Powerball jackpot touches nearly $100 million-mark for August 26 drawing - Here's what Wednesday night's winner could take home

The Powerball jackpot has risen to an estimated $96 million for Wednesday night’s drawing after no ticket matched all six winning numbers in Monday’s drawing. The advertised jackpot represents the annuity option, which would be distributed through payments over 30 years. Players who prefer a one-time payment could instead take an estimated $41.2 million cash option. Both prizes are subject to federal taxes, while state and local taxes may also apply based on where the winning ticket was purchased. Winning the Powerball jackpot remains an incredibly difficult feat. Players must match all five white balls and the red Powerball, with jackpot odds of about 1 in 292.2 million. Despite those long odds, Powerball has produced several major winners in 2026.

The biggest win so far came on August 12, when a ticket sold in Illinois matched every number to claim an estimated $1.04 billion jackpot. The win ended a 44-drawing jackpot drought and ranked as the eighth-largest jackpot in Powerball history. The Illinois winner can select either the estimated $1.04 billion annuity, paid over three decades, or an approximately $450.5 million lump-sum payment, with both amounts subject to taxes. Other major jackpots have also been won this year. A ticket from North Carolina claimed $209.3 million in January, while an Arkansas winner took home $250.8 million in March. In April, a Delaware ticket secured an estimated $231 million jackpot.

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


Players can also win significant prizes without hitting the jackpot. A ticket matching all five white balls is worth $1 million, before taxes and subject to applicable Power Play rules. Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, making it one of the most popular lottery games in the country.

Powerball winning numbers for August 24

The winning numbers for August 24 (Monday): 03-16-33-38-68 and the Powerball is: 02. The Powerplay was 2X.

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place on August 26, 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.