Powerball, Mega Millions jackpot: What you need to know if you win
Here’s what you need to know if you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
FAQ only, USA TODAY
Grand Prize prizes have risen again as no one won the Powerball jackpot on Wednesday, December 3rd.
After the drawing on Wednesday, Dec. 3, the jackpot increased to an estimated $820 million, with a cash value of $383.5 million, according to the Powerball website. This jackpot is the 8th highest jackpot in the history of the game.
The next draw on Saturday, December 6th could decide whether someone takes home a huge prize or whether the prize money continues to grow.
The latest jackpot comes just months after the second-largest jackpot in gaming history, estimated at $1.787 billion, was won on Sept. 6 on two tickets sold in Montana and Texas.
How much is the Powerball jackpot?
As of Thursday, Dec. 4, the Powerball jackpot stands at a whopping $820 million.
When is the next Powerball drawing?
The next lottery will be Saturday, December 6thjust after 11pm ET.
What are the top 10 Powerball jackpots?
- $2.04 billion – acquired in California on November 7, 2022
- $1.787 billion – won in Montana and Texas on September 6, 2025
- $1.765 billion – acquired in California on October 11, 2023
- $1.586 billion – acquired on January 13, 2016 in California, Florida, and Tennessee
- $1.326 Billion – Earned in Oregon on April 6, 2024
- $1.08 billion – acquired in California on July 19, 2023
- $842.4 million – earned in Michigan on January 1, 2024
- $820 million – TBA
- $768.4 million – sold in Wisconsin on March 27, 2019
- $758.7 million – sold in Massachusetts on August 23, 2017
How to play Powerball
To play Powerball, you must purchase a $2 ticket. 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.
Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls with numbers 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.
If you’re feeling unlucky or just want to let the computer do the work for you, you can take advantage of the “Quick Pick” option, where a computer-generated number is printed on your Powerball ticket. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls and 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.
Where to buy lottery tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, etc. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets onlineJackpocket, 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 select your lottery games and numbers, place your order, view your tickets, and claim your winnings, all from 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). visitjackpocket.com/tos Over the entire period.
Julia is USA TODAY’s trends reporter, covering all things Love and Pop Mart, scientific research, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn ×Instagram, TikTok: @juliamaigz or email jgomez@hannett.co.meter
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_.
