The odds of winning Powerball and Mega Millions are not in your favor
The odds of winning the jackpot with Mega Millions or Powerball are approximately 1 in 292 million. Here, we will introduce things that are more likely to be obtained than large sums of money.
One of the biggest prizes in Powerball history could be yours in just a few hours.
The jackpot reached a record-breaking $775 million, an increase of about $35 million from the beginning of the week.
The estimated cash value is $362.5 million (pre-tax) and can be paid as a one-time lump sum cash payment or as annuity payments over 29 years. Either way, players will have a fun holiday if they win the prize after Wednesday night’s drawing.
The last time a jackpot of this size was won was in September, when players in Missouri and Texas split a $1.787 billion jackpot, making it the second-largest prize in history.
With so much cash up for grabs, you might be wondering what the biggest prizes are and where they were won. The top 10 are:
What is the biggest prize in Powerball history?
Here’s how the biggest jackpot prizes in Powerball history stack up.
- $2.04 billion won in California on November 7, 2022
- $1.787 billion won in Missouri and Texas on September 6, 2025
- $1.765 billion, won in California on October 11, 2023
- $1.586 billion won in California, Florida and Tennessee on January 13, 2016
- $1.326 billion won in Oregon on April 6, 2024
- $1.08 billion won in California on July 19, 2023
- $842.4 million, won in Michigan on January 1, 2024
- The $775 million winner could be decided Wednesday night.
- $768.4 million, won in Wisconsin on March 27, 2019
- $758.7 million, won in Massachusetts on August 23, 2017
How to play Powerball
How to play Powerball is easy:
- Buy a $2 ticket anywhere tickets are sold.
- Think about which six numbers you would choose.
- For Powerball, select five “white” numbers from 1 to 69 and one “red” number from 1 to 26.
Players can also add “Power Play,” a $1 feature that increases the winnings on all non-jackpot prizes. “Power Play” multipliers can increase your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.
If you’re not feeling particularly lucky, or just want to let the computer do the work, you can take advantage of the “Quick Pick” option. All numbers selected in the “Quick Pick” option are computer generated.
To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls and the red Powerball in any order. The draw takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday night. The winnings continue to increase even if no one wins the jackpot.
Where to buy lottery tickets
Gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores all sell lottery tickets. Tickets may also be sold at some airport terminals.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery courier, in the following U.S. states and territories: 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 choose your lottery games and numbers, place your order, check your tickets, and claim your winnings, all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery carrier of USA TODAY Network. USA Today Co., Inc 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.
Contributor: Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY
