Check out the luckiest states in the lottery
USA TODAY’s Fernando Cervantes takes a look at the states with the most Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots.
Ahead of Saturday night’s drawing, the Powerball jackpot had jumped to $238 million with a $112 million cash option.
Lottery officials say the jackpot has been won nearly 200 times since the game began in 1992. Currently, 48 US lottery companies participate in Powerball games, but five states do not offer Powerball games: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
The five states with the most Powerball jackpot winners among participating lotteries include Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
With the February 28 drawing just hours away, here’s what you need to know.
What are the winning Powerball numbers for February 28th?
USA TODAY will publish the winning numbers at 10:59 p.m. ET after the lottery drawing.
Top 10 Powerball Jackpots
- $2.04 billion in California on November 7, 2022
- December 24, 2025, $1.817 billion in Arkansas.
- $1.787 billion in Missouri and Texas on September 6, 2025
- $1.765 billion in California on October 11, 2023
- January 13, 2016, $1.586 billion in California, Florida, and Tennessee
- April 6, 2024, $1.326 billion in Oregon.
- $1.08 billion in California on July 19, 2023
- $842.4 million in Michigan on January 1, 2024
- March 27, 2019, $768.4 million in Wisconsin
- August 23, 2017, $758.7 million in Massachusetts
Do I have to be a US citizen to play Powerball?
No, you do not need to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball.
Anyone of legal age, regardless of nationality, can purchase a Powerball ticket when visiting any of the 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Are there any age requirements?
yes. Players must meet legal age requirements at the time of purchase, typically 18 years or older, although rules may vary slightly depending on location.
What non-US players need to know
Although citizenship is not required to play, Lottery officials encourage international visitors to keep their tickets safe and understand local rules for claiming prizes. Large winnings may also be subject to U.S. taxes, including federal withholding.
How to play Powerball: What you need to know before buying a ticket
Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Tickets can be purchased directly from authorized retailers such as convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, you can also purchase Powerball tickets online, depending on local lottery rules.
How numbers work
Each Powerball ticket contains 6 numbers: 5 white balls numbered 1-69
1 red Powerball (numbered 1-26)
Players can choose their own numbers or use the quick pick option, which allows the computer to randomly select a number.
What is a power play?
For an additional $1, players can add a power play. This increases the winnings for all non-jackpot prizes. Power Play multipliers are randomly selected and can increase your prize by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.
How to win the jackpot
To win the Powerball jackpot, a player must match all five white balls with a red Powerball in any order. If no one matches all six numbers, the jackpot rolls over and continues to grow until it is won.
When is the Powerball drawing held?
Powerball drawings occur three times a week.
Winning Lottery Numbers is sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery delivery company of the USA TODAY Network.
Can I get Powerball tickets online?
You can also order tickets online Jackpocket, USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery delivery companythese states and territories of the United States: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and West Virginia.
The Jackpocket app allows you to choose your lottery games and numbers, place your order, check your tickets, and claim your winnings, all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery carrier of USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue from viewer referrals to the Jackpocket Service. Must be 18 years or older, 21 years or older in Arizona, 19 years or older in Nebraska. Not affiliated with any state lottery. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (ALL OTHERS). visit jackpocket.com/tos Over the entire period.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
