickets are $2 each and offered in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to Saturdays, illustrations are held every Monday and Wednesday at 10:59 p.m. ET.

The Associated Press added to this story.