The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $120 million for Saturday night’s drawing, offering a cash option of $54.4 million. While the odds remain long – one in 292.2 million – the allure of a life-altering win continues to draw hopeful players across the country. The drawing took place Saturday evening, and the winning numbers are: 12-59-36-28-41. The Powerball was 2, with a Power Play of 2x.
This weekend’s drawing followed a streak without a grand prize winner. The last Powerball jackpot was claimed on March 2nd, when a single ticket sold in Arkansas matched all six numbers for a $251 million prize. That win ended a nearly three-month drought since the previous jackpot was hit on December 24, 2025, in Arkansas, with a staggering $1.817 billion payout.
Powerball isn’t the only multi-state lottery offering a substantial prize. The Mega Millions jackpot currently stands at $60 million, according to the Mega Millions website. Players hoping to try their luck with Mega Millions have another chance on Monday night.
Understanding the Powerball Odds and Prizes
For those unfamiliar with the game, Powerball requires players to select five numbers from a pool of 1 to 69, and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Matching all six numbers wins the jackpot. However, there are multiple prize tiers for matching fewer numbers.
Here’s a breakdown of the Powerball prizes:
- Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot
- Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
- Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000
- Match 4 White Balls: $100
- Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100
- Match 3 White Balls: $7
- Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7
- Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4
- Match Powerball: $4
- Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million
- Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000
- Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400
- Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400
- Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28
- Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28
- Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16
- Match Powerball with Power Play: $16
The Power Play option, for an additional $1 per ticket, can multiply non-jackpot winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.
Where to Buy and Watch the Drawing
Powerball tickets are $2 each and are available for purchase in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In Latest York, tickets can be purchased in-store or online until 10 p.m. On the night of the drawing. Players in New Jersey have until 9:45 p.m., and those in Connecticut have until 10 p.m. To purchase tickets. You can find a list of New York Lottery retailers here.
For those who want to watch the drawing live, it is broadcast on the Powerball website at 11 p.m. ET on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. You can view the live stream here. The drawing may too be broadcast on local television stations.
A History of Massive Jackpots
The Powerball has a long history of generating enormous jackpots and capturing the public’s imagination. Here are the top 10 largest Powerball jackpots since the lottery began in 1992:
- $2.04 billion, Nov. 7, 2022: Won in California
- $1.817 billion, Dec. 24, 2025: Won in Arkansas
- $1.787 billion, Sept. 6, 2025: Won in Missouri and Texas
- $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
- $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
While the odds of winning remain incredibly slim, the dream of financial freedom continues to fuel Powerball ticket sales. The next Powerball drawing will be held on Monday, March 23, offering another chance to test your luck.
Disclaimer: Lottery participation should be considered entertainment, and players should gamble responsibly. If you or someone you grasp has a gambling problem, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling at https://www.ncpgambling.org/ for help.
We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available regarding the March 21st drawing and any confirmed winners. Share your thoughts on the latest Powerball results and your lottery dreams in the comments below.
