The Powerball lottery jackpot reached an estimated $57 million for the drawing held on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Players hoping to strike it rich can opt for a cash payout of approximately $25.8 million, as detailed on the official Powerball website. This jackpot was last claimed on January 21, when a lucky winner from North Carolina won an impressive $209.3 million.
In addition to the Powerball excitement, the Mega Millions jackpot has grown to an enticing $323 million, with a cash option of $145.7 million.
For those looking to participate in the drawing, the winning numbers for the January 31 Powerball draw were revealed as follows: 2, 8, 14, 40, 63, with the Powerball being 23. The Power Play multiplier for this drawing was 3x, enhancing the potential winnings for players who opted for this feature.
Powerball drawings typically occur three times a week—on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. Players should be mindful of state-specific deadlines for purchasing tickets, which can vary. In New Jersey, for instance, tickets must be bought by 9:59 p.m. on drawing days, while New York’s deadline is set at 10 p.m.
To participate, players buy a ticket for $2, and for an additional $1, they may add the Power Play option, which can multiply prizes (except for the jackpot). Players select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one from 1 to 26 for the Powerball, or they can opt for a quick pick, where numbers are randomly generated.
Lottery tickets can be purchased at various locations, including gas stations and grocery stores, or through online services in select states via the Jackpocket app, making it convenient for players.
Those eager to catch the Powerball drawing can do so live on the lottery website at the scheduled time, with broadcasts also available on local TV stations.
However, it’s important for players to remember the odds. Winning the Powerball jackpot is a challenging feat, with odds estimated at 292,201,338 to 1, and the odds of matching all five white balls at 11,688,053 to 1. Before diving into the game, participants should approach with caution and be aware of their spending.
For winners, options for claiming their prizes include a lump sum payment or an annuity spread over multiple years, with individual states having different regulations regarding winner anonymity. In states like New Jersey, winners can remain anonymous, a practice recently implemented to ensure privacy.
Participation in lotteries comes with the staggering excitement of potentially life-changing rewards. As always, individuals should gamble responsibly, with resources available for those who may need assistance. This continued thrill surrounding Powerball not only fuels dreams of wealth but also brings communities together in shared hope.