Powerball Jackpot Skyrockets Past $600 Million—Deadline, Odds & How to Buy Tickets Now

Lead: California player nabs $207 million Powerball jackpot; next top prize resets to $20 million Subheadings: Record-Breaking Streak Ends in Golden State The winning ticket that matched 1-29-37-56-68 and Powerball 13 was sold in California, snapping a run that had pushed the annuity value to $207 million, or $91 million cash. The California Lottery has not yet revealed the retailer or winner’s identity, but the validation process is under way. New Jackpot Starts at $20 Million Because the grand prize was hit, Monday’s drawing (June 2, 10:59 p.m. ET) restarts at an estimated $20 million, with a cash value of $9 million, according to Powerball officials. Although far smaller than last week’s pot, fresh cycles historically spark quick growth when ticket sales surge after a win. Powerball Basics: How to Play and Win • Drawings: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET • Cost: $2 per play; $1 extra for Power Play multiplier • Odds: 1 in 292.2 million for the jackpot; 1 in 24.9 for any prize • Payout Options: 30-year escalating annuity or lump-sum cash (about 44% of advertised amount before taxes) State Taxes and Where to Claim California does not tax lottery prizes, but the federal rate starts at 24% and can rise to 37% at filing. Winners in most other states face an additional 2%–10% local levy. Prizes over $599 must be claimed at a lottery district office or by mail; winners have 60 days from ticket validation to choose cash or annuity. Past Jackpots and Fast Facts • Record Powerball jackpot: $2.04 billion (Nov 2022, also in California) • 2025’s largest so far: $793 million (February, won in Pennsylvania) • Longest streak without a jackpot: 41 drawings (2022–23 cycle) • Biggest single-state windfall: California players have captured three of the top five Powerball prizes since 2016 Tips for Players This Week 1. Buy early: Lines typically lengthen after work hours on draw day. 2. Check numbers twice: 1 in 25 tickets wins something, even $4. 3. Consider a pool: Splitting cost boosts coverage while limiting personal outlay. 4. Guard your ticket: Sign the back and photograph it for proof of ownership. 5. Plan before you win: Build a financial team (attorney, CPA, adviser) before claiming. Responsible Gaming Reminder Powerball is meant for entertainment. Set a budget, play for fun, and seek help at 1-800-GAMBLER if needed. Next Steps Sales for Monday’s $20 million drawing close at 9:59 p.m. ET in most jurisdictions. Tickets are available at more than 48,000 retailers nationwide and through licensed online couriers in select states. Check local cutoff times and play responsibly for your chance at the first jackpot of the new month.