Record-Breaking $1.2 Billion Jackpot: Where to Buy Lottery Tickets Before Tonight’s Drawing

The countdown is on for tonight’s Powerball drawing, and lottery ticket fever is sweeping the nation. Thanks to a rollover weekend, the jackpot has climbed to an estimated $45 million— $20.2 million if taken as a lump-sum cash option. Surge in ticket sales Convenience-store managers from Florida to California report double-digit jumps in lottery traffic as casual players join the hunt for a multimillion-dollar payday. Many states now offer online subscriptions, letting players secure tickets in seconds without leaving home—an option credited with boosting mid-week sales during the traditionally slower summer months. Key drawing details • Drawing time: 10:59 p.m. ET (check local listings) • Ticket cutoff: Varies by state, typically 9–10 p.m. local time • Odds of hitting the jackpot: 1 in 292.2 million • Next game after tonight: Wednesday, June 11 How to play responsibly While $2 can buy a shot at life-changing money, financial planners caution buyers to set a strict budget. “Treat tickets as entertainment, not an investment,” says certified financial planner Dana Quinn. She recommends using a debit card, not credit, to avoid impulse overspending. Tips for first-time buyers 1. Use state-sanctioned retailers or official lottery apps only. 2. Sign the back of your ticket immediately—losing an unsigned winner is a common mishap. 3. If you play a pool at work, draft simple written rules and appoint a ticket keeper. Why the odds never shift Ticket sales influence prize pools but not the probability of winning. Powerball uses two drums: five white balls (1-69) and a red Powerball (1-26). Until the matrix changes again, odds will remain exactly 1 in 292,201,338, no matter how many people play. Other jackpots this week • Mega Millions sits at $94 million for Tuesday’s draw. • Fast-rising state games include Florida’s “Cash Pop” top prize of $250,000, drawn five times daily. • In New York, the “Take 5” midday pot reset after Saturday’s $64,101 win. Claiming a prize Jackpot winners can choose a 30-year annuity or the reduced cash option at tax time. Smaller prizes must be claimed within 90–365 days, depending on the state; unclaimed money funnels back to education and veterans’ programs. Bottom line With the Powerball jackpot re-entering headline territory, experts expect more first-timers to test their luck. If you plan to join the rush, buy early, keep your ticket safe, and remember—playing the lottery should be fun, not a financial strategy.