It’s that time again. The hopeful buzz, the daydreaming at your desk, the simple question that can consume an entire afternoon: "What would I do with that much money?" After another drawing passed without a grand prize winner, the Powerball jackpot has once again swelled, climbing to a life-altering estimated $258 million for the drawing on Monday, October 13, 2025.
For a few bucks, you can buy a ticket and a dream. But what does it really take to win, and more importantly, what should you do if lightning strikes? Consider this your complete guide to tonight's drawing and everything that comes after. Let's dive into the numbers, the strategies, and the life-changing possibilities.
Tonight's Powerball Drawing: Monday, October 13
The moment of truth is fast approaching. Here is all the essential information for tonight's drawing:
- Estimated Jackpot: $258 Million
- Cash Value Option: $120.8 Million
- Drawing Time: 10:59 p.m. ET
- Winning Numbers for 10/13/25: (This section will be updated as soon as the results are announced)
We are monitoring the drawing and will post the official winning numbers the moment they are available. Sometimes, drawings can experience slight delays for security protocols, so check back here for the most current results.
Did Anyone Win Powerball Last Night? A Look Back
The reason we're all dreaming of a quarter-billion-dollar prize today is because no ticket matched all six numbers in the previous drawing on Saturday, October 11.
The winning numbers for that night were: 13, 16, 18, 20, 27, and the Powerball was 10. The Power Play multiplier was 2X.
While no one hit the jackpot, thousands of people across the country won smaller prizes. This is a great reminder to always check your tickets, even if you don't hit the grand prize. Matching just the Powerball gets you $4, and the prizes go up significantly from there!
You Won! (Breathe.) Now What? A Winner's Checklist
Let's indulge the fantasy for a moment. You check your numbers, and they match. All six. Your world has just been turned upside down in the best way possible. What you do in the next few hours and days is absolutely critical.
Panic is a natural reaction, but preparation is your best friend. Here are the first steps every lottery winner should take:
- Sign the Back of Your Ticket: This is the most important step. A lottery ticket is a bearer instrument, meaning whoever holds it can claim the prize. Signing it immediately makes it yours.
- Stay Quiet: Resist the urge to scream from the rooftops or post on social media. Tell only your spouse or a trusted, immediate family member. The fewer people who know, the better, at least for now.
- Assemble Your "Financial Trinity": Before you even think about heading to the lottery headquarters, you need to hire three key people: a reputable lawyer, a certified financial advisor, and a tax professional. They will help you navigate the claims process, protect your assets, and plan for your future.
- Make a Plan: With your team, you'll need to decide between the two payout options: the annuity (annual payments over 30 years) or the lump-sum cash value. Each has significant financial and tax implications.
Winning the lottery doesn't just mean you have a lot of money; it means you're now the CEO of a major financial enterprise: your own.
The Other Giant: Don't Forget the $600M Mega Millions Jackpot
As if one massive jackpot wasn't enough, the Mega Millions is also reaching astronomical heights. The jackpot for the next drawing on Tuesday, October 14, has climbed to an estimated $600 million with a cash option of $277.2 million.
The winning numbers from its last drawing on Friday, October 10, were 3, 18, 23, 32, 56, and the Mega Ball was 8.
A Quick Guide: How to Play Powerball
Feeling lucky? Getting in on the action is simple.
- Cost: Tickets are $2 each.
- The Pick: Choose five numbers from 1 to 69 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 26 (the red Powerball). You can pick your own numbers or opt for a "Quick Pick" to have them randomly generated.
- Power Play: For an extra $1 per ticket, you can add the Power Play option, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X.
- Double Play: For another $1, some states offer Double Play, a second drawing held after the main one with a top cash prize of $10 million.
Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET.
A Look Back: The Largest Jackpots in U.S. History
Today's jackpot is massive, but it's still chasing some of the legendary prizes that have captured the nation's attention. Here are the top 5 biggest lottery jackpots ever recorded in the United States:
- $2.04 Billion (Powerball): November 7, 2022 – A single ticket in California.
- $1.787 Billion (Powerball): September 6, 2025 – Winners in Missouri and Texas.
- $1.765 Billion (Powerball): October 11, 2023 – A single ticket in California.
- $1.586 Billion (Powerball): January 13, 2016 – Winners in California, Florida, and Tennessee.
- $1.58 Billion (Mega Millions): August 8, 2023 – A single ticket in Florida.
The dream of winning is alive and well tonight. Grab your ticket, check your numbers, and good luck!