Powerball jackpot soars to $173 million for September 5 drawing - Here's what Saturday night's winner could take home

The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $173 million for Saturday night’s drawing after no ticket matched all six winning numbers in Wednesday’s drawing. The advertised jackpot represents the annuity option, which would be paid to the winner in installments over 30 years. Players who prefer to receive their winnings as a lump sum can instead choose the estimated $75 million cash option. However, neither figure represents the amount a winner would ultimately take home. Powerball winnings are subject to federal income taxes, and winners may also face state and local taxes depending on where the winning ticket was purchased.

POWERBALL'S MASSIVE JACKPOTS CONTINUE IN 2026

Winning the Powerball jackpot is notoriously difficult. To claim the top prize, players must match all five white balls and the red Powerball. The odds of matching all six numbers are roughly 1 in 292.2 million, making a jackpot win an exceptionally rare event. 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 winning numbers and won an estimated $1.04 billion. The jackpot had rolled over for 44 consecutive drawings before the Illinois ticket finally ended the drought. The $1.04 billion prize ranks as the eighth-largest jackpot in Powerball history. The winner can claim the advertised amount through a 30-year annuity or choose an estimated $450.5 million lump-sum cash option. Taxes would apply regardless of which payout method is selected.

Several other states have also produced major Powerball winners in 2026. A ticket sold in North Carolina won an estimated $209.3 million in January. In March, an Arkansas ticket claimed a $250.8 million jackpot, while a player in Delaware won an estimated $231 million prize in April.

HOW HIGH CAN THE POWERBALL JACKPOT GO?

Powerball jackpots can soar when no player matches all six winning numbers. Each drawing without a jackpot winner pushes the prize into the next drawing, allowing the total to grow by millions of dollars. The largest Powerball jackpot in history remains the staggering $2.04 billion prize won in 2022. Two other jackpots have also topped $1.7 billion, reaching $1.817 billion and $1.787 billion in 2025.

Players do not have to hit the jackpot to win a substantial prize. A ticket that matches all five white balls but misses the red Powerball can be worth $1 million before taxes. The optional Power Play feature can also boost certain non-jackpot prizes, giving players a chance to increase 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 jackpots climbing into the hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars, keeps millions of hopeful players interested whenever the top prize continues to roll over.

Powerball winning numbers for September 2

The winning numbers for September 2 (Wednesday): 03-10-29-58-64 and the Powerball is: 14. The Powerplay was 2X.

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place on September 5, 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.