It happened again. You probably saw the news or checked your phone late Monday night, hoping for a miracle. No one hit it. The Monday, January 12, 2026, drawing came and went with the numbers 5, 27, 45, 56, 59 and the Powerball 4. Since nobody matched that specific combination of chaos, the pot just keeps getting heavier.
So, how much is next Powerball jackpot exactly?
For the upcoming drawing on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the estimated jackpot has climbed to $156 million.
If you’re the type who likes to see the actual pile of money rather than a 30-year spreadsheet, the cash option is sitting at approximately $70.5 million. That’s the "take-home" before the taxman shows up at your door, of course. It’s a jump from the $137 million we saw earlier this week, and honestly, the momentum is starting to build again after that massive $1.8 billion Christmas Eve win in Arkansas just a few weeks ago.
Why the Jackpot Isn't Always What It Seems
Most people see that $156 million figure and start picking out colors for their private jet. But there’s a massive gap between the "advertised" number and what actually hits your bank account.
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Lottery officials use the annuity option to market the big, flashy numbers. This is a series of 30 payments over 29 years. Each payment actually increases by 5% every year to help account for inflation. It sounds smart, but most winners—kinda predictably—want the money right now.
When you take the cash option, you’re basically taking the actual money the lottery has in the prize pool from ticket sales and interest. In this case, that $70.5 million is the real value of the pot today.
The Tax Reality Check
Federal taxes are going to take a 24% bite out of that right off the bat as a mandatory withholding.
And since the top federal tax rate is 37%, you’ll likely owe another 13% when tax season rolls around.
Don't forget state taxes. If you live in a place like New York or Maryland, they’ll want their cut too.
If you're lucky enough to live in Florida or Texas, you get to skip the state tax on lottery winnings.
Breaking Down the January 12 Results
While no one grabbed the top prize on Monday, it wasn't a total bust for everyone. A ticket sold in Florida matched all five white balls but missed the Powerball. That person is now looking at a $1 million prize.
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It's actually pretty common for these "Match 5" winners to pop up even when the big jackpot rolls over. In Ohio alone, thousands of people won smaller amounts, ranging from a few bucks to a couple hundred.
Here is how the prize tiers usually shake out:
- Match 5 + Powerball: Jackpot
- Match 5: $1 million (The Florida winner got this!)
- Match 4 + Powerball: $50,000
- Match 3 + Powerball or Match 4: $100
- Match 3 or Match 2 + Powerball: $7
- Match 1 + Powerball or just the Powerball: $4
The odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. To put that in perspective, you’re more likely to be struck by lightning or, honestly, become a movie star. But the odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 24.9. That’s why people keep playing.
How to Check Your Tickets Properly
You've probably got a crumpled piece of paper in your pocket or a digital receipt. Don't just glance at it.
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The official drawing happens at 10:59 p.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. You can watch it live on the Powerball website or check local news stations. Many people use the "Quick Pick" option where the computer chooses numbers, which is actually how about 70% to 80% of winners get their numbers.
If you do win a significant amount, the first thing experts like Mark Cuban or financial advisors tell you is: don't tell anyone. ### Next Steps for Players
- Sign the back of your ticket immediately. In many states, a lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument," meaning whoever holds it owns it.
- Double-check the Power Play. If you paid the extra $1, those non-jackpot prizes get multiplied. On Monday, the multiplier was 2x.
- Look at the Double Play numbers. Some states offer a second drawing for $1. On January 12, those numbers were 11, 23, 24, 54, 56 with a Powerball of 5.
If you’re planning to get in on the Wednesday drawing, tickets are usually sold until 10:00 p.m. ET, though some states cut off sales earlier. Keep an eye on the clock and play responsibly.
Actionable Insights for the Next Drawing
The jump to $156 million is significant because it marks the point where "casual" players start buying tickets. As the jackpot grows, ticket sales increase, which actually makes the jackpot grow even faster. It's a feedback loop.
If you are playing the Wednesday draw:
- Set a strict budget. It’s entertainment, not an investment strategy.
- Join a pool. It doesn't improve the odds of the numbers being drawn, but it lets you cover more combinations for less money. Just make sure you have a written agreement on how to split the cash.
- Check for "unclaimed" prizes. Millions of dollars go unclaimed every year because people only check for the jackpot and ignore the $50,000 or $1 million wins.
The next drawing is Wednesday, January 14. Whether you're chasing the $156 million annuity or the $70.5 million cash, the numbers will be drawn just before 11 p.m. ET. Good luck.