Yes, there is a Powerball drawing tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026. If you've been watching the jackpot climb over the last couple of weeks, you're probably already thinking about what those six numbers could mean for your bank account.
The estimated jackpot for tonight’s draw is sitting at $179 million. If you aren't into the 30-year annuity plan and want the cash right now, the lump sum is roughly $80.8 million. That is a lot of life-changing money, even after the tax man takes his cut. Honestly, it’s the kind of number that makes a $2 ticket feel like a pretty cheap dream.
Is the Powerball Tonight? Timing and Deadlines
The drawing happens at 10:59 p.m. ET. It’s pretty consistent, happening every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. But here is the thing that trips people up: you can't just walk in at 10:58 p.m. and expect to get a ticket.
Most states cut off sales at least an hour before the balls start dropping. Usually, that’s around 10:00 p.m. ET, though some places like Florida or Texas might have slightly different rules. If you're playing online through an official state app, the cutoff is usually the same. Basically, if you don't have your ticket by 9:45 p.m., you're cutting it way too close.
What Happened in the Last Drawing?
Nobody hit the big one on Wednesday, January 14. The winning numbers for that draw were 6, 24, 39, 43, 51 and the Powerball was 2.
Even though the jackpot rolled over, it wasn't a total bust for everyone. Two lucky players in Texas and one in Tennessee managed to match all five white balls. Since the Tennessee winner added the Power Play (which was 2x), they walked away with $2 million. The Texas winners didn't have the multiplier, so they "only" got $1 million each.
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It’s a good reminder that you don't actually have to hit the jackpot to become a millionaire. There are nine ways to win, ranging from $4 (just matching the red Powerball) up to the grand prize.
How to Play and What it Costs
A standard ticket is $2. You pick five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Or you just do what most people do and ask for a "Quick Pick" where the computer does the work for you.
The Add-ons: Power Play and Double Play
If you’ve got an extra buck, you can add the Power Play. This multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times. Since tonight’s jackpot is over $150 million, the 10x multiplier isn't on the table—that only sticks around for smaller jackpots.
Then there is Double Play, which is also an extra $1. This uses your same numbers in a separate drawing held right after the main one. The top prize there is $10 million. It’s kinda like getting a second chance with the same set of numbers, which is nice if you're particularly attached to your "lucky" digits.
The Reality of the Odds
Look, we have to be real here. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. You are technically more likely to be struck by lightning or become a movie star.
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But people win. Every few months, someone’s life changes forever. Even the overall odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 24.87, which isn't half bad. Just don't spend your rent money on it. It's entertainment, not an investment strategy.
Where to Check Your Results
Once the clock hits 10:59 p.m. ET, you can watch the drawing live on the official Powerball website or on various local news stations. If you miss it, you've got options:
- Check the official Powerball app.
- Scan your ticket at any lottery retailer.
- Visit state lottery websites like the Florida Lottery or Texas Lottery.
If you do happen to win a massive prize tonight, the first thing you should do—before telling anyone—is sign the back of that ticket. In most states, that piece of paper is a "bearer instrument," meaning whoever holds it owns it. After that, find a lawyer and a financial advisor. You'll need them.
Your Next Steps
If you're planning to play, get to a retailer or log into your state's official lottery app before 10:00 p.m. ET tonight. Double-check if your state offers the Double Play option if you want that extra chance. Most importantly, keep your ticket in a safe spot and check the numbers shortly after 11:00 p.m. ET.