The Powerball lottery has captured the attention of millions across the United States, with life changing jackpots that make headlines worldwide. As of today, Thursday, lottery fans are asking the same question: Is there a Powerball drawing tonight?
The answer is simple: No, there is no drawing tonight. Powerball draws are held only three times a week Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time. That means the next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Saturday, 2025.
But that’s not all. The Jackpot for this upcoming draw has ballooned to an estimated $1.7 billion, making it one of the largest in U.S. history. With such staggering numbers, the anticipation is higher than ever.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the next Powerball drawing, jackpot details, how to play, where to watch live results, and some important lottery tips.
Powerball Drawing Schedule: When Are the Draws?
One of the most common questions new players ask is: When is the Powerball drawing held?
The schedule is straightforward:
- Monday – 10:59 p.m. ET
- Wednesday – 10:59 p.m. ET
- Saturday – 10:59 p.m. ET
That means tonight Thursday there will be no drawing. Players must wait until Saturday night for the next chance at winning the massive jackpot.
The draw is conducted at the Florida Lottery studio in Tallahassee, Florida, and is broadcast live as well as streamed online.
The Jackpot: $1.7 Billion:
The biggest headline surrounding the Powerball this week is undoubtedly the size of the jackpot. After no winners in Wednesday’s drawing, the top prize rolled over once again, skyrocketing to an estimated $1.7 billion.
Here are the details of the prize:
- Estimated Jackpot: $1.7 billion.
- Cash Value (Lump Sum): ~$770.3 million before taxes.
- Position in History: Third-largest lottery jackpot ever in the United States.
This makes Saturday’s drawing one of the most anticipated in Powerball history, joining the ranks of only a handful of drawings where the jackpot exceeded $1 billion.
How to Play Powerball?
If you’re considering trying your luck this weekend, here’s a quick guide to how Powerball works:
- Pick Five White Balls: Choose 5 numbers from 1 to 69.
- Pick the Red Powerball: Choose 1 number from 1 to 26.
- Ticket Cost: Each play costs $2. Adding the Power Play option costs an extra $1, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes.
- Winning the Jackpot: To win the grand prize, you must match all five white balls plus the red Powerball.
There are also eight other prize tiers, ranging from $4 to $1 million (or up to $2 million with Power Play).
Where to Watch the Powerball Drawing Live:
You can watch the Powerball drawing live every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday night:
- Official Website: powerball.com
- Local TV Stations: Many networks broadcast the draw live.
- YouTube & Social Media: Results are posted almost immediately after the draw.
- Lottery Apps: Most state lottery apps push live results within minutes.
If you can’t catch it live, you can check the winning numbers within minutes on official state lottery websites.
What Happens If You Win?
Winning the Powerball jackpot is a dream, but it comes with big decisions:
- Lump Sum vs. Annuity: Winners can choose between a lump sum (cash value) or an annuity paid over 30 years.
- Taxes: Federal taxes are withheld automatically, and some states also impose lottery taxes. For a $1.7 billion jackpot, the after-tax payout can be significantly lower.
- Financial Planning: Experts strongly recommend hiring attorneys, accountants, and financial planners before making any big moves.
Tips for Powerball Players:
While Powerball is a game of chance, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Set a Budget: Don’t spend more than you can afford to lose.
- Check Tickets Carefully: Even if you don’t hit the jackpot, smaller prizes are often overlooked.
- Play Responsibly: Remember, the odds of winning the jackpot are about 1 in 292 million.
- Join a Pool: Many players join office or family pools to increase their chances of winning.
Why the Powerball Jackpot Keeps Growing/
The reason we’re seeing such a massive jackpot is because no one has matched all six numbers in multiple consecutive drawings. Every time the jackpot rolls over, more players buy tickets, and the prize grows exponentially.
This snowball effect has led to billion dollar jackpots becoming more common in recent years.
Past Record-Breaking Jackpots:
For context, here are the largest Powerball jackpots in U.S. history:
- $2.04 Billion: November 2022 (California winner)
- $1.765 Billion: October 2023 (California winner)
- $1.7 Billion (Estimated): September 2025 (current jackpot)
- $1.586 Billion: January 2016 (three winners in California, Florida, and Tennessee)
The September 2025 drawing could potentially set a new record if ticket sales push the prize higher.
Final Thoughts:
There may be no Powerball drawing tonight (Thursday, 2025), but all eyes are on Saturday’s drawing when the $1.7 billion jackpot is up for grabs. With such an enormous prize at stake, millions of Americans will be tuning in to see if history is made.
If you plan to play, remember to buy your tickets early, play responsibly, and check the results carefully. Who knows? You might just become the next billionaire.