Powerball jackpot climbs to $238 million for February 28 drawing - Here's what the winner could actually pocket on Saturday night

The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $238 million for the February 28 drawing after no ticket matched all six numbers in Wednesday night’s draw. The rollover has renewed excitement nationwide, with millions of players expected to buy tickets ahead of the next drawing.

The eventual winner will have two payout options. The first is a 30-year annuity valued at about $238 million, paid in annual installments that increase by 5 percent each year. The second option is a lump-sum cash payout estimated at $112 million before taxes.

Lottery officials continue to remind players that the odds of hitting the jackpot remain extremely slim - about 1 in 292.2 million. Even so, Powerball remains one of the most popular lottery games in the United States, routinely drawing massive participation with every drawing.


Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, as well as Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Each drawing brings in millions of hopeful entries as players chase the dream of a life-changing win.

The current jackpot follows a recent reset. On January 21, a single ticket sold in North Carolina matched all five white balls and the red Powerball to claim a jackpot estimated at $209 million.

Powerball last made national headlines in December 2025, when a man from Arkansas won a record-breaking $1.817 billion jackpot on Christmas Eve - one of the largest lottery prizes ever awarded in US history.

With no winner yet, anticipation continues to build as players look ahead to the next drawing.

Powerball winning numbers for February 25

The winning numbers for February 25 (Wednesday): 50-52-54-56-64 and the Powerball is: 23. The Powerplay was 2X.

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place on Saturday, February 28. 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.