CLIVE, Iowa — The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1 billion annuity, or $453.1 million cash option, for Saturday’s drawing.
It’s the sixth-largest jackpot in the game’s 33-year history and the biggest since a $1.08 billion prize was won in July 2023. The jackpot has been growing since May 31, the last time it was won.
Iowa ticket sales surge
Strong sales pushed Wednesday’s jackpot higher than expected. In Iowa alone, players purchased more than $1.09 million in Powerball tickets for Wednesday’s drawing, including more than $767,000 on Wednesday.
Ticket deadline reminder
The Iowa Lottery says most tickets are purchased on the day of a drawing. For Saturday, Aug. 30, sales close at 8:59 p.m.
Tickets bought after that time will still be valid, but they’ll be for a future drawing. The cut-off is automated and cannot be pushed back.
First-time players and group pools
Large jackpots often bring in first-time or occasional players. Office pools and groups of family and friends also see a big jump in activity…