Powerball is one of the most famous and widely played lotteries in the world, best known for producing record-breaking jackpots that can reach into the billions. Operated across the United States, Powerball has become a global reference point for large-scale jackpot lotteries and regularly dominates international headlines.
This page explains what Powerball is, how it works, how much you can win, the odds, and how players outside the U.S. can participate.
Powerball at a Glance
- Multi-state U.S. lottery
- No jackpot cap
- Record-breaking prize history
- Global interest and participation
- Extremely long odds
What Is Powerball?
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game operated in the United States. Players select a combination of numbers, and if all numbers match the official draw results, they win the jackpot.
Unlike many European lotteries, Powerball has no jackpot cap, which means prizes can continue growing until someone wins — a key reason why it has produced the largest lottery jackpots in history.
How Powerball Works
Basic Game Structure
- Players choose 5 white balls from 1–69
- Players choose 1 red Powerball from 1–26
- A draw is held, and prizes are awarded based on how many numbers match
Draw Schedule
- Monday
- Wednesday
- Saturday
Draws are held late evening U.S. time.
Powerball Jackpot & Payout Structure
Jackpot Size
- No maximum cap
- Jackpots can grow indefinitely through rollovers
- Has exceeded $2 billion in past draws
Annuity vs Cash Option
When a jackpot is won, the winner typically chooses between:
- Annuity payout: Paid over ~30 years with annual increases
- Cash option: A lower lump sum paid immediately (before taxes)
The advertised jackpot amount refers to the annuity value.
Powerball Odds Explained
Powerball is known for its massive jackpots — but also for its long odds.
Odds Overview
- Jackpot odds: ~1 in 292 million
- Any prize odds: ~1 in 24.9
These odds are significantly tougher than most European lotteries, which is one reason jackpots grow so large.
Biggest Powerball Jackpots in History
Powerball dominates the list of the largest lottery wins ever recorded.
| Rank | Jackpot | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.04 Billion | Nov 7, 2022 | California |
| 2 | $1.817 Billion | Dec 24, 2025 | Arkansas |
| 3 | $1.787 Billion | Sept 6, 2025 | Missouri / Texas |
| 4 | $1.765 Billion | Oct 11, 2023 | California |
| 5 | $1.586 Billion | Jan 13, 2016 | CA / FL / TN |
| 6 | $1.326 Billion | Apr 6, 2024 | Oregon |
Powerball alone accounts for most of the top ten jackpots in U.S. lottery history.
Power Play – What Is It?
Power Play is an optional add-on available for an extra fee per ticket.
- Multiplies non-jackpot prizes
- Multipliers typically range from 2× to 5×
- When the jackpot is below a certain threshold, a 10× Power Play may be available
The Power Play does not multiply the jackpot, only secondary prizes.
Why Powerball Jackpots Get So Big
Several structural factors drive Powerball’s enormous jackpots:
- No jackpot cap
- National ticket sales across most U.S. states
- Fixed ticket pricing
- Very long odds
- Strong media coverage and brand recognition
Together, these factors create long rollover streaks that allow jackpots to reach unprecedented levels.
Can Players Outside the U.S. Play Powerball?
Official Powerball tickets are sold only within participating U.S. jurisdictions. However, international players may access Powerball through lottery courier or ticket-assistance services.
How International Participation Works
- A service facilitates entry into the draw or ticket purchase process
- Players select numbers and draws online
- Winnings are handled according to the service’s payout procedures
- Large prizes typically require additional verification
Availability depends on local laws, service terms, and player eligibility.
Powerball vs Other Major Lotteries
| Lottery | Jackpot Cap | Odds Tier | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerball | No | Very Hard | Biggest jackpots ever |
| Mega Millions | No | Extremely Hard | Billion-dollar jackpots |
| EuroMillions | Yes (€250M) | Hard | Better odds, frequent big wins |
| Eurojackpot | Yes (€120M) | Medium-Hard | Regular capped jackpots |
| SuperEnalotto | No | Ultra Hard | Long rollover jackpots |
Powerball stands out for maximum jackpot potential, not ease of winning.
Key Facts About Powerball
- Government-regulated U.S. lottery
- One of the world’s most valuable lottery brands
- Has created multiple billion-dollar jackpots
- Supports public programs in participating states
- Drawn three times per week
Frequently Asked Questions About Powerball
In terms of single jackpot size, Powerball holds the global record.
Most U.S. states participate, along with Washington D.C. and select territories.
The advertised jackpot is the annuity value. The cash option is lower.
Yes. If more than one ticket matches all numbers, the jackpot is split.
