(NEXSTAR) — It’s been more than two months since a ticket sold in California landed a Powerball jackpot worth $204.5 million, and already another hefty grand prize is building.
As of Thursday, the Powerball jackpot sits at an estimated $482 million with a cash value of $218.9 million. Without a massive growth spurt before the next drawing, the current jackpot ranks as the second-largest of 2025. In March, a $515 million prize was won by a ticket sold in California.
Should the jackpot be won later this week, it would also be the second-largest Powerball grand prize since a $1.326 billion payout was secured by a ticket in Oregon in April 2024.
Overall, a $482 million jackpot is relatively small in the history of Powerball; it would rank as the 20th-largest since 2003, coming in just behind a $487 million prize won in New Hampshire in 2016.
It is possible the jackpot will grow before the next drawing, which is set for 10:59 p.m. ET on Saturday, depending on ticket sales and other factors considered by game officials. Regardless of whether or not it grows, you have a 1 in 292.2 million chance of winning the Powerball jackpot.
Compared to previous years, 2025 has been relatively mild when it comes to big lottery jackpots. Four Powerball jackpots have been won, with only one surpassing $500 million. There have also been four Mega Millions jackpots won this year, though none totaled more than $400 million.
For context, eight of the 10 largest jackpots — Powerball and Mega Millions combined — have occurred since 2022.
Mega Millions recently underwent an overhaul meant to improve prize odds and some payouts alongside an increased cost to play. While the game hasn’t seen a record-breaking payout just yet, data collected by game officials shows the changes have been paying off.
The current Mega Millions jackpot is an estimated $166 million, with the next drawing at 11 p.m. ET on Friday.
Powerball and Mega Millions tickets are sold in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Powerball tickets are $2 each and drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Mega Millions tickets are $5 each with drawings held at 11 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Fridays.
