Combined multi-state lottery prize pools in the United States reached $1.107 billion ahead of the October 23–24, 2026 drawing weekend. Powerball’s jackpot stands at an estimated $674 million for the Saturday, October 24 drawing following 30 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner. Mega Millions offers a $433 million jackpot for its Friday, October 23 drawing after 24 draws without a top-prize match.
Powerball rollover streak drives jackpot to $674 million
Powerball has accumulated prize money over ten weeks since mid-August 2026, when a winning ticket claimed a $1.04 billion jackpot. Following that payout, the reset base returned to its standard $20 million baseline. The current $674 million annuity prize carries an estimated lump-sum cash option of $283.9 million for the October 24 drawing. This represents the second-largest Powerball jackpot of 2026.
Operational updates over recent years have accelerated jackpot growth rates. Powerball holds three weekly drawings—scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday—a draw frequency implemented in 2021. In July 2026, the game expanded international sales access by allowing players in the United Kingdom to enter drawings directly for £4 per ticket. Increased sales volume during long rollover runs further accelerates prize pool growth between draws.
Players checking past draw numbers can review the Powerball results archive. Standard entries require picking five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Detailed selection rules and prize tiers are explained in our guide on how to play Powerball.
Mega Millions steadies at $433 million after 24 rollovers
Mega Millions has completed 24 drawings without a top-prize winner across roughly twelve weeks. The estimated jackpot for the Friday, October 23 drawing is $433 million, with a cash value option of $178.6 million.
The game last produced a jackpot winner on July 28, 2026, when a ticket purchased in Florida matched all six numbers to win $803 million ($345.5 million cash). That rollover run lasted 19 weeks following a previous jackpot hit on March 17, average jackpot increases reached roughly $20 million per drawing during that cycle.
Mega Millions follows a different growth trajectory than Powerball due to structural differences in drawing schedules and pricing. Mega Millions hosts two weekly drawings, on Tuesday and Friday, and ticket sales are restricted to U.S. jurisdictions. In April 2025, Mega Millions instituted a $5 ticket price structure, increased its base starting jackpot to $50 million, and added a built-in non-jackpot multiplier ranging from 2x to 10x on every ticket. Readers can examine matrix changes and payout structures in the Mega Millions game format overview.
Comparing Powerball and Mega Millions jackpot figures
| Feature / Metric | Powerball | Mega Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Next Draw Date | Saturday, October 24, 2026 | Friday, October 23, 2026 |
| Estimated Annuity Jackpot | $674 million | $433 million |
| Cash Option Value | $283.9 million | $178.6 million |
| Current Rollover Count | 30 drawings | 24 drawings |
| Standard Ticket Cost | $2 ($3 with Power Play) | $5 (Includes Built-in Multiplier) |
| Weekly Draw Schedule | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday | Tuesday, Friday |
| Last Jackpot Win Date | Mid-August 2026 ($1.04 billion) | July 28, 2026 ($803 million) |
Payout options and international ticket rules
Winners in both games select between two distribution methods: an annuity paid across 30 graduated installments over 29 years or an immediate lump-sum cash payment. For Powerball, annual annuity payments increase by 5 percent each year to offset inflation. Details on payment distribution curves are available in our breakdown of the 30-year annuity payment schedule.
Non-U.S. residents and international players can legally purchase tickets and claim prizes when utilizing authorized ticket couriers or purchasing directly inside participating states. Federal tax withholdings for non-resident aliens stand at 30 percent for prize amounts exceeding $5,000, and individual state taxes may apply based on w ticket was processed. Review official requirements regarding tax rules for foreign ticket holders before participating.
Players seeking digital entry options can learn how to play lottery online safely. You can also order official lottery tickets online through regulated ticket management services.
Frequently asked questions
When do the next Powerball and Mega Millions drawings take place?
The next Mega Millions drawing occurs on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11:00 PM Eastern Time. The next Powerball drawing takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:59 PM Eastern Time.
Are lottery prizes subject to federal income taxes?
Yes. Lottery winnings above $5,000 face a mandatory 24 percent federal tax withholding for U.S. citizens, with total federal tax obligations reaching up to 37 percent depending on income level. Non-U.S. residents face a flat 30 percent federal withholding rate.
What occurs if multiple tickets match all winning numbers?
If two or more tickets match all five main numbers plus the grand prize ball, the total advertised jackpot pool is split equally among all winning ticket holders.
Play responsibly. Lottery games are a form of entertainment, not an investment.
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