Powerball jackpot nears $400 million for July 4 drawing – What the winner could actually take home on Saturday night

Powerball players across the United States are once again watching the jackpot grow after no ticket matched all six numbers in Wednesday night’s drawing. As a result, the grand prize for the July 4 drawing has climbed to an estimated $396 million, creating fresh excitement among lottery players nationwide. The next jackpot winner will have two payment options. The first is the annuity option, which provides the full estimated jackpot through annual payments spread over 30 years. The second is a one-time cash payout, currently estimated at approximately $180.2 million before federal and state taxes are deducted.

Although the odds of winning the jackpot remain extremely small, Powerball continues to attract millions of players. The chance of matching all six numbers stands at roughly 1 in 292.2 million. Tickets are sold in most US states along with Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Interest in Powerball has remained high throughout 2026, fueled by several major jackpot winners earlier this year. In January, a North Carolina player won $209.3 million. Another winning ticket in Arkansas claimed a $250.8 million prize in March, while a ticket purchased in Delaware secured a $231 million jackpot in April.
Several other big payouts and shared winnings in recent months have also helped maintain strong interest among players.

With no jackpot winner in the latest drawing, the prize continues to rise. Larger jackpots often generate more attention and encourage more people to try their luck, hoping that a single ticket could lead to a life-changing payday.

Powerball winning numbers for July 1
The winning numbers for July 1 (Wednesday): 02-06-26-39-68 and the Powerball is: 06. The Powerplay was 2X.When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place July 4, 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.