Powerball prize climbs to $1 billion after sales surge
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Powerball’s jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1 billion ahead of the Aug. 12, 2026, drawing after stronger-than-expected ticket sales pushed the prize higher than earlier projections.
The jackpot was increased from an estimated $975 million to $1 billion after lottery officials reviewed final sales figures from the Aug. 10 drawing, according to a community announcement. The prize carries an estimated cash value of $433.1 million.
Lottery officials said the jackpot is the eighth-largest prize in Powerball history and the largest U.S. lottery jackpot offered so far in 2026, according to the announcement.
“New Jersey Lottery players have always been lucky, and we’re optimistic that the Garden State can find its first billion-dollar Powerball prize soon,” said New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey. “We encourage everyone to play responsibly and remember: Anything can happen in Jersey.”
The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Aug. 12 at 10:59 p.m. Eastern.
Top 10 Powerball jackpots
| Prize | Date | Lottery |
|---|---|---|
| $2.040 Billion | Nov. 7, 2022 | California |
| $1.817 Billion | Dec. 24, 2025 | Arkansas |
| $1.787 Billion | Sept. 6, 2025 | MissouriTexas |
| $1.765 Billion | Oct. 11, 2023 | California |
| $1.586 Billion | Jan. 13, 2016 | CaliforniaFloridaTennessee |
| $1.326 Billion | April 6, 2024 | Oregon |
| $1.080 Billion | July 19, 2023 | California |
| $842.4 Million | Jan. 1, 2024 | Michigan |
| $768.4 Million | Mar. 27, 2019 | Wisconsin |
| $758.7 Million | Aug. 23, 2017 | Massachusetts |
What players should know
Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom.
The drawing will be carried live by participating television stations nationwide and streamed through powerball.com.
Odds remain long despite record prize
Players have a 1-in-24.9 chance of winning any Powerball prize. The odds of matching all numbers to win the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.
According to the announcement, more than half of every $2 Powerball ticket sold remains in the jurisdiction where it is purchased and supports public programs and services.
Since 1992, the game has generated an estimated $38 billion for programs that include education and scholarships, veteran services, parks and recreation and other community initiatives, according to the announcement.
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