Powerball Jackpot Hits $950M: Fairgoers Rush to Buy Tickets

Powerball Jackpot Prize Climbs to $950 Million

The Powerball jackpot has surged to $950 million for the Saturday, August 30, 2025 drawing, making it one of the largest jackpots in the game’s history. If a winner chooses the lump-sum option, the cash prize would be around $428.9 million before taxes, according to Powerball officials.

The jackpot has been rolling over since May 31, 2025, when a single ticket in California claimed $118 million. Since then, there have been 39 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner.

Fairgoers Rush to Buy Powerball Tickets

Due to the Powerball jackpot soaring to $950 million, there has been excitement in many locations across the country. People attending events such as the Great New York State Fair are purchasing hopeful Powerball dreams at ticket sales points and feeling the excitement as they live through the experience and wait in line for a  chance to get the one ticket that could change their lives forever.

Lottery agent Joan Hodgens, who has worked at the fair for years, explained why buying tickets on-site is so popular:

“There are so many incentives with the promotions we do. We do a lot of promotions, we pass out a lot of freebies, and we give away some free instant-win tickets. They loved that. I think it adds to the atmosphere and makes the process a little more enjoyable."

For many, the fair is not just about games and rides—it’s also about chasing dreams of becoming a multi-millionaire.

What Players Are Saying

According to CNY Central Fairgoers shared their hopes for what they’d do if they won:

• Joe Palunbl, who bought several tickets, said: “First thing is to pay off my house and cars, then secure my daughter’s future. If there’s still enough left, I’d love to travel the world.”
• Players shared their plans for their winnings. Some wanted to donate to charity, others mentioned starting a business and one person just wanted to be comfortable. 

The energy at the fair shows how fast lottery fever can become a reality, especially as Powerball jackpots close in on the billion-dollar range.

The Odds and the Reality

While the $950 million jackpot is tempting, the odds of winning remain extremely slim—1 in 292.2 million, according to Powerball.

Experts caution players to treat it as entertainment, not investment:

• Nearly one-third of lottery winners eventually face financial troubles or even bankruptcy due to mismanaged windfalls.
• A Connecticut man’s story shared by MarketWatch shows the risks of addiction—he lost over $1 million on lottery tickets before seeking help.

Key Details for Saturday’s Drawing