Winning Powerball numbers for May 16 revealed. Check your numbers
Powerball jackpots are about to be much larger. Reporter explains.
USA TODAY’s Fernando Cervantes explains the historic agreement with the UK National Lottery.
The Powerball jackpot is climbing again, reaching an estimated $86 million with a $37.8 million cash option ahead of the drawing on Saturday, May 16.
The game has already produced seven winners in 2026, including a rapid stretch in late April and early May when four jackpots were claimed in just four days, underscoring how quickly fortunes have turned this year.
Here is what you need to know about Saturday night’s Powerball drawing.
What are the winning numbers for the May 16 Powerball?
The winning numbers for the lottery drawing: 8-37-40-44-65 and the Powerball: 18
Do you have to be a U.S. citizen or resident to play Powerball?
No, you don’t have to be a U.S. citizen or resident to play Powerball.
Anyone can buy a ticket from an authorized retailer in participating locations including 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as long as they meet the legal age requirement at the point of purchase, typically 18.
Top 10 Powerball Jackpots
- $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
How to play Powerball
Powerball tickets cost $2 and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Players pick six numbers, five white balls from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball from 1 to 26 or choose a “Quick Pick” for randomly generated numbers. A $1 “Power Play” add-on can boost non-jackpot prizes.
To win the jackpot, you must match all five white balls (in any order) plus the Powerball. Drawings are held Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights, and the jackpot grows if no one wins.
This story has been updated with new information.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This content is sourced from www.usatoday.com and is shared for informational purposes only.
