The Powerball jackpot is set to get even bigger. A reporter will explain.
USA TODAY’s Fernando Cervantes explains the historic agreement with Britain’s National Lottery.
The Powerball jackpot is rising again, reaching an estimated $86 million ahead of the Saturday, May 16th drawing, with a $37.8 million cash option.
The game has already produced seven winners in 2026. That includes a rapid rise in late April and early May, when four jackpots were won in just four days, underscoring how quickly fortunes have changed this year.
Here’s what you need to know about Saturday night’s Powerball drawing.
What are the winning Powerball numbers for May 16th?
USA TODAY will publish the winning numbers at 10:59 p.m. ET after the lottery drawing.
Do I have to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball?
No, you do not need to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball.
Anyone who meets the legal age requirements (generally 18 years old) at the time of purchase may purchase tickets from authorized retailers in participating territories, including 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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
How to play Powerball
Powerball tickets cost $2 and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Players choose six numbers: five white balls from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball from 1 to 26, or choose a “quick pick” of randomly generated numbers. You can increase your non-jackpot winnings with the $1 “Power Play” add-on.
To win the jackpot, you must match all five white balls (in any order) and the Powerball. Drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights, and the jackpot increases if no one wins.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
