The chances of winning Powerball and Mega Millions are not your favour
The chances of hitting a jackpot with the Mega Millions or Powerball are around 192 million. Here’s what you’re more likely to land than a big buck.
In the historic run, the estimated Powerball jackpot again rose to $1.8 billion, making it the second largest in lottery history.
The projected pots increased by about $100 million in the Friday 5th September update.
After no one won on Wednesday, September 3rd, the jackpot was initially allocated for an estimated $1.7 billion before the increase on Friday.
The only big jackpot, and the only jackpot except for $2 billion, came when it was sold in California in November 2022. The largest mega million jackpot ever ($1.62 billion in August 2023) was also sold in California.
The only lucky winner and Powerball match all five numbers can opt for a one-off cash payment of $826.4 million. It’s in front of federal taxes, and in some cases state taxes.
More than 6.3 million tickets have won cash awards since Wednesday, September 3rd, with 11 people winning $1 million, according to The Lottery.
Here’s what you need to know before the Saturday painting:
What is the Powerball Jackpot?
As of Friday, the Powerball jackpot is currently at $1.8 billion, up from the previous pot $1.7 billion.
The jackpot is the biggest for Powerball, as it received $1.326 billion in April 2024. Is it the biggest Powerball jackpot? Over $2 billion was won in November 2022.
What are the top 10 Powerball Jackpots?
- $2.04 billion – November 7, 2022 – Acquired tickets sold in California
- $1.8 billion – September 6, 2025 – TBD
- $1.765 billion – October 11, 2023 – California
- $1.58 billion – January 13, 2016 – California, Tennessee, Florida
- $1.326 billion – April 6, 2024 – Oregon
- $1.08 billion – July 19, 2023 – California
- $842.4 million – January 1, 2024 – Michigan
- $768.4 million – March 27, 2019 – Wisconsin
- $758.7 million – August 23, 2017 – Massachusetts
- $754.6 million – February 6, 2023 – Washington
How to play Powerball
To play Powerball Lottery, you will need to buy a ticket for $2. Tickets are available at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations and grocery stores. In some states, you can also purchase Powerball tickets online.
Once you have your ticket, you will need to select six numbers. Five of these are white balls from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball from 1 to 26. Plus, you’ll have the option to add a “Power Play” for $1.
The “Power Play” multiplier can be multiplied by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x on the prize.
If you feel unlucky or want your computer to do your job, the “quick pick” option is available. Here, the computer-generated numbers are printed on the Powerball ticket. To win a jackpot, players must match all five white balls with any order and Red Powerball.
The Powerball painting takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturday nights. If no one wins the jackpot, the prize money will continue to be engraved.
Where to buy lottery tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online Jack Pocket, the official digital lottery delivery company of the USA Today Networkthese US and territories include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Maine, Maine, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app lets you select lottery games and numbers, order, view tickets, collect prizes, and all on your phone or home computer.
Jack Pocket is the official digital lottery delivery company of the USA Today Network. Gannett may earn revenue from viewer referrals to Jackpocket Services. Must be over 18 in AZ, 21+, and 19+ in NE. It is not affiliated with the state lottery. Gambling issues? 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 other). visit jacketpocket.com/tos In perfect conditions.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA Today. Contact him at fernando.cervantes @gannett.com and follow him at x @fern_cerv_.
