Powerball jackpot climbs to $48 million for August 19 drawing - Here's what Wednesday night's winner could take home

The Powerball jackpot is now estimated at $48 million for Wednesday night’s drawing after Monday’s game ended without a jackpot-winning ticket. The advertised prize represents the annuity option, which would provide the winner with payments spread across 30 years. Those who prefer an immediate payout could choose the estimated $20.8 million cash option instead. Both amounts are subject to federal income taxes, while additional state and local taxes may apply based on where the winning ticket was purchased.

Winning the Powerball jackpot remains an extraordinary long shot. Players must correctly select five white balls and the red Powerball to claim the top prize. The odds of hitting the jackpot are approximately 1 in 292.2 million. Despite those daunting odds, Powerball has already delivered several enormous jackpots in 2026. Most recently, an Illinois ticket won an estimated $1.04 billion jackpot on Wednesday, August 12. The win brought an end to a streak of 44 drawings without a jackpot winner and ranked as the eighth-largest jackpot in Powerball history.

The Illinois winner has two payout choices: an estimated $1.04 billion annuity distributed over three decades or a lump-sum cash option worth approximately $450.5 million, with taxes still to be deducted. Several other major jackpots have been won this year. A North Carolina ticket claimed $209.3 million in January, followed by a $250.8 million jackpot won in Arkansas in March. In April, a player in Delaware took home an estimated $231 million.


Powerball prizes can climb quickly when drawings continue without a jackpot winner. The game's record jackpot remains the staggering $2.04 billion prize won in 2022. The next two largest jackpots reached $1.817 billion and $1.787 billion, both in 2025.

Players also have opportunities to win significant amounts without matching the Powerball. A ticket matching all five white balls can win $1 million, before taxes and any applicable Power Play adjustments.

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

Powerball winning numbers for August 17

The winning numbers for August 17 (Monday): 08-15-25-49-65 and the Powerball is: 22. The Powerplay was 4X.

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place August 19, 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.