A single lottery ticket purchased in Illinois matched all six numbers in the Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Powerball drawing to win a jackpot worth $1 billion. This win ends a jackpot rollover streak that began on May 2, 2026. The jackpot had accumulated for over three months without a grand prize winner before being claimed in the mid-week draw.
The winning numbers for the August 12 draw were 4, 26, 66, 67, 69, with the red Powerball 9. The Power Play multiplier was set at 2X. Following this win, the Powerball jackpot resets to its baseline starting amount of $20 million for the next drawing on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Winning numbers and secondary prize winners
While the single ticket sold in Illinois claimed the $1 billion grand prize, the draw also generated more than 3.3 million winning tickets across secondary prize tiers. Players can verify their own tickets using a Powerball number checker to see if they matched any numbers.
Five tickets matched all five white balls to win secondary prizes of at least $1 million:
- Massachusetts: One ticket holder matched five white balls and had added the Power Play option, doubling their payout from $1 million to $2 million.
- Arizona: One ticket matched five white balls to win $1 million.
- California: One ticket matched five white balls to win $1 million.
- Florida: One ticket matched five white balls to win $1 million.
- North Carolina: One ticket matched five white balls to win $1 million.
The overall odds of winning any prize in a Powerball drawing are 1 in 24.87, while the odds of winning the grand prize jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.
| Matches | Base Prize | Prize with 2X Power Play | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 White + Powerball | Jackpot ($1 Billion) | Not Applicable | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| 5 White | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | 1 in 11,688,053 |
| 4 White + Powerball | $50,000 | $100,000 | 1 in 913,129 |
| 4 White | $100 | $200 | 1 in 36,525 |
Annuity versus lump-sum payout options for the Illinois winner
The ticket holder who won the $1 billion jackpot faces a choice between two payment methods. They can select an annuity paid out over 30 years, or they can choose a one-time cash lump-sum payment. Historically, the vast majority of grand prize winners choose the immediate lump-sum cash option.
For this $1 billion jackpot, the cash option is valued at approximately $482 million. If the winner chooses the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment, followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year. You can read more about how this structure works in our detailed guide on the 30-year annuity payment schedule.
Tax obligations apply to both payout options. The federal government imposes an immediate withholding tax of 24% on lottery winnings, though the winner’s final federal tax rate will likely rise to 37% due to their income bracket. Additionally, the state of Illinois levies a 4.95% state tax on lottery winnings, which is withheld at the state level when the prize is distributed.
Historical context: Where does this jackpot rank?
The August 12, 2026, jackpot is the first Powerball prize to reach the $1 billion mark in the calendar year 2026. Despite reaching ten figures, this $1 billion jackpot ranks as the eighth-largest prize in Powerball history. It remains behind several historic jackpots, including the world-record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won by Edwin Castro in California in November 2022.
The table below lists the largest Powerball jackpots recorded since the game began operating.
| Rank | Jackpot Amount | Draw Date | Winning State(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.04 Billion | November 7, 2022 | California |
| 2 | $1.765 Billion | October 11, 2023 | California |
| 3 | $1.586 Billion | January 13, 2016 | California, Florida, Tennessee |
| 4 | $1.326 Billion | April 6, 2024 | Oregon |
| 5 | $1.08 Billion | July 19, 2023 | California |
| 6 | $1.03 Billion | April 1, 2024 | Oregon |
| 7 | $1.001 Billion | January 1, 2024 | Michigan |
| 8 | $1.00 Billion | August 12, 2026 | Illinois |
Illinois prize claim rules and deadlines
The identity of the Illinois ticket holder has not been made public. Under Illinois state law, lottery winners who claim prizes of $250,000 or more can request to remain anonymous to protect their privacy.
In Illinois, lottery prizes must be claimed within specific timeframes depending on the type of prize. Winners of a jackpot prize have one year from the drawing date to claim their money. However, if the winner wants to select the cash lump-sum option, they must file their claim within 60 days of the draw date. If they do not claim the prize within those 60 days, the payout automatically defaults to the annuity payment plan.
The state of Illinois advises all major winners to sign the back of their winning ticket immediately, store it in a secure place, and consult with professional financial advisors and legal counsel before submitting their formal claim to the Illinois Lottery.
How to purchase Powerball tickets online and in-person
Powerball tickets are sold through authorized land-based retailers in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tre approximately 250,000 licensed retail points across these 48 jurisdictions.
In select states, players can purchase tickets online through official state lottery platforms or through licensed third-party lottery courier services. These platforms allow residents and eligible visitors to select numbers digitally, participate in group plays, and automatically receive notifications of winning numbers. If you are located outside of these jurisdictions, you can also buy official Powerball tickets online via secure courier services.
Understanding the Powerball rules and odds is essential before purchasing a ticket. Players must select five numbers from a pool of 1 to 69, and one Powerball number from a pool of 1 to 26. To explore these entry requirements and determine your tax responsibilities as a non-U.S. resident, consult the guide on international tax and eligibility rules for more details. Alternatively, players can opt for a “Quick Pick” selection, where numbers are generated randomly by the lottery terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the winner of the Illinois Powerball jackpot remain anonymous?
Yes. Illinois law permits lottery winners who win prizes of $250,000 or more to request anonymity. The winner can contact the Illinois Lottery to claim their prize without having their name or likeness released to the public.
How long does the winner have to claim the jackpot in Illinois?
The winner has up to one year from the drawing date to claim the prize. However, if they want to choose the cash lump-sum option instead of the annuity, they must file their claim within 60 days of the draw date.
Can people outside the United States play and win Powerball?
Yes. Non-U.S. citizens and international players can play Powerball as long as they purchase their tickets legally from an authorized retailer or an approved online courier service. International players must follow the rules and guide for international players, which include local and U.S. federal tax withholding requirements of 30% for non-residents.
If you would like to participate in upcoming lottery draws, you can play global lotteries from anywhere using licensed ticket procurement services.
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Play responsibly. Lottery is a form of entertainment, not investment. Always play within your budget, and seek professional financial advice if you win a major prize.
