As excitement builds around the Powerball lottery, the jackpot now stands at an impressive estimated $179 million, with a cash option of $81.5 million for the upcoming drawing on Saturday night. This news comes on the heels of a historic win in Arkansas on December 24, where a single ticket captured a staggering $1.817 billion jackpot, marking one of the largest payouts in Powerball history.
In addition, the Mega Millions jackpot is currently at $250 million, creating even more opportunities for lottery enthusiasts to dream big this weekend. The Powerball winning numbers for the drawing on January 17, 2026, have been revealed: 57, 8, 5, 49, 27, and Powerball 14. Players who matched these numbers will win significant prizes, ranging from cash winnings to the grand jackpot itself.
For those curious about the odds, winning the Powerball jackpot requires matching all six drawn numbers, with odds currently calculated at 1 in 292.2 million. The cost of a Powerball ticket is set at $2, and players can purchase tickets until 10 p.m. in New York and 9:45 p.m. in New Jersey on the night of each drawing. The excitement is compounded by the potential financial rewards; for instance, matching five white balls plus the Powerball awards the jackpot, while matching only five white balls nets $1 million.
Powerball drawings are held regularly, with the next event scheduled for Monday, January 19. For avid players, this means several chances to hit it big three times a week at 10:59 p.m. ET. The Powerball drawing can be viewed live on the lottery website or via local television broadcasts in many areas.
With a full list of winning prizes detailed, including the top tier alongside numerous additional winning combinations, the allure of winning persists. As the Powerball continues to grow and produce record jackpots, players across the country maintain their hopes of joining the ranks of past winners, several of whom have seen their lives transformed overnight. The thrill of the game continues to capture the imagination of millions, proving once again that with a ticket in hand, anyone could find themselves on a path to unimaginable fortune.