The Powerball jackpot stands at $194 million, offering a cash value of $87.1 million, as the Wednesday, April 1 drawing approaches. This prize arrives on April Fools' Day, yet remains entirely legitimate, drawing ticket buyers across eligible jurisdictions. With drawings held three nights weekly, the pot escalates absent a winner, fueling widespread participation.
How to Purchase and Play
Tickets cost $2 each and sell at retailers like convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some states permit online purchases based on local rules. Players select five white balls from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball from 1 to 26, or opt for Quick Pick computer selection.
For an extra $1, the Power Play feature multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X. Matching all five white balls plus the red Powerball claims the jackpot. USA TODAY posts winning numbers post-11 p.m. ET drawing.
Odds and Prize Structure
Jackpot odds sit at 1 in 292 million, while any prize odds reach 1 in 25, making smaller wins accessible. Since 1992, the jackpot has reset nearly 200 times. Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin lead in winners among states.
Participation Rules and Reach
No U.S. citizenship or residency required; visitors meeting the typical 18-year-old minimum can buy tickets from licensed sellers. Forty-eight U.S. lotteries join Powerball; Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah opt out. Drawings occur Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights, with unclaimed jackpots rolling over.
Record-Breaking Prizes
Powerball has delivered massive payouts, including:
- $2.040 billion on Nov. 7, 2022, in California
- $1.817 billion on Dec. 24, 2025, in Arkansas
- $1.787 billion on Sept. 6, 2025, in Missouri and Texas
- $1.765 billion on Oct. 11, 2023, in California
- $1.586 billion on Jan. 13, 2016, in California, Florida, and Tennessee
- $1.326 billion on April 6, 2024, in Oregon
- $1.080 billion on July 19, 2023, in California
- $842.4 million on Jan. 1, 2024, in Michigan
- $768.4 million on Mar. 27, 2019, in Wisconsin
- $758.7 million on Aug. 23, 2017, in Massachusetts