Powerball Jackpot Hits $279 Million Amid Growing Lottery Interest

TRENTON, N.J. — The Powerball jackpot surged to an estimated $279 million for the drawing on March 3, 2025, following a rollover after no one matched all six numbers in the previous draw. The cash option for the jackpot stands at $131.5 million, enticing players as excitement builds across the nation.

The winning numbers drawn on Monday night were 18, 20, 50, 52, 56, with the Powerball being 20. The PowerPlay multiplier for this drawing was 2x.

Powerball tickets are available for $2 each, with the option to purchase the PowerPlay add-on for an additional $1, which increases the winnings for non-jackpot prizes up to five times. This past weekend’s drawing saw one player in Michigan win $1 million by matching five numbers, while the jackpot continues to roll over.

For potential winners, the odds of securing the Powerball jackpot are approximately 292 million to one. Players must match all five white numbers plus the red Powerball to claim the grand prize. On average, Powerball draws take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET.

Lottery officials recommend that players purchase their tickets well before the drawing, as deadlines vary by state. In New Jersey, ticket sales close at 9:59 p.m. on drawing days, while in New York the cutoff is 10 p.m.

The Powerball format includes players selecting five numbers from a pool of 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. For those seeking a quick selection of numbers, the Quick Pick option allows the lottery terminal to generate random numbers.

Winners of large prizes sometimes face decisions regarding anonymity. In New Jersey, recent legislation allows lottery winners to remain anonymous, while in other states, the winner’s information may become public record.

The public’s ongoing interest in the lottery is reflected in the current $215 million Mega Millions jackpot, which offers a cash option of $100.9 million for the next drawing. This fever for lottery games has led to discussions around the potential impacts of gambling, prompting organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling to remind players of responsible gambling practices.

As the February and early March jackpots illustrate, lottery winnings can change lives overnight, leading to million-dollar fortunes for those fortunate enough to have the winning ticket. The last Powerball jackpot was won back on January 18 in Oregon. With no winners since, the prize has accumulated steadily, drawing increased attention from players nationwide.

For both Powerball and Mega Millions, players must be at least 18 years old, and signs regarding problem gambling resources are displayed prominently at retailers where tickets are sold.