Player Enthusiasm Pushes Jackpot to Milestone Mark
FLOWOOD, MISS. – The Powerball jackpot has jumped from an estimated $975 million to an estimated $1 billion for the Wednesday, Aug. 12, drawing following stronger-than-expected ticket sales and player enthusiasm.
The estimated $1 billion annuity jackpot has an estimated cash value of $433.1 million and is now the eighth-largest Powerball jackpot in history and the largest U.S. lottery jackpot of 2026 to date.
Powerball ticket sales for Monday night’s drawing increased by more than 86% compared to the previous Monday drawing, nearly doubling week over week as players across the country joined the excitement surrounding the growing jackpot.
Powerball tickets are $2 per play and are available at authorized Mississippi Lottery retailers. Players can purchase tickets until 9 p.m. CT on drawing nights. The Powerball drawing is held at approximately 9:59 p.m. CT every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
For an extra $1 each, players have the option to add Power Play to multiply their non-jackpot prizes or Double Play to give their numbers a second chance at a second drawing with a separate tier of prizes.
For more information, visit the Mississippi Lottery at www.mslottery.com.
8.11.26
