The Powerball lottery once again captured the nation’s attention this week, with millions of hopefuls clutching their tickets and dreaming of a life-changing windfall. On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the Powerball jackpot soared to a staggering $650 million, marking one of the largest prizes in recent memory. Yet, as the numbers were drawn and the dust settled, it became clear: no one would be taking home the grand prize—at least, not this time.
According to USA TODAY and the official Powerball website, the winning numbers for the August 20 drawing were 31, 59, 62, 65, 68, with the red Powerball number 5, and a Power Play multiplier of 2X. Despite the eye-popping jackpot, there was no ticket that matched all six numbers, leaving the top prize untouched and the anticipation for the next drawing at a fever pitch.
This latest drawing continues a remarkable streak of rollovers. The last time someone clinched the Powerball jackpot was on June 1, when a lucky California ticket matched all numbers to claim a $204.5 million prize. Since then, week after week, the jackpot has grown, fueled by the dreams of millions and the odds that remain stubbornly resistant to would-be winners. The odds of hitting the jackpot? A daunting 1 in 292.2 million, as emphasized by both the lottery’s own statistics and repeated warnings from news outlets.
While the grand prize eluded everyone, the night was not without its winners. One ticket in Tennessee matched five numbers plus the Power Play, netting a $2 million windfall. Meanwhile, two others—one in Michigan and another in Oklahoma—snagged $1 million each by matching all five white balls. These prizes, though dwarfed by the jackpot, are still enough to change lives. As one Tennessee lottery official told USA TODAY, "It’s always thrilling to see big winners in our state, and we encourage everyone to check their tickets."
With no grand prize winner, the Powerball jackpot has now climbed even higher. The next drawing, scheduled for Saturday, August 23, is expected to feature an estimated $700 million jackpot, with a cash value of $316.3 million. For those keeping score, that puts this prize among the largest in Powerball’s history—a list topped by the record $2.04 billion jackpot won in California on November 7, 2022, and the $1.765 billion prize claimed in the same state less than a year later.
Powerball drawings take place three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday—at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time, with the results broadcast live on the lottery’s website and often on local television stations. The addition of Monday drawings, a change introduced in 2021, has given players more chances to test their luck (and, some might argue, more opportunities to dream big or be disappointed).
For those new to the game, the rules are relatively straightforward: players select five numbers between 1 and 69 for the white balls, and one number between 1 and 26 for the red Powerball. Tickets cost $2 each, but players can add the Power Play option for an additional $1, potentially multiplying non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five, or even ten times (when the jackpot is under $150 million). There’s also a Double Play feature for another $1, giving players a second shot at a $10 million prize.
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores, and supermarkets in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many states also allow for online purchases, either through official lottery websites—like Ohio’s, at www.ohiolottery.com—or via third-party services such as Jackpocket, which is available in select states and allows users to order tickets, view numbers, and claim winnings directly from their phones or computers.
Of course, buying a ticket is the easy part. Winning is another story entirely. As USA TODAY notes, the odds of matching all five white balls and the Powerball are roughly 1 in 292.2 million—making it far more likely you’ll be struck by lightning, become president, or even be attacked by a shark than land the jackpot. The odds to match just the five white balls (for a $1 million prize) are still a steep 1 in 11,688,053. "Playing the Powerball can be exciting, but just don't go spending those millions before you win," the publication warns.
For those fortunate enough to win, there are two payout options: a lump sum cash payment (significantly less than the advertised jackpot, but paid immediately) or an annuity that is distributed over 30 years, with annual payments increasing by 5%. The choice is a personal one, often influenced by financial planning, tax considerations, and, sometimes, the desire for instant gratification.
Winners also face questions of privacy. In some states, such as New Jersey, lottery winners can remain anonymous, thanks to recent legislation. In others, names and hometowns are a matter of public record, often resulting in a media frenzy and, occasionally, unwanted attention. As always, lottery officials recommend that winners consult with financial and legal advisors before claiming their prize—sound advice, given the life-changing sums at stake.
For those still chasing the dream, the Powerball offers nine ways to win, ranging from the jackpot down to $4 for simply matching the Powerball itself. The full prize tiers are available on the Powerball website, and payout structures can vary by state—particularly in California, where prizes are determined by sales and the number of winners, rather than fixed amounts.
As the jackpot continues to grow, so too does the excitement—and, inevitably, the cautionary tales. Gambling addiction remains a concern, and both the lottery and news outlets like USA TODAY regularly remind players to play responsibly. For those who need help, resources like 1-800-GAMBLER and www.800gambler.org are available nationwide.
Looking back at Powerball’s history, the current $700 million prize (pending Saturday’s drawing) places it firmly among the top ten. The largest jackpots have been claimed in California, Oregon, Michigan, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Washington, and Maryland, with the $2.04 billion record still fresh in the public’s mind. Each massive drawing brings a new wave of excitement, speculation, and, for a lucky few, life-altering fortune.
As the next drawing approaches, lines at convenience stores are sure to grow longer, and millions more will log on to lottery websites or apps, hoping that this time, their numbers will come up. Until then, the Powerball dream lives on—unclaimed, but never out of reach.