The Powerball jackpot rose to $750 million on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025.
A Powerball ticket is pictured as the jackpot continues to rise.

The Powerball jackpot just keeps growing.

Ahead of the next lottery drawing on Monday, Aug. 25, the current jackpot stands at an estimated $750 million, which means anyone – whether seasoned lottery player or novice – could net a one-time cash payment of $316.3 million.

There have been four Powerball jackpot winners so far this year, with the most recent win occurring on May 31, when a person in California won the $204.5 million prize.

While there are regular Powerball players, a giant jackpot seems to get new players flocking to retailers to buy tickets – and they may not know what to say or how to play. We’re here to help.

Here’s what to know, including how much it costs to buy a Powerball ticket.

How to ask the cashier for a Powerball ticket

Buying a Powerball ticket can be a simple process (if you know what you’re doing.)

To buy a ticket in person, you can either ask for a “Quick Pick,” where a computer will generate numbers randomly, or you can pick the numbers yourself. The cashier will also ask about “power play.” For an extra dollar, you may choose to “power play,” which multiplies all non-grand prize winnings by a factor of 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10.

For “Quick Pick,” say this: “I’d like a quick pick Powerball ticket.” Then, tell the cashier whether you want the multiplier or “Power Play.”

To pick your own numbers, say this: “I’d like a Powerball ticket and I will pick my numbers.”

To use this option, you will fill out Powerball slip with your selections. Slips may also be available on the store floor, allowing you to complete the form before approaching the cashier.

To play Powerball, you need to select a total of six numbers: five numbers from a set of 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from a set of 1 to 26. Once you have chosen your numbers, hand your slip to the cashier, and you will receive a printed ticket with the numbers you selected. Additionally, you have the option to choose “Power Play” if you wish.

Need help choosing numbers? These are the most commonly drawn numbers.

The Powerball also offers “Double Play,” an add-on feature with a cash prize of up to $10 million. For an additional $1 per play, the “double play” option gives players in select jurisdictions an extra chance to match Powerball numbers in a separate drawing, which occurs after the regular Powerball drawing.

How late can you buy a Powerball ticket tonight?

Depending on the vendor and jurisdiction, sales for Powerball tickets could be cut off one to two hours before the drawing starts. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET.

How much are Powerball tickets?

Powerball tickets are $2 per play.

The “Power Play” option costs an extra $1 per play and can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times. Similarly, the “Double Play” option is also an additional $1 per play, if chosen. Therefore, a single ticket could total $4 if both “Power Play” and “Double Play” are selected.

According to NerdWallet, 23 states legally allow lottery tickets to be purchased with a credit card and payment methods for the other 22 states that administer a lottery vary. If you’re unsure, check the rules for your specific state or territory.

How to find out if you’ve won

Finding out if you’ve won is easy; you can either watch the Powerball drawing live or check your numbers on the Powerball website.

For those who opt for the latter, be sure to enter the date range of your drawing and your numbers to see if there was a match. Powerball will only show numbers that have won a prize.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee at 10:59 p.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Some local stations will air the drawings live, so be sure to check your local listings.

You can stream the drawings live on Powerball’s website or watch clips of the “draw show” on YouTube.

Where to buy lottery tickets

Gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores sell lottery tickets. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.

The Jackpocket app allows you to select your lottery game and numbers, place your order, view your ticket, and collect your winnings — all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.

Contributing: Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Never played Powerball before? Here's how to ask for a ticket.

Reporting by Amaris Encinas and Emily DeLetter, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect