— The Powerball jackpot has grown to an estimated $1.8 billion ahead of Saturday’s drawing, making it the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history; the advertised annuity total is $1.8 billion and the lump-sum cash option is estimated at $826.4 million before taxes.
Key Takeaways
- The jackpot stands at $1.8 billion with a lump-sum cash estimate of $826.4 million (pre-tax).
- Saturday’s drawing will be the 42nd since the jackpot was last won on May 31, tying the game’s record for consecutive drawings without a top-prize winner.
- Tickets cost $2 and are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million; overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9.
- Winners may choose the annuity (one immediate payment plus 29 annual increasing payments) or the lump-sum cash option.
Verified Facts
The jackpot reached $1.8 billion after a run of consecutive drawings with no top-prize winner. The last winning jackpot was recorded on May 31 in California. Saturday’s drawing will continue a streak that ties the record for most consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner.
The advertised $1.8 billion figure represents the annuitized total paid as one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that rise by about 5% each year. The estimated cash option for a single, immediate payment is $826.4 million before federal and any state taxes.
Powerball tickets are sold across 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for $2 per play. Drawings are held live from Tallahassee, Florida, every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET and are streamed on Powerball.com.
| Rank | Amount | Game / Month |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 6 | $1.54 billion | Mega Millions — Oct. 2018 (South Carolina) |
| 7 | $1.35 billion | Mega Millions — Jan. 2023 (Maine) |
| 8 | $1.34 billion | Mega Millions — July 2022 (Illinois) |
| 9 | $1.33 billion | Powerball — April 2024 (Oregon) |
| 10 | $1.27 billion | Mega Millions — Dec. 2024 (California) |
Context & Impact
Large, sustained jackpots tend to drive heavy ticket sales and public attention, increasing retail traffic at convenience stores and news coverage. Extended rollovers raise the advertised annuity amount while the lump-sum estimate reflects current cash-on-hand and interest-rate assumptions.
Tax implications vary by state; federal taxes will apply to large lottery payouts and many states also levy income tax on winnings. Winners often consult financial, tax and legal advisors before choosing payout options.
Because odds of winning the jackpot are extremely low (about 1 in 292.2 million), lottery officials and consumer advocates typically remind players to treat purchases as entertainment, not investment.
Unconfirmed
- No top-prize claimant had been reported at the time of publication; whether the jackpot will be won in Saturday’s drawing is not known.
Bottom Line
The Powerball jackpot’s rise to $1.8 billion has renewed broad public interest and will draw millions of ticket purchases ahead of the next drawing. Anyone holding a winning ticket should secure it and seek professional advice on claims and tax planning.