The Powerball jackpot has surged past the $1 billion mark, igniting excitement across social media.
For 39 consecutive draws, no ticket has matched all six numbers, with the last draw taking place Saturday night. Heading into the next drawing on Labor Day, the jackpot has climbed to $1.1 billion, making it the fifth-largest prize in the game’s history, according to a statement from the lottery. The largest Powerball jackpot to date—$2.04 billion—was claimed by Edwin Castro of California in November 2022.
The winning numbers for Monday’s drawing will be revealed shortly after 11 p.m. ET during a live broadcast from the Florida Lottery studios in Tallahassee.
The jackpot winner can choose between a 30-year graduated annuity totaling $1.1 billion or a one-time lump sum payment of $498.4 million, with most winners opting for the lump sum. The prize is subject to federal taxes, including an automatic 24% withholding, as well as potential state taxes, though winners in California, Florida, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming are exempt from state taxation.
This drawing marks the 40th since the last major jackpot of $204.5 million was won on May 31, 2025, by a California ticket holder. So far in 2025, there have been three other jackpot winners, including players from Oregon, Kentucky, and another from California.
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How to Play Powerball
Powerball tickets cost $2 each and are available in 45 states, as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets can be purchased at local convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, some airport terminals, and, in certain states like Arizona, Massachusetts, and New York, online.
To play, select six numbers on your ticket: five white balls numbered 1 through 69 and one red Powerball numbered 1 through 26. Use a black or blue pen, or a pencil, to mark your choices. If you prefer not to pick the numbers yourself, you can request a “Quick Pick,” and a computer will randomly generate your numbers.
Once your numbers are selected, submit your play slip to a retailer or lottery vending machine to receive your ticket. Then you’re set for the drawing.
The winning numbers are announced during a live broadcast on the official lottery website. Match all five white balls (in any order) plus the red Powerball, and you win the jackpot.
Players Don’t Just Play for the Jackpot
Saturday night’s winning numbers were 3-18-22-27-33 with a Powerball of 17, but no ticket matched all six numbers to claim the jackpot.
Even if you don’t hit the jackpot, there are still opportunities to win smaller prizes. Many players also add the “Power Play” option for an extra $1, which can multiply non-jackpot winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x, depending on the draw.
In Saturday’s drawing, three tickets won $2 million each in Colorado, Indiana, and New Hampshire, while nine tickets claimed $1 million prizes in Florida, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California.
Why the Powerball Jackpot Has Reached $1.1 Billion
Several factors influence the size of a Powerball jackpot, primarily the number of tickets sold nationwide. The more tickets purchased, the larger the potential payout—though the odds of winning remain extremely low.
When no ticket matches all six numbers in a drawing, the jackpot rolls over, increasing for the next drawing as players continue buying tickets. This compounding effect is why the Powerball jackpot has swelled to $1.1 billion for Monday night’s Labor Day drawing.
If no winner emerges on Monday, the jackpot will grow again for the 40th consecutive drawing on Wednesday. The record for the longest Powerball jackpot streak is 42 draws, which culminated in a $1.326 billion prize claimed by a player in Oregon on April 6, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Powerball ticket cost?
Each ticket costs $2. You can purchase tickets in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in some states online.
How do I play Powerball?
Select five white balls numbered 1–69 and one red Powerball numbered 1–26. You can mark your own numbers or request a “Quick Pick” for randomly generated numbers. Submit your play slip to a retailer or lottery machine to receive your ticket.
When and where are the winning numbers announced?
Winning numbers are drawn during live broadcasts on the official lottery website and in select states. For this drawing, Monday night’s numbers will be announced shortly after 11 p.m. ET.
What are the odds of winning the jackpot?
The odds are approximately 1 in 292.2 million.
Can I win money without hitting the jackpot?
Yes. Smaller prizes are available for matching fewer numbers. Adding the “Power Play” option for $1 can multiply non-jackpot winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x, depending on the draw.
What are the payout options for the jackpot?
Winners can choose a 30-year graduated annuity totaling $1.1 billion or a one-time lump sum payment of $498.4 million. Federal and, in some states, state taxes apply. Winners in California, Florida, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming are exempt from state taxes.
Why has the jackpot grown so large?
The jackpot increases when no ticket matches all six numbers. The more tickets purchased nationwide, the higher the jackpot climbs. Monday’s drawing marks the 40th since the last jackpot win, driving the prize to $1.1 billion.
Conclusion
The $1.1 billion Powerball jackpot has captured the nation’s attention, fueling excitement, speculation, and social media buzz ahead of Monday night’s drawing. While the odds of hitting the jackpot remain astronomically low, the game continues to attract millions of players hoping to turn a $2 ticket into life-changing fortune. Whether chasing the mega prize or enjoying smaller wins with the Power Play option, one thing is clear: the thrill of the draw keeps Americans coming back for more.
