A Powerball ticket is pictured as the jackpot continues to rise.

As Powerball excitement sweeps the nation for hopeful gamblers, aspiring players in certain states shouldn't get their hopes up, and not because of the long odds to win.

While Americans in the vast majority of states can try their luck at winning the $1.7 billion jackpot, the lottery game is prohibited by law in a select group of five states.

As a result, people in those states, sometimes drive over state lines to legally purchase tickets.

Curious if buying a Powerball ticket is legal in your state? Here where you aren't allowed to play the popular game.

Which states do not sell Powerball lottery tickets?

States that do not sell Powerball lottery tickets are:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Hawaii
  • Nevada
  • Utah

Powerball jackpot soars to $1.7 billion for Saturday’s drawing

After 41 straight drawings without a grand prize winner, the latest Powerball jackpot has grown to the third-largest in the game's history.

As of Thursday, Sept. 4, it sat at an estimated $1.7 billion with a $770.3 million cash value. The prize surpassed 2016's $1.58 billion jackpot, which jumped after no one won the Wednesday, Sept. 3 drawing with an estimated jackpot of $1.44 billion.

The next drawing is on Saturday, Sept. 6, and the jackpot will likely rise before then.

Gambling addiction help

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Contributing: Julia Gomez

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Powerball is everywhere right now – except in these 5 states

Reporting by Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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