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.
A winning Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas ended a $251 million jackpot run on March 2, returning the prize to $20 million ahead of tonight’s Wednesday, March 4 drawing.
Lottery officials say the Powerball jackpot has been won nearly 200 times since the game began in 1992. Currently, 45 US lottery companies are participating in the lottery, but five states are not participating in the lottery: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
Some states have had better luck than others. Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin rank in the top five for Powerball winners.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of Wednesday’s Powerball drawing.
What are the winning Powerball numbers for March 4th?
The winning numbers for Wednesday, March 4th drawing are: 7, 14, 42, 47, 56 and the powerball 6. The multiplier for “power play” is 4x.
Do I have to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball?
The short answer is no. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or resident to play Powerball. Anyone visiting any of the 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands may purchase lottery tickets from authorized and licensed retailers, regardless of nationality, as long as they meet the legal age requirements (usually 18 years old) at the time of purchase.
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
When is the next picture?
Powerball drawings are held three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. Wednesday’s drawing will take place on March 4th at 10:59pm ET.
How much is the jackpot?
After Monday’s win in Arkansas, the Powerball jackpot was reset to $20 million, with a cash option of about $9.4 million, according to Powerball.
How much is the ticket?
Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and come with an optional $1 Power Play add-on that can double your non-jackpot winnings.
How do you play?
Players select five numbers from 1 to 69 (white balls) and one number from 1 to 26 (red Powerball). Tickets can be purchased at authorized lottery retailers in participating states.
What are the chances of winning?
The odds of hitting the Powerball jackpot are approximately 1 in 292.2 million. The overall odds of winning a prize are approximately 1 in 24.9.
Lump sum vs. annuity — what’s the difference?
Jackpot winners can choose from:
- An annuity that is paid more than 30 times a year and increases over time; or
- Lump sum cash option. It’s a small upfront payment, but you pay it all at once.
Both options are subject to federal tax, and most states also tax lottery winnings.
Which states don’t sell Powerball tickets?
Powerball is available in 45 states, plus Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The five states that do not offer Powerball are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
Where do the most winners come from?
Powerball says the states with the most Powerball jackpot winners historically include Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
How to play Powerball
Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This can be done at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, you can purchase Powerball tickets online depending on the local jurisdiction.
Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls numbered from 1 to 69. The red Powerball range is 1-26. You can also add a “Power Play” for $1, which increases your winnings on all non-jackpot prizes. “Power Play” multipliers allow you to increase your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.
A “Quick Pick” option is also available if you want the computer to select the numbers for you. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls with the red Powerball in any order.
Powerball drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. The winnings continue to increase even if no one wins the jackpot.
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_.
