Could you be the next billionaire? The biggest Powerball Jackpot prize of 2025 is here; Here’s how you could play and win

The Powerball jackpot prize touched the $1 billion mark ahead of Saturday night's (August 30) drawing. This marks the largest lottery prize of 2025 and the sixth-largest in the game’s 33-year history. The top prize has rolled over once again after Wednesday, building nationwide anticipation for the drawing at 10:59 pm (ET). According to Powerball officials, the $1 billion jackpot carries a one-time cash value of $453.1 million. So far, there have been four Powerball jackpot winners in 2025, with the most recent being a California resident who claimed the $204.5 million prize on May 31.

The draw will be broadcast live from the Florida Lottery studio in Tallahassee. Tickets cost $2 each and are available at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery outlets, and in some states through online portals or official third-party apps like Jackpocket.

How to play the Powerball?

Winning the Powerball jackpot remains extremely challenging, with odds of 1 in 292,201,338. However, the chance of winning any prize is 1 in 24.87. Non-jackpot prizes can still be substantial, as seen in Wednesday’s draw, which produced several million-dollar tickets, including one in Texas.

Players select five white balls from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball from 1 to 26. For an additional $1, the Power Play option can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X. For those who prefer random selections, the Quick Pick option allows the computer to generate numbers.

Jackpot winners can choose between a 30-year annuity paid in installments or a lump-sum cash payment of approximately $453.1 million, both subject to federal and, in some states, local taxes. This billion-dollar prize continues a trend of blockbuster jackpots following California’s record $2.04 billion win in 2022.

Powerball drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. If no one wins the jackpot, the cash prize will continue to tick up.

FAQs

Can I play Powerball online?

Yes! In many states, you can purchase tickets through official lottery websites or apps like Jackpocket.

How is the jackpot paid out?

Winners can choose a 30-year annuity paid in installments or a lump-sum cash payment. Both options are subject to federal and potentially state taxes.

Where does the money from Powerball go?

Proceeds fund state programs like education and infrastructure, though transparency on usage varies by state.