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.
As the estimated $750 million jackpot continues to rise, much of the cash in the Powerball drawings on Monday, August 25th, is already the 10th largest jackpot in gaming history.
If someone matches all five numbers and Powerball, they can opt to pay $316.3 million in one-time cash.
There were four Powerball Jackpot winners in 2025, but the most recent Californian was awarded the $204.5 million award on May 31st.
The Oregon lucky player has his first Powerball ticket to win the 2025 Jackpot, winning $328.5 million on January 18th. The second jackpot winner won all six Powerball numbers on March 29th, winning $527 million. The winner of Kentucky’s third jackpot was awarded the $167.3 million award on April 26th.
This is what you need to know.
What is the biggest Powerball drawing of all time?
All the biggest Powerball jackpots of the past nine years began on January 13th, 2016, starting with the $1.586 billion jackpot won by three winners in California, Florida and Tennessee.
Here’s a list of the top 10 Powerball Jackpots in history:
- $2.04 billion on November 7, 2022 saw one victory ticket in California
- One victory ticket was seen in California on October 11, 2023, $1.765 billion
- Three winning tickets were seen in California, Florida and Tennessee on January 13, 2016.
- I saw one victory ticket in Oregon on April 6, 2024, $1.326 billion
- On July 19, 2023, $1.08 billion saw one victory ticket in California
- One victory ticket was seen in Michigan on January 1, 2024, $842.4 million
- One victory ticket was seen in Wisconsin on March 27, 2019, $768.4 million
- One victory ticket was seen in Massachusetts on August 23, 2017, $758.7 million
- One victory ticket was seen in Washington on February 6, 2023 for $754.6 million
- $750 million on August 25, 2025
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, Ohio, 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_.
