Powerball jackpot climbs to $232 million for September 12 drawing - Here's what Saturday night's winner could take home

The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $232 million for Saturday night’s drawing after no ticket matched all six winning numbers in Wednesday’s drawing. The advertised $232 million prize represents the annuity option, which would be paid to the jackpot winner through annual installments over 30 years. Players who prefer an immediate payout can instead choose the estimated $100 million cash option. However, neither figure represents the amount a winner would necessarily take home. Powerball jackpot prizes are subject to federal income taxes, while state and local taxes may also apply based on where the winning ticket was purchased. That means the winner’s final after-tax payout could be considerably lower than the advertised annuity value or the $100 million cash option. The choice between the two payout methods can also have major financial and tax implications, making it an important decision for any eventual jackpot winner.

POWERBALL'S MASSIVE JACKPOTS CONTINUE IN 2026

Winning the Powerball jackpot is an extraordinarily rare event. To claim the grand prize, a player must match all five white balls and the red Powerball. The odds of matching all six numbers are approximately 1 in 292.2 million, making a jackpot win one of the most difficult achievements in the lottery. Despite those staggering odds, 2026 has already produced several massive Powerball prizes. The biggest jackpot of the year came on August 12, when a ticket sold in Illinois matched all six numbers to win an estimated $1.04 billion. The jackpot had gone unclaimed for 44 consecutive drawings before the Illinois ticket finally ended the lengthy rollover streak. The prize ranks as the eighth-largest jackpot in Powerball history.


The Illinois winner can choose between two payout options. The advertised $1.04 billion prize would be paid through a 30-year annuity, while the estimated cash option is $450.5 million. Both figures are before taxes, so the winner's final take-home amount would be lower after applicable federal, state and local taxes. Illinois was not the only state to produce a major Powerball winner this year. A ticket sold in North Carolina won an estimated $209.3 million jackpot in January. In March, an Arkansas player claimed an estimated $250.8 million prize. A Delaware ticket then won approximately $231 million in April, adding another major jackpot to an already remarkable year for Powerball players.

HOW HIGH CAN THE POWERBALL JACKPOT GO?

Powerball jackpots can soar quickly when no player matches all six winning numbers. Each drawing without a jackpot winner pushes the top prize into the next drawing, allowing it to grow by millions of dollars. As the rollover streak continues, the jackpot can eventually reach hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. The largest Powerball jackpot ever won was the staggering $2.04 billion prize claimed in 2022. Two other jackpots have also climbed above $1.7 billion. The prizes reached $1.817 billion and $1.787 billion in 2025, underscoring just how high the Powerball jackpot can rise during an extended streak without a winner.

Players do not have to match all six numbers to win a substantial prize. A ticket that matches all five white balls but misses the red Powerball can win a $1 million prize before taxes. Those who add the optional Power Play feature can also multiply certain non-jackpot prizes, potentially boosting their winnings.

Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Its nationwide reach, combined with the possibility of enormous jackpots, keeps millions of players interested. When the top prize rolls over from one drawing to the next, excitement often builds as players chase the possibility of becoming the next big Powerball winner.

Powerball winning numbers for September 9

The winning numbers for September 9 (Wednesday): 09-40-42-55-65 and the Powerball is: 23. The Powerplay was 2X.

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place on September 12, Saturday. 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.