If you’ve been wondering what time is the Powerball drawing tonight, here’s the quick answer: the official Powerball drawing takes place at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. This schedule has remained consistent through 2025, with drawings conducted live from the Florida Lottery studio in Tallahassee. Whether you’re playing from New York, Texas, or California, this is the one time to watch for those life-changing numbers.
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The Official Powerball Drawing Time
The Powerball drawing occurs three times a week — every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. This timing is standardized across the U.S., meaning that players in different time zones need to adjust accordingly:
| 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. |
Each drawing is conducted using two machines — one for the five white balls and another for the red Powerball. The entire process is tightly monitored by independent auditors to ensure fairness and transparency.
Where and How the Powerball Drawings Take Place
All Powerball drawings happen at the Florida Lottery’s official draw studio in Tallahassee, Florida. The location has hosted Powerball draws since 2009, when the Multi-State Lottery Association partnered with the Florida Lottery.
The process begins about 15 minutes before the televised drawing, with security checks, pre-tests, and verification of the equipment. These tests ensure that the drawing machines and ball sets are functioning correctly and randomly. Once confirmed, the official drawing begins at 10:59 p.m. ET sharp.
How to Watch the Powerball Drawing Live
You can watch the Powerball drawing in several ways, depending on your location and preferred platform:
- Television: Many local stations across the U.S. broadcast the Powerball drawing live.
- Online: Stream the drawing directly from the official Powerball website.
- YouTube: The official Powerball channel uploads every drawing shortly after it airs live.
- Social Media: Lottery organizations often post winning numbers and clips from the drawing minutes after the live broadcast.
Ticket Sale Deadlines by State
While the drawing time is the same nationwide, ticket sales close at different times depending on state regulations. Most states stop sales one to two hours before the drawing begins. Here are examples of cutoff times in a few 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.
Buying a ticket after the cutoff means your entry will count for the next drawing.
Tonight’s Jackpot and Current Payout Details
As of December 25, 2025, the Powerball jackpot stands at an estimated $378 million, with a cash value of approximately $179.8 million.
When players win the jackpot, they have two payout options:
- Annuity Option: 30 annual payments over 29 years, increasing by 5% each year.
- Cash Option: A single lump-sum payment equal to the jackpot’s present cash value.
Smaller prizes range from $4 for matching only the Powerball to $1 million for matching all five white balls without the Powerball.
Understanding the Powerball Drawing Process
The drawing follows a transparent and standardized process:
- Two machines are used — one with 69 white balls and one with 26 red Powerballs.
- Five white balls are drawn first, followed by one red Powerball.
- Results are verified immediately by independent auditors before being made public.
- Winning numbers are posted within minutes on official lottery platforms.
Every Powerball machine and set of balls undergoes rigorous pre-draw testing and certification before use. This ensures each drawing is entirely random and fair.
Where to Check the Winning Numbers
After the 10:59 p.m. ET drawing, players can confirm the results in several places:
- Official Lottery Websites: Updated within minutes of the draw.
- Lottery Apps: Verified mobile apps show real-time winning numbers.
- Retailers: Most ticket retailers can print the latest winning numbers upon request.
Always verify results through official and trusted sources to ensure accuracy.
How to Claim Powerball Prizes
If you’re lucky enough to win, the process of claiming your prize depends on the amount:
- Prizes up to $600: Can usually be claimed at any authorized retailer.
- Prizes between $600 and $50,000: Typically must be claimed at a regional lottery office or mailed to the state lottery headquarters.
- Jackpot prizes: Must be claimed in person at the state’s main lottery office, often requiring an appointment and identity verification.
Most states allow 180 days from the draw date to claim prizes, though this can vary. Always check the specific rules for your state.
Historical Context: Why 10:59 p.m.?
The 10:59 p.m. ET drawing time was established to ensure nationwide synchronization and allow participation across all U.S. time zones. It accommodates prime-time television schedules and gives states adequate time to process ticket sales.
This time also aligns with Powerball’s partner game, Mega Millions, which draws at 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Fridays — ensuring the two major U.S. lottery draws never overlap.
Powerball’s National Impact
Powerball is available in 45 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game contributes billions in revenue each year to public programs, primarily education and infrastructure.
Every drawing generates excitement nationwide, with millions tuning in or checking their tickets online moments after 10:59 p.m. ET. The consistency of the drawing schedule and transparent process have helped maintain Powerball’s credibility for over three decades.
Responsible Play Reminder
While dreaming big is part of the fun, remember that Powerball is a game of chance. Players are encouraged to spend responsibly and understand that the odds of hitting the jackpot are approximately 1 in 292.2 million. Smaller prizes, however, are much more attainable, with overall odds of winning any prize at about 1 in 24.9.
If you or someone you know struggles with gambling, resources like the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) are available 24/7 for confidential support.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what time is the Powerball drawing ensures you never miss your chance to see if your numbers come up. The drawing happens promptly at 10:59 p.m. ET on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays — a moment that brings together millions of hopeful players across the country.
Whether you’re tuning in from your living room or checking results online, that one minute could change your life forever.
Stay tuned, play responsibly, and feel free to share your Powerball experience in the comments below!
