Millions of Americans are asking the same question this week: what time is the Powerball drawing tonight? The official Powerball drawing takes place at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The drawing is conducted live from a secure television studio in Tallahassee, Florida, and the winning numbers are announced to the nation within minutes. This consistent schedule ensures that Powerball players across the United States have a fair and transparent opportunity to check their tickets and dream of life-changing winnings.
A Closer Look at Powerball’s Official Drawing Schedule
The Powerball game follows a strict, nationally recognized schedule. Drawings are held three nights each week — Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays — precisely at 10:59 p.m. ET. The timing never changes, though players in different time zones must adjust accordingly.
Here’s how the drawing time converts across U.S. regions:
| Time Zone | Drawing Time |
|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 10:59 p.m. |
| Central (CT) | 9:59 p.m. |
| Mountain (MT) | 8:59 p.m. |
| Pacific (PT) | 7:59 p.m. |
The choice of 10:59 p.m. ET isn’t random. It allows enough time for ticket sales to close in every participating state, for validation processes to be completed, and for prime-time television audiences to tune in just before the night wraps up.
Behind the Scenes of the Powerball Drawing
Each drawing is conducted in a highly controlled environment to ensure fairness and transparency. The studio is secured with multiple layers of protection, including restricted access, independent auditing, and round-the-clock surveillance. Before every broadcast, lottery officials and security teams run test drawings to verify the integrity of the machines and the numbered balls.
Two separate machines are used in each Powerball draw. The first contains 69 white balls, and the second holds 26 red Powerballs. During the drawing, five white balls are randomly selected, followed by one red ball. The combination of these six numbers determines the winning sequence. Once the results are verified, they are released publicly within moments of the broadcast.
How to Watch the Powerball Drawing
Players have several convenient options for viewing the Powerball drawing live or shortly afterward:
- Television Broadcast: Local TV stations in participating states often air the Powerball drawing live at 10:59 p.m. ET.
- Online Streams: The official Powerball website and various state lottery pages post the recorded drawing soon after it airs.
- YouTube: The official Powerball channel uploads the full drawing video within minutes for on-demand viewing.
- Social Media Updates: Verified lottery accounts on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and X post the winning numbers shortly after the live broadcast.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to verify the results through trusted, official sources to avoid misinformation.
Ticket Sales Cutoff Times by State
Although the drawing time is identical nationwide, ticket sales close at different hours depending on the state. Most lotteries end ticket sales one to two hours before the drawing begins, giving officials time to process and secure all purchases.
Here’s an overview of common cutoff times in a few major states (local time):
- New York: 10:00 p.m.
- California: 7:00 p.m.
- Florida: 10:00 p.m.
- Texas: 9:00 p.m.
- Illinois: 8:59 p.m.
If you buy a ticket after the deadline, your numbers will automatically be entered into the next scheduled drawing. Players are encouraged to check local regulations, as cutoff times can vary slightly by jurisdiction.
Tonight’s Jackpot and Current Prize Structure
As of December 25, 2025, the Powerball jackpot is an estimated $378 million, with a cash value of about $179.8 million. The jackpot grows when no player matches all six winning numbers, making it one of the largest progressive jackpots in the world.
Powerball offers nine prize tiers, ensuring multiple chances to win even if the jackpot is missed. Here’s a quick breakdown of potential winnings:
| Match Combination | Estimated Prize |
|---|---|
| 5 white balls + Powerball | Jackpot |
| 5 white balls only | $1,000,000 |
| 4 white balls + Powerball | $50,000 |
| 4 white balls only | $100 |
| 3 white balls + Powerball | $100 |
| 3 white balls only | $7 |
| 2 white balls + Powerball | $7 |
| 1 white ball + Powerball | $4 |
| Powerball only | $4 |
Players can also activate the Power Play option for an extra dollar, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x, depending on the multiplier selected for that draw.
How to Check Powerball Results
After the 10:59 p.m. ET drawing, players can check their tickets using several reliable methods:
- Lottery Terminals: Authorized retailers can scan your ticket to verify if it’s a winner.
- Mobile Lottery Apps: Official apps in most states display up-to-date winning numbers and payout information.
- Televised Results: Many stations broadcast the numbers live and repeat them during late-night news segments.
- Printed Lists: Retailers often post the latest winning numbers near the counter for public viewing.
Always keep your ticket safe and signed until you confirm whether you’ve won.
How Winners Can Claim Their Prizes
Claiming a Powerball prize depends on how much you’ve won and where you purchased your ticket.
- Prizes up to $600: Usually payable directly at any licensed retailer.
- Prizes between $600 and $50,000: Must often be redeemed at a local lottery office or sent by mail with a completed claim form.
- Jackpot Prizes: Must be claimed at the state’s lottery headquarters, and the winner must present valid identification and complete tax paperwork.
Most states give winners 180 days from the draw date to claim prizes, but the rules vary, so it’s important to check with your state lottery for exact details.
Security and Fairness Measures
Each Powerball drawing is overseen by both internal officials and external auditors who ensure every rule is followed. The equipment is tested multiple times before the drawing, and the numbered balls are weighed and measured for uniformity. After the drawing, results are verified and securely transmitted for publication.
The entire process, from pre-draw testing to the release of numbers, is designed to maintain full integrity and public trust.
Why the Drawing Happens at 10:59 p.m. ET
The decision to hold the Powerball drawing at 10:59 p.m. ET was made to balance convenience and logistics. The time fits well within national television schedules, giving millions of viewers the chance to watch live. It also provides sufficient time for states in different time zones to close ticket sales, verify transactions, and prepare the official draw data.
This schedule has remained unchanged for years, becoming a familiar ritual for American lottery fans. For players in the Pacific Time Zone, the drawing happens earlier in the evening — at 7:59 p.m. PT — making it easy for them to check results before the night ends.
Powerball’s Nationwide Reach
Powerball is available in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each participating jurisdiction contributes to the overall jackpot and distributes a portion of its lottery revenue to local public programs, often supporting education, veterans’ services, and community development.
This national participation helps Powerball grow into one of the largest lottery games in the world, with jackpots frequently reaching hundreds of millions of dollars.
Odds and Responsible Gaming
While the jackpot captures most of the attention, it’s important to understand the odds involved. The chances of winning the grand prize are approximately 1 in 292.2 million, but overall odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 24.9.
Lottery organizations emphasize responsible play, encouraging participants to view the game as entertainment rather than an investment. Players should always set limits and avoid spending more than they can afford to lose.
For those who may experience gambling-related challenges, confidential help is available through the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
The Excitement of Powerball Nights
Few events bring as much national anticipation as Powerball nights. As the clock approaches 10:59 p.m. ET, millions of players stop what they’re doing to check their tickets. Some gather with family, while others quietly watch the drawing online or on television, hoping their combination of numbers appears on the screen.
The appeal of Powerball lies not only in its staggering jackpots but also in the shared experience of possibility — that fleeting moment when anyone could become a multimillionaire.
What to Remember Before the Drawing
If you’re planning to play tonight, here are key reminders to ensure your participation goes smoothly:
- Purchase your ticket before your state’s cutoff time.
- Double-check your numbers after the 10:59 p.m. ET drawing.
- Sign your ticket immediately to protect ownership.
- Store it in a safe place until results are confirmed.
- Review your prize-claiming options early if you win.
Preparation and awareness make it easier to enjoy the excitement responsibly.
Final Word
Knowing what time is the Powerball drawing gives you the edge to never miss the big moment. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET, players across the country tune in with hope, anticipation, and excitement. Whether you’re watching on TV, checking online, or simply waiting for the numbers to appear on your phone, that moment unites millions of Americans in a single, thrilling experience.
Watch closely, play wisely, and share your Powerball story in the comments below!