Powerball jackpot rises to $81 million for August 24 drawing – Here’s what Monday night’s winner could take home

The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $81 million for Monday night’s drawing after Saturday’s drawing ended without a jackpot winner. The advertised amount reflects the annuity option, which would be paid in installments over 30 years. Winners who choose a lump-sum payment instead would receive an estimated $34.8 million cash prize. Both options are subject to federal income taxes, while state and local taxes could also apply depending on where the winning ticket was purchased.

Winning the Powerball jackpot is extremely difficult. Players must match all five white balls and the red Powerball, with jackpot odds of approximately 1 in 292.2 million. Still, the game has produced several major winners in 2026. The most recent massive win came on Wednesday, August 12, when an Illinois ticket matched all six numbers to claim an estimated $1.04 billion jackpot. The victory ended a 44-drawing stretch without a jackpot winner and became the eighth-largest jackpot in Powerball history.

The Illinois winner can choose between an estimated $1.04 billion annuity, paid over 30 years, or an approximately $450.5 million lump-sum cash option, before taxes. Other major Powerball jackpots have also been claimed this year. A North Carolina ticket won $209.3 million in January, while an Arkansas player secured $250.8 million in March. In April, a Delaware ticket won an estimated $231 million.

Powerball jackpots can grow rapidly when consecutive drawings pass without a winner. The game’s record jackpot remains the extraordinary $2.04 billion prize won in 2022. The next two largest jackpots reached $1.817 billion and $1.787 billion, both in 2025.

Players do not have to hit the jackpot to win a substantial prize. A ticket matching all five white balls can win $1 million, before taxes and subject to applicable Power Play rules. Powerball is available across 45 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, making it one of the most widely played lottery games in the country.

Powerball winning numbers for August 22
The winning numbers for August 22 (Saturday): 13-31-54-57-65 and the Powerball is: 23. The Powerplay was 3X.When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place on August 24, Monday. 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.