Powerball Lottery: Everything You Need to Know About the $850 Million Jackpot

Excitement is building among lottery enthusiasts as Powerball players gear up for the massive $850 million jackpot on August 27. With a chance to win big, this historic event raises questions about odds, gameplay, and the popularity of Powerball nationwide, especially in California. Here’s everything you need to know.

Powerball Jackpot for August 27: $850 Million

According to the Powerball website, the estimated jackpot for the August 27 drawing stands at $850 million, with a cash value of approximately $383.7 million. This makes it the sixth-largest jackpot in Powerball’s history, adding to the excitement of the game.

When and Where Is the Powerball Drawing?

Powerball drawings take place three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The next drawing is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, at 7:59 PM PT (10:59 PM ET). Fans can tune in to watch the drawing live via the Powerball website, which broadcasts directly from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee.

How to Play Powerball

Playing Powerball is simple and requires selecting numbers for two sets of balls:

• White Balls: Pick any five numbers between 1 and 69.
• Red Powerball: Select one number between 1 and 26.

Players can choose their numbers manually using a play slip or opt for a random selection generated by a lottery terminal. Once the numbers are picked, tickets can be purchased for $2 per play in most locations.

Cost of Playing Powerball

A standard Powerball ticket costs $2. However, in Idaho and Montana, the price is $3 because the game automatically includes the Power Play feature, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes. Powerball is available in 45 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What Are the Odds of Winning Powerball?

Winning the Powerball jackpot is a rare feat, and the odds reflect this. Here’s a breakdown of the probabilities for different prize levels:

• Grand Prize (Match 5 white balls + Powerball): 1 in 292,201,338
• $1 Million (Match 5 white balls): 1 in 11,688,053
• $50,000 (Match 4 white balls + Powerball): 1 in 913,129
• $100 (Match 4 white balls): 1 in 36,525
• $100 (Match 3 white balls + Powerball): 1 in 14,494
• $7 (Match 3 white balls): 1 in 579
• $7 (Match 2 white balls + Powerball): 1 in 701
• $4 (Match 1 white ball + Powerball): 1 in 92
• $4 (Match Powerball): 1 in 38

Top Powerball Jackpots in History

Powerball has produced some jaw-dropping jackpots over the years. Here’s a list of the biggest winning amounts:

1. $2.04 billion: November 2, 2022, California
2. $1.765 billion: October 11, 2023, California
3. $1.586 billion: January 13, 2016, California, Florida, Tennessee
4. $1.326 billion: April 6, 2024, Oregon
5. $1.08 billion: July 19, 2023, California
6. $850 million (estimated): August 27, 2025
7. $842.4 million: January 1, 2024, Michigan
8. $768.4 million: March 27, 2019, Wisconsin
9. $758.7 million: August 23, 2017, Massachusetts
10. $754.6 million: February 6, 2023, Washington state

Why Is Powerball Popular in California?

California is a hotspot for Powerball activity, consistently ranking among the top states for lottery participation. This enthusiasm peaked in 2024 following record-breaking jackpots and high-profile wins. One notable example is the historic $2.04 billion jackpot won by a single ticket in Altadena, California—the largest lottery prize in U.S. history.

In 2024 alone, California ranked third nationwide for lottery sales, generating approximately $9.2 billion, according to Statista. The state trails only New York and Florida in total lottery revenue.