Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $65 Million for Wednesday’s Drawing
The Powerball lottery is generating excitement once again as the jackpot has swelled to an impressive $65 million for the upcoming drawing on Wednesday, May 7. This surge in the prize money follows a drawing on Monday, May 5, where no lucky ticket holder managed to match all the winning numbers. As a result, the unclaimed jackpot has rolled over, offering hopeful participants an even greater opportunity to strike it rich.
For those dreaming of a life-altering windfall, Wednesday’s Powerball drawing presents a tantalizing prospect. If a player successfully matches all five white ball numbers and the red Powerball, they will have the option to claim their prize in a lump sum payment of approximately $29.9 million. This substantial cash payment could provide the financial freedom to pursue long-held ambitions, secure their future, and make a significant impact on their loved ones.
The year 2025 has already witnessed its share of Powerball triumphs, with three individuals claiming the coveted jackpot prize. The most recent victory occurred on April 26, when a fortunate resident of Kentucky snagged a staggering $167.3 million. Prior to that, on March 29, another player had matched all six Powerball numbers, winning an impressive $527 million.
The year’s jackpot journey began on January 18 when a lucky player in Oregon secured the first jackpot-winning Powerball ticket of 2025, claiming a substantial $328.5 million. These previous winners serve as a reminder that the Powerball dream is attainable, and with each drawing, the possibility of joining their ranks becomes a reality for someone.
The winning numbers for Wednesday’s Powerball drawing will be eagerly anticipated by players across the nation. Lottery officials will promptly post the winning combination shortly after the drawing takes place. Individuals interested in checking their tickets can find the winning numbers on the USA TODAY website, sponsored by Jackpocket.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Lottery officials will also announce any Powerball winners. For a comprehensive list of previous Powerball winners, individuals can visit the official lottery website.
The Powerball frenzy doesn’t end with Wednesday’s drawing. The next opportunity to win will arrive on Saturday, May 10, just after 11 p.m. Eastern Time.
Participating in the Powerball lottery is relatively straightforward. Players can purchase a ticket for $2 at various locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores.
The process of selecting numbers is also simple. Players must choose six numbers in total. Five of these numbers are for the white balls, ranging from 1 to 69. The sixth number is for the red Powerball, with numbers ranging from 1 to 26.
For those seeking to amplify their potential winnings, the "Power Play" option is available for an additional $1. This feature multiplies the winnings for all non-jackpot prizes by a factor of 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X, depending on the Power Play number drawn.
Individuals who prefer a more random approach can opt for the "Quick Pick" option, where a computer generates the numbers for their Powerball ticket.
To claim the jackpot, players must successfully match all five white ball numbers in any order, as well as the red Powerball number.
Powerball drawings are held three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. If no one wins the jackpot in a particular drawing, the prize money rolls over to the next drawing, leading to potentially larger jackpots over time.
Powerball tickets are readily available at a variety of retail locations, making it convenient for individuals to participate. In addition to traditional outlets like gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores, some airport terminals may also offer lottery tickets.
For added convenience, Powerball tickets can be purchased online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in select 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 provides a user-friendly platform where players can choose their lottery game and numbers, place their order, view their ticket, and collect their winnings, all from the comfort of their phone or computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Participation requires individuals to be at least 18 years of age, 21+ in Arizona and 19+ in Nebraska. The service is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Resources for responsible gambling are available, including phone numbers and websites. Terms and conditions apply and can be found at jackpocket.com/tos.
The information in this article was compiled by Fernando Cervantes Jr., a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on X @fern_cerv_.
As the Powerball jackpot continues to rise, anticipation is building across the nation. Hopeful players are purchasing their tickets, dreaming of the possibilities that a substantial lottery win could bring. Whether it’s paying off debts, traveling the world, or securing financial stability for future generations, the Powerball offers a chance to turn dreams into reality.
