Powerball Jackpot Hits $218 Million Ahead of Wednesday, February 25 Drawing

The Powerball jackpot is heating up again ?

Ahead of the Wednesday, February 25 drawing, the jackpot has climbed to $218 million, with a $101.6 million cash option. And if no one hits it? It just keeps rolling higher.

A Quick Look at Powerball

Since launching in 1992, Powerball has crowned nearly 200 jackpot winners. Today, 48 U.S. lotteries take part. The only states that don’t offer it are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.

When it comes to producing big winners, these five states lead the pack:

• Indiana

• Missouri

• Minnesota

• Pennsylvania

• Wisconsin

When’s the Drawing?

Drawings happen Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights, with the numbers revealed at 11 p.m. ET.

? The 10 Biggest Powerball Jackpots Ever

Here’s a look at the largest prizes in game history:

• $2.040 billion – November 7, 2022 (California)

• $1.817 billion – December 24, 2025 (Arkansas)

• $1.787 billion – September 6, 2025 (Missouri, Texas)

• $1.765 billion – October 11, 2023 (California)

• $1.586 billion – January 13, 2016 (California, Florida, Tennessee)

• $1.326 billion – April 6, 2024 (Oregon)

• $1.080 billion – July 19, 2023 (California)

• $842.4 million – January 1, 2024 (Michigan)

• $768.4 million – March 27, 2019 (Wisconsin)

• $758.7 million – August 23, 2017 (Massachusetts)

Yes — billion-dollar jackpots are very real.

?? Do You Have to Be a U.S. Citizen to Play?

Nope! You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or resident.
As long as you:

• Buy a ticket from an authorized retailer

• Meet the legal age requirement (usually 18)

You can play in participating states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

How to Play Powerball

Playing is simple:

• Cost: $2 per ticket

• Pick 5 white balls (1–69)

• Pick 1 red Powerball (1–26)

Want bigger non-jackpot prizes? Add Power Play for $1 more. It can multiply winnings by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X.

Not into choosing numbers? Go with Quick Pick and let the computer decide.

To win the jackpot:

Match all five white balls (any order) + the red Powerball.