Powerball Jackpot Soars to $279 Million After Weekend Without a Grand Prize Winner

The anticipation is building as the Powerball jackpot climbs to a staggering $279 million for Monday night’s drawing. Lottery enthusiasts across the nation are eagerly awaiting the results, hoping to defy the odds and claim the life-altering prize. The increased jackpot comes after no one successfully matched all six numbers during Saturday’s drawing, fueling the dreams of millions who purchase tickets with the hope of financial freedom.

If a lucky player manages to match all five white balls and the red Powerball in Monday’s drawing, they will have a significant decision to make. They can opt for the full jackpot amount, paid out in annual installments over 29 years, or choose a one-time cash payment, which is estimated to be $131.5 million. While the allure of the full jackpot is undeniable, many winners prefer the immediate gratification and flexibility of the cash option, allowing them to invest, spend, or donate the money as they see fit.

While no one snagged the grand prize on Saturday, there was still cause for celebration for some. A lucky individual in Michigan walked away with a $1 million prize, proving that even without hitting the jackpot, substantial winnings are possible. These smaller prizes offer a welcome boost to winners’ finances, whether used for paying off debt, funding a vacation, or simply enhancing their quality of life.

Looking back at recent Powerball history, a player in Oregon ushered in the new year with incredible luck, claiming a $328.5 million jackpot on January 18th. This marked the first jackpot-winning Powerball ticket of 2025 and served as a reminder that fortunes can change in an instant. The Oregon winner’s story has likely inspired countless others to try their luck, hoping to replicate their success and achieve their own financial dreams.

For those eager to find out if they hold the winning ticket, the numbers for Monday’s Powerball drawing will be revealed shortly after 11 p.m. ET. Once the numbers are drawn and verified, they will be promptly posted online, allowing players to check their tickets and see if they are the lucky recipients of the massive jackpot.

Powerball drawings are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Jackpocket provides a convenient and secure platform for purchasing lottery tickets online in select states and territories.

Any Powerball winners, should they emerge from Monday’s drawing, will be officially announced by lottery officials. The announcement will include details about the winning ticket, such as its location of purchase and any relevant information about the winner (if they choose to come forward).

For those interested in exploring the history of Powerball winners, a comprehensive list of past winners can be found on the official lottery website. This historical data provides insights into winning patterns, geographical distribution of winners, and other interesting facts about the popular lottery game.

If no one manages to win the jackpot on Monday, the prize will continue to grow, adding even more excitement to the next drawing, scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, just after 11 p.m. ET. The increasing jackpot creates a snowball effect, attracting more players and driving the prize even higher, until someone finally matches all the winning numbers.

Participating in the Powerball is relatively straightforward. Tickets cost $2 each and can be purchased at various locations, including convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, online ticket purchases are also permitted, offering added convenience for players.

To play, participants must select six numbers. Five of these numbers are white balls, ranging from 1 to 69. The sixth number is the red Powerball, which ranges from 1 to 26. Players have the option to choose their numbers manually or opt for a "Quick Pick," where a computer randomly generates the numbers for them.

For an additional $1, players can add the "Power Play" option to their ticket. The Power Play multiplies the winnings for all non-jackpot prizes, potentially increasing them by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X, depending on the Power Play number drawn.

Winning the Powerball jackpot requires matching all five white balls in any order and the red Powerball. However, there are also other prize tiers for matching fewer numbers, making it possible to win something even without hitting the jackpot.

Powerball drawings are held three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. The frequency of the drawings provides ample opportunities for players to try their luck and potentially win a life-changing sum of money.

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even some airport terminals. The widespread availability of tickets makes it easy for people across the country to participate in the Powerball.

Online ticket purchases are available through Jackpocket in several U.S. states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows players to conveniently select their numbers, purchase tickets, view their tickets, and collect winnings all from their phone or computer.

As the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, Jackpocket is committed to providing a safe and secure platform for online lottery participation. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Please remember to gamble responsibly. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.

Fernando Cervantes Jr., a trending news reporter for USA TODAY, can be reached at [email protected] and followed on X @fern_cerv_. He provides up-to-date coverage of the Powerball and other trending news stories, keeping readers informed about the latest developments.