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.
The Powerball jackpot has risen to $166 million with a $74.5 million cash option ahead of the next drawing on Saturday, March 28th, with players across the country looking to win big again.
The game has produced nearly 200 jackpot winners since 1992, most recently on March 2 when a ticket sold in Arkansas sold for $251 million. Powerball is played in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The next drawing is set for 10:59 PM ET and the odds of winning the jackpot are about 1 in 292 million, but smaller prizes are much more common and the overall odds of winning the prize are about 1 in 25.
Here’s what you need to know about Saturday’s drawing.
When is the next Powerball drawing?
The next drawing will take place Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET, and USA TODAY will publish the winning numbers immediately after they are announced.
How much is the Powerball jackpot?
Jackpot: $166 millionCash options: $74.5 million (before tax)
The jackpot reflects the annuity value paid over 30 years. Winners may also choose the cash lump sum option.
What are the odds of winning Powerball?
The odds of hitting the Powerball jackpot are approximately 1 in 292.2 million. The chances of winning a prize are much higher, approximately 1 in 24.9.
Do I have to be a US citizen to play?
No, you do not have to be a U.S. citizen or resident to purchase Powerball tickets. Anyone can purchase a ticket while visiting a participating state or territory as long as they meet the legal age requirements (usually 18, but higher in some states).
Where can I buy Powerball tickets?
Powerball is sold in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Game is not offered in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, or Utah.
Tickets can be purchased at licensed retailers such as convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, you can also purchase tickets online, depending on local regulations.
Which state has the most Powerball winners?
Some states have far more lottery luck than others. The states with the most Powerball jackpot winners are Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
How do you play Powerball?
- Ticket price is $2 per play
- Select 5 white balls (numbers 1-69).
- Select one red Powerball (numbers 1-26)
- Match all 6 numbers to win the jackpot
- For an additional $1, players can add a power play. This allows you to double, triple, quadruple, 5x or 10x your non-jackpot winnings.
Biggest jackpot in Powerball history
Powerball has produced the largest lottery prize in U.S. history. Some of the top jackpots include:$2.04 billion — California (November 7, 2022)$1,817 million — Arkansas (December 24, 2025)$1.787 billion — Missouri and Texas (September 6, 2025)$1.765 billion — California (October 11, 2023)$1.586 billion — California, Florida, Tennessee (January 13, 2016)
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_.
