Lead: On Sept. 6, 2025, the Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.8 billion ahead of Saturday night’s drawing, making it the second-largest prize in U.S. lottery history; the lump-sum cash option is estimated at $826.4 million before taxes.
Key Takeaways
- The current Powerball jackpot stands at $1.8 billion, with an estimated lump-sum cash value of $826.4 million before taxes.
- This drawing is the 42nd since the last jackpot win on May 31, tying the game’s record for consecutive drawings without a winner.
- Winners may choose an annuity (30 payments: one immediate plus 29 annual increases of 5%) or the lump-sum option.
- Tickets cost $2 and are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- The odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million; the odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9.
- Drawings are held in Tallahassee, Florida, and are broadcast Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET and streamed on Powerball.com.
Verified Facts
The Powerball jackpot reached an estimated $1.8 billion as of the Sept. 6, 2025 update. The advertised annuity value represents the total of 30 scheduled payments, beginning with an immediate payment and followed by 29 payments that rise by 5% annually; the alternative lump-sum payment is estimated at $826.4 million before federal and state taxes.
This drawing is the 42nd since the jackpot was last won on May 31 in California. That streak ties the game’s record for the most consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner, a factor that helped the prize swell over three months of rollovers.
Tickets are available for $2 and can be purchased at licensed retailers in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The mathematical odds for winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, while the overall odds of winning any prize in a drawing are 1 in 24.9, per Powerball odds tables.
Drawings take place live from Tallahassee, Florida, on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights at 10:59 p.m. Eastern and are streamed on Powerball.com. Players and observers can follow results in real time on official channels and through state lottery offices.
| Rank | Amount | Game / Date (state) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.04 billion | Powerball, Nov. 2022 (California) |
| 2 | $1.8 billion | Powerball, Sept. 2025 (current) |
| 3 | $1.76 billion | Powerball, Oct. 2023 (California) |
| 4 | $1.60 billion | Mega Millions, Aug. 2023 (Florida) |
| 5 | $1.59 billion | Powerball, Jan. 2016 (CA, FL, TN) |
Context & Impact
Long jackpot rollovers typically drive higher ticket sales as public interest grows and media coverage intensifies. Retailers often report larger lines and higher daily sales when multi-month rollovers reach historic levels.
Large advertised prizes are paid as annuities by default in many states, with the annuity total produced by an insurance-backed schedule of payments; winners who choose the immediate cash option receive a smaller, one-time payment subject to taxation. Federal tax withholding and state taxes can substantially reduce the amount a winner receives.
Public responses to mega-jackpots vary: some view large prizes as rare opportunities for life-changing gains, while others raise concerns about gambling behavior and the regressive nature of lottery spending among lower-income communities. State lotteries allocate proceeds differently by jurisdiction, often funding education or public programs; the exact distribution depends on each state’s lottery law.
Official Statements
Winners can select either the lump-sum cash option or the annuitized prize paid over 30 installments, per Powerball rules.
Powerball.com
Bottom Line
The Sept. 6, 2025 Powerball drawing offers a $1.8 billion advertised jackpot — the second-largest in U.S. history — with an $826.4 million estimated lump-sum before taxes. While the prize size draws intense public attention, the odds remain long and tax implications significant; prospective players should participate responsibly.