Powerball jackpot climbs to $86 million for May 16 drawing - Here's what the winner could actually pocket on Saturday night

The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $86 million for the May 16 drawing after no player matched all six numbers in Wednesday night’s draw. The growing prize has once again sparked excitement among lottery players across the United States hoping to land a massive payday. Winners of the jackpot will have two payout options. The first is the annuity plan, which distributes the full estimated $86 million prize in annual payments over 30 years, with the amount gradually increasing. The second option is a one-time cash payment currently estimated at about $38.8 million before taxes.

Although the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot remain extremely slim at around 1 in 292 million, millions of people continue buying tickets for the chance to become overnight millionaires. Tickets are available in most US states along with Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Interest in the lottery has remained high following several major wins earlier this year. In January, a player from North Carolina won a $209.3 million jackpot. Another winning ticket worth $250.8 million was sold in Arkansas in March. A Delaware player also struck it big in April by claiming a $231 million jackpot. There have also been several shared jackpot wins in recent weeks. Two ticket holders split a $143 million prize on April 29, while another jackpot worth $20 million was shared during the May 2 drawing.


Since no one claimed Monday’s grand prize, the jackpot has continued to roll over and grow larger. As the next drawing approaches, hopeful players nationwide are waiting to see whether someone will finally match the winning numbers and capture the multimillion-dollar reward.

Powerball winning numbers for May 13

The winning numbers for May 13 (Wednesday): 22-31-52-56-67 and the Powerball is: 15. The Powerplay was 2X.

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place May 16, 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.