A Powerball jackpot worth just over half a billion dollars is on the line Saturday, Oct. 10, giving lottery players across the country a chance to turn a $2 ticket into a life-changing fortune.
The top prize rolled over after no ticket matched all six numbers in the Oct. 7 drawing, boosting the jackpot to $516 million, with a $211.6 million cash option for winners who choose a lump-sum payment.
The jackpot has been growing for nearly two months since an Illinois ticket won a $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot on Aug. 12. The next chance to win comes Saturday night, when the drawing is scheduled for 10:59 p.m. ET.
Here’s what you need to know about tonight’s Powerball drawing:
Lottery luck: Which Powerball numbers should you pick?
What are the winning numbers for tonight’s jackpot?
USA TODAY will publish the winning numbers shortly after the drawing begins on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10:59 p.m. ET.
How to play Powerball
For those hoping to cash in on the growing jackpot, here’s a quick refresher on how the game works.
Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and you can decide to select your own numbers or opt for Quick Pick, which generates numbers randomly. To play, choose five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday night.
What are the odds of winning Powerball?
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot by matching all five white balls and the red Powerball are 1 in 292.2 million.
Players can also win smaller prizes by matching fewer numbers. Powerball features nine prize tiers ranging from $4 to the jackpot.
Biggest Powerball jackpots ever won
$2.040 billion on Nov. 7, 2022, in California$1.817 billion on Dec. 24, 2025, in Arkansas$1.787 billion on Sept. 6, 2025, in Missouri and Texas$1.765 billion on Oct. 11, 2023, in California$1.586 billion on Jan. 13, 2016, in California, Florida and Tennessee$1.326 billion on April 6, 2024, in Oregon$1.080 billion on July 19, 2023, in California$1 billion on Aug. 12, 2026, in Illinois$842.4 million on Jan. 1, 2024, in Michigan$768.4 million on Mar. 27, 2019, in Wisconsin
What is the Powerball cash option?
If someone wins Saturday night’s drawing, they’ll face an important choice about how to receive the money.
The jackpot is worth an estimated $516 million annuity or $211.6 million as a one-time cash payout before taxes. Winners can choose either option when claiming their prize.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Powerball jackpot hits $516M for Saturday. Check your numbers
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