Here's what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Here's what lottery players in California and the United States should know about the historic Powerball drawing happening Saturday, Aug. 30, including the life-changing jackpot, drawing time, odds, how to play, where to buy tickets, and how to watch the selection of lottery numbers.
What is the Powerball jackpot for Aug. 30?
The Powerball jackpot for the Aug. 30 drawing is an estimated $1 billion. The estimated cash value is $453.1 million. It is the sixth-largest jackpot in Powerball's 33-year history, according to the game's website.
When is the Powerball drawing for Aug. 30?
The next Powerball drawing will happen at 7:59 p.m. PT/10:59 p.m. ET on Aug. 30.
Powerball drawings are broadcast live on the game's website every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Where can you buy tickets for the Powerball game?
The lottery game is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball tickets are available at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and other retail locations. Sales cut-off times for the Aug. 30 drawing vary by one to two hours before the drawing time, depending on where you live, according to the game's website.
In Cal ticket sales for the Aug. 30 drawing will be cut off at 6:45 p.m. PT.
How much does Powerball cost?
Powerball costs $2 per play. In Idaho and Montana, Powerball costs $3 per play because the game is bundled with the Power Play feature that can multiply non-jackpot prizes, according to the game's website.
How do you play Powerball?
Players pick five numbers between 1 and 69 for the white balls and one number between 1 and 26 for the red Powerball, according to the game's website.
The player can select numbers through a play slip or be provided randomly by a lottery terminal.
The Power Play feature, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times, can be purchased with a Powerball ticket for an additional $1.
What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?
These are the odds for the different Powerball prizes, including the jackpot, according to the game's website:
* Grand prize (Match five white balls + Powerball): 1 in 292,201,338.00
* $1 million (Match five white balls): 1 in 11,688,053.52
* $50,000 (Match four white balls + Powerball): 1 in 913,129.18
* $100 (Match four white balls): 1 in 36,525.17
* $100 (Match three white balls + Powerball): 1 in 14,494.11
* $7 (Match three white balls): 1 in 579.76
* $7 (Match two white balls + Powerball): 1 in 701.33
* $4 (Match one white ball + Powerball): 1 in 91.98
* $4 (Match Powerball): 1 in 38.32
What are the biggest Powerball jackpots?
According to the Powerball website, the Top 10 Powerball jackpots are:
* $2.04 billion, Nov. 7, 2022: Won in California
* $1.765 billion, Oct. 11, 2023: Won in California
* $1.586 billion, Jan. 13, 2016: Three winners in California, Florida, Tennessee
* $1.326 billion, April 6, 2024: Won in Oregon
* $1.08 billion, July 19, 2023: Won in California
* $850 million, Aug. 27, 2025:
* $842.4 million, Jan. 1, 2024: Won in Michigan
* $768.4 million, March 27, 2019: Won in Wisconsin
* $758.7 million, Aug. 23, 2017: Won in Massachusetts
* $754.6 million, Feb. 6, 2023: Won in Washington
Lump sum or annuity?
The major lotteries in the United States offer two jackpot payout options: annuity and cash.
The annuity option is paid out over time. There is an immediate payment and then 29 annual payments after that, increasing by 5% each year.
The cash option is significantly lower than the advertised jackpot, but it is paid in a lump sum. You don't have to wait decades for all the money.
Can I win jackpot and remain anonymous?
In California, the California Lottery is subject to public disclosure laws that allow access to certain governmental records. Your full name, the name and location of the retailer who sold you the winning ticket, the date you won and the amount of your winnings, including your gross and net installment payments, are matters of public record and are subject to disclosure. The Lottery will not disclose any other personal or identifying information without your permission unless legally required.