The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.4 billion after no winning ticket was drawn on Monday. That makes it the fourth-largest prize in Powerball history and the sixth-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association.
The next drawing takes place Wednesday at 10:59 p.m. ET, and players across the country are eager to see if someone will strike it rich.
The 10 Biggest Powerball Jackpots of All Time
Here’s a look at where this week’s jackpot stands compared with previous record-setting Powerball wins:
- $2.04 billion — Nov. 7, 2022 (California)
- $1.765 billion — Oct. 11, 2023 (California)
- $1.586 billion — Jan. 13, 2016 (California, Florida, Tennessee)
- $1.40 billion (estimated) — Sept. 3, 2025
- $1.326 billion — April 6, 2024 (Oregon)
- $1.08 billion — July 19, 2023 (California)
- $842.4 million — Jan. 1, 2024 (Michigan)
- $768.4 million — March 27, 2019 (Wisconsin)
- $758.7 million — Aug. 23, 2017 (Massachusetts)
- $754.6 million — Feb. 6, 2023 (Washington)
Where It Stands Among All U.S. Jackpots
When you factor in both Powerball and Mega Millions, here’s how Wednesday’s prize ranks among the largest lottery jackpots ever awarded in the U.S.:
- $2.04 billion Powerball — Nov. 7, 2022 (California)
- $1.765 billion Powerball — Oct. 11, 2023 (California)
- $1.602 billion Mega Millions — Aug. 8, 2023 (Florida)
- $1.586 billion Powerball — Jan. 13, 2016 (California, Florida, Tennessee)
- $1.537 billion Mega Millions — Oct. 23, 2018 (South Carolina)
- $1.40 billion Powerball (estimated) — Sept. 3, 2025
- $1.348 billion Mega Millions — Jan. 13, 2023 (Maine)
- $1.337 billion Mega Millions — July 29, 2022 (Illinois)
- $1.326 billion Powerball — April 6, 2024 (Oregon)
- $1.269 billion Mega Millions — Dec. 27, 2024 (California)
What Happens If There’s No Winner?
If no one matches all six numbers in Wednesday night’s draw, the jackpot will roll over again. Ticket sales will push the prize even higher, potentially making it the third-largest Powerball jackpot ever in the next drawing.
What to Do If You Win
Landing a jackpot this size is life-changing, but financial experts recommend taking a cautious approach. If you hit the lucky numbers, here’s what you should do first:
- Secure the ticket – Sign the back right away and store it in a safe place, such as a home safe or safety deposit box. Consider making copies for your records.
- Stay quiet – Avoid publicizing your win until after you’ve officially claimed it. Premature announcements can attract scammers and unwanted attention.
- Build a team – Bring in a lawyer, financial advisor, and tax expert to help navigate your new wealth.
- Plan for the long term – Decide whether the annuity option (the full $1.4 billion paid in annual installments over 30 years) or the cash lump sum (estimated at $634.3 million) better fits your financial goals.
Don’t Forget the Taxes
While the advertised jackpot numbers are staggering, the take-home prize will be significantly less. Federal taxes—and in most cases, state taxes—will be withheld before you see the money. That’s why professional financial guidance is so important.
The Odds
Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The odds of hitting the jackpot are about 1 in 292.2 million. For comparison, the odds of winning any Powerball prize are 1 in 24.9.
Bottom Line
At an estimated $1.4 billion, this week’s Powerball jackpot is not just huge—it’s historic. Whether it rolls over again or crowns a new billionaire, the drawing will be one to watch.
If you’re playing, good luck—and remember, while the odds are slim, someone eventually walks away with the prize.
