Powerball jackpot resets to $20 million for August 15 drawing after Illinois ticket wins $1.04 billion jackpot Wednesday night

The Powerball jackpot has reset to $20 million for the Saturday, August 15, drawing after a single ticket sold in Illinois won the massive $1.04 billion jackpot Wednesday night. The winning ticket matched all five white balls and the Powerball, ending a streak of 44 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. The prize ranked as the eighth-largest jackpot in Powerball history. The winner can choose between a $1.04 billion annuity paid over 30 years or an estimated $450.5 million lump-sum option, with both amounts subject to taxes.

Huge Powerball jackpots have become more common as changes to the game have made it possible for top prizes to grow to extraordinary levels. The largest jackpot in Powerball history reached $2.04 billion in 2022. The next two biggest prizes were $1.817 billion and $1.787 billion, both won in 2025. When no ticket matches all the winning numbers, the jackpot rolls over to the next drawing and continues to increase. Once someone wins the top prize, the jackpot returns to its $20 million starting level. The lump-sum option now stands at $8.7 million for the Saturday night's drawing.

Powerball has already produced several major jackpots in 2026. A ticket sold in North Carolina won $209.3 million in January, followed by a $250.8 million win in Arkansas in March. In April, a Delaware player won $231 million. The previous jackpot winner before Wednesday’s drawing had claimed the prize on May 2.


The jackpot is not the only way to win. Players can also receive large prizes by matching all five white balls without the Powerball. Such tickets can be worth $1 million or more. Despite the enormous jackpots, winning the top prize remains extremely difficult. Powerball estimates the odds of matching all five white balls and the Powerball at about 1 in 292.2 million.

The game is currently played in 45 states, as well as Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, making Powerball one of the most widely available lottery games in the United States.

Powerball winning numbers for August 12

The winning numbers for August 12 (Wednesday): 04-26-66-67-69 and the Powerball is: 09. The Powerplay was 2X.

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place August 15, Wednesday. Drawings are held three times per week at approximately 10:59 PM ET every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

What is the Powerball payout?

Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot
Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000
Match 4 White Balls: $100
Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100
Match 3 White Balls: $7
Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7
Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4
Match Powerball: $4
Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million
Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000
Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400
Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400
Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28
Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28
Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16
Match Powerball with Power Play: $16

Deadline to buy Powerball tickets

The Powerball ticket purchase deadline varies by state, so one shouldn’t wait until the last minute. In New Jersey, sales close at 9:59PM on the day of the drawing, while in New York, the cutoff is 10PM.

How to play Powerball?

Powerball tickets cost $2 each, with an optional Power Play for an additional $1, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 5x (except for the jackpot and Match 5), and up to 10x if the jackpot is under $150 million.

Each player chooses five numbers from 1 to 69 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball. A quick pick option is also available by the lottery machine which randomly generates numbers.

Prizes range from $4 for matching only the Powerball to $1 million for matching all five white balls (except in California), and the jackpot for matching all six numbers.

How many states have Powerball?

Powerball is available in 45 states, along with Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, making it one of the most widely played lottery games in the United States.

How to buy Powerball tickets?

Powerball tickets can be bought in person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals.

Alternatively, tickets can be purchased online through the Jackpocket app in select states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington DC, and West Virginia.

The Jackpocket app lets players choose their game and numbers, place orders, view tickets, and collect winnings directly from their phone or home computer, providing a convenient digital alternative to in-person purchases.