The Powerball jackpot is now an estimated $298 million, with a cash option of $127.2 million for the upcoming Saturday, Sept. 19 drawing. The prize grew after no ticket matched all six numbers in Wednesday’s drawing.
How the jackpot reached $298 million
Wednesday’s drawing failed to produce a winning ticket, so the jackpot continued to increase. This follows a recent surge in Powerball prizes, including an Illinois player’s $1.040 billion win earlier this year, one of the largest jackpots in the game’s history.
When and how to watch the drawing
The next Powerball drawing will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, at approximately 10:59 p.m. ET. The numbers will be posted by USA TODAY after the draw. A live broadcast is available on Powerball’s official website, and the drawing can be re‑watched on the Powerball YouTube channel.
Upcoming drawing schedule
Powerball drawings occur three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. After the Sept. 19 drawing, the following draw is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 21, also at around 10:59 p.m. ET.
Largest Powerball jackpots on record
- $2.040 billion – Nov. 7, 2022 (California)
- $1.817 billion – Dec. 24, 2025 (Arkansas)
- $1.787 billion – Sept. 6, 2025 (Missouri & Texas)
- $1.765 billion – Oct. 11, 2023 (California)
- $1.586 billion – Jan. 13, 2016 (California, Florida & Tennessee)
- $1.326 billion – Apr. 6, 2024 (Oregon)
- $1.080 billion – July 19, 2023 (California)
- $1.000 billion – Aug. 12, 2026 (Illinois)
- $842.4 million – Jan. 1, 2024 (Michigan)
- $768.4 million – Mar. 27, 2019 (Wisconsin)
How to play Powerball
Tickets cost $2 each and are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To play, select five white‑ball numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. For an additional $1, players can add the Power Play option, which multiplies non‑jackpot prizes.
Those who prefer not to choose their own numbers can opt for a Quick Pick, allowing the lottery terminal to generate a random set of numbers. To win the jackpot, a ticket must match all five white balls and the red Powerball.
Eligibility and residency
Players do not need to be U.S. citizens or residents to purchase a Powerball ticket. Anyone physically present in a participating jurisdiction may buy a ticket from a licensed retailer, provided they meet the legal age requirement, typically 18 years old.
What happens if the jackpot isn’t won?
If no ticket matches all six numbers, the prize rolls over to the next drawing, causing the jackpot to increase further.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
