The Powerball jackpot has climbed once again, reaching an estimated $700 million before the drawing on Saturday night. This makes it the 11th largest jackpot in the game’s history and follows Wednesday’s draw that did not produce a grand prize winner. The jackpot has now rolled over 36 times since last being won on May 31—when a $204.5 million ticket was sold in California.
Wednesday’s winning numbers were 31, 59, 62, 65, and 68, with Powerball number 5, but no ticket matched all six. The winner of Saturday’s drawing will face a choice between a $700 million prize paid over 29 years or a lump sum cash option worth approximately $316.3 million before taxes, according to Powerball officials.
While no jackpot was won, several players secured significant prizes. A Tennessee player who matched five numbers with the Power Play option doubled their winnings to $2 million. Two other tickets in different states matched five numbers and each won $1 million. Additionally, 30 tickets matched four numbers plus the Powerball, with eight of those doubling their $50,000 prize to $100,000 using Power Play.
The buzz around this massive jackpot has players nationwide eager to buy tickets. Each play costs $2 and tickets are available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many states also allow online purchases through official lottery sites or licensed retailers for convenience.
Players can opt to add Power Play for $1, which multiplies non-jackpot winnings by up to five times. Some places also offer Double Play for $1 more, giving a chance to enter a second drawing with a top prize of $10 million.
Last year in April 2024, Oregon’s Cheng “Charlie” Saephan won a record $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot, the largest ever. While this year’s $700 million prize is smaller than that, it surpasses other 2025 jackpots like the $526.5 million won earlier this year in California.
The long streak without a jackpot winner is creating intense excitement as millions hope to finally break the cycle on Saturday night. The drawing will be held at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time, broadcast live and results published soon after.
Lottery officials remind players of the very long odds—about one in 292.2 million—but also note that winners do come forward, changing their lives instantly.
These big jackpots generate widespread interest, inspiring players to join office pools and increasing state lottery funding.
As the prize hits $700 million, all eyes are on Saturday’s drawing, with hopes high that someone will soon claim this life-changing sum. Whether the jackpot ends or grows even larger, Powerball continues to captivate millions across the nation.
