A Mega Millions lottery ticket is purchased and printed in the BP on Woodward Avenue in Detroit on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.

The Powerball jackpot continues to gain momentum and value at $1.80 billion, making it the second-largest lottery jackpot in the history of the United States.

If one lucky American matches all five numbers and the Powerball on Saturday, Sept. 6, they can choose a one-time cash payment of $770.3 million.

The weekend drawing is the most lucrative jackpot since April 2024, when a lucky player in California won the top prize of $1.326 billion. The only time in the history of the Powerball that the jackpot has reached $2 billion was back in November 2022.

A look at the top 10 largest lottery drawings in the history of the U.S.

What are the top 10 lottery jackpots of all time?

The top 10 lottery jackpots consist of five Mega Millions drawings and five Powerball drawings. Interestingly, eight of the top ten drawings happened this decade, and only two took place in 2016 and 2018.

  • $2.04 billion - Powerball - Nov. 7, 2022, ticket sold in California
  • $1.80 billion - Powerball - TBD
  • $1.765 billion - Powerball - Oct. 11, 2023, ticket sold in California
  • $1.602 billion - Mega Millions - Aug. 8, 2023, ticket sold in Florida
  • $1.6 billion - Powerball - Jan. 13, 2016, tickets sold in California, Florida and Tennessee
  • $1.537 billion - Mega Millions - Oct. 23, 2018, ticket sold in South Carolina
  • $1.350 billion - Mega Millions - Jan. 13, 2023, ticket sold in Maine
  • $1.337 billion - Mega Millions - Jul. 29, 2022, ticket sold in Illinois
  • $1.326 billion - Powerball - Apr. 7, 2024, ticket sold in Oregon
  • $1.269 billion - Mega Millions - Dec. 27, 2024, ticket sold in California

Where to buy lottery tickets

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. 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, 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.

(This story has been updated with the latest Powerball jackpot of $1.8 billion as of Sept. 5, 2025)

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What are the biggest lottery jackpots of all time? See list.

Reporting by Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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