See which states are the luckiest in the lottery
USA TODAY’s Fernando Cervantes shares which states have claimed the most Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots wins.
One very lucky person has beaten the odds and won the Powerball jackpot.
After the drawing on Monday, March 2, one lucky person in Arkansas purchased a winning lottery ticket that matched all five numbers drawn and the Powerball, winning the grand prize of $251 million, according to Powerball’s website.
Once the winner claims their prize, they can choose to receive annuitized payments or a one-time lump-sum amount of $118 million. At this time, no one has claimed the jackpot.
Since the game began in 1992, the Powerball jackpot has been hit nearly 200 times, according to lottery officials. Today, 45 U.S. states, including Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, participate in the drawing, with five states opting out: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
However, some states have had more luck than others. Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin rank among the top five for the most Powerball winners, according to USA TODAY’s previous reporting.
Here’s what to know about the Powerball win.
What are the winning numbers for the March 2 Powerball?
The winning numbers for the March 2 Powerball drawing are: 2, 17, 18, 38, 62, and the Powerball is 20. The “Power Play” multiplier is 2x.
Did anyone win the Powerball jackpot?
Yes, one lucky person in Arkansas won the Powerball jackpot, while another in Puerto Rico won the Match 5 + Power Play $2 million prize.
The Powerball jackpot has since reset to $20 million ahead of Wednesday night’s drawing.
When is the next Powerball drawing?
The next drawing will be on Wednesday, March 4, at 11 p.m. ET.
Do you have to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball?
The short answer is no, you do not have to be a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident to play Powerball.
Anyone visiting one of the 45 participating states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, can buy a Powerball ticket regardless of nationality. The only catch is that you must be the legal age requirement at the point of purchase, which is typically 18 years old, and buy the ticket from a licensed retailer.
Top 10 Powerball Jackpots
- $2.040 billion on Nov. 7, 2022, in California
- $1.817 billion on Dec. 24, 2025, in Arkansas
- $1.787 billion on Sept. 6, 2025, in Missouri and Texas
- $1.765 billion on Oct. 11, 2023, in California
- $1.586 billion on Jan. 13, 2016, in California, Florida and Tennessee
- $1.326 billion on April 6, 2024, in Oregon
- $1.080 billion on July 19, 2023, in California
- $842.4 million on Jan. 1, 2024, in Michigan
- $768.4 million on Mar. 27, 2019, in Wisconsin
- $758.7 million on Aug. 23, 2017, in Massachusetts
How to play Powerball
Powerball tickets cost $2 per play. You can buy them at most convenience stores, gas stations and grocery stores. In some states, tickets are also available online, depending on local rules.
Once you have a ticket, you’ll choose six numbers. Five are white balls numbered 1 through 69, and the sixth is the red Powerball, numbered 1 through 26.
For an extra $1, players can add Power Play, which boosts winnings on all non‑jackpot prizes. The multiplier can increase prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X or even 10X.
Don’t want to pick numbers yourself? The Quick Pick option lets the computer choose for you.
To win the jackpot, you have to match all five white balls (in any order) and the red Powerball.
Powerball drawings are held Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights. If no one hits the jackpot, the prize keeps rolling over — and climbing.
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
