POWERBALL© jackpot streaks: How long can it grow?

Few multi-state draw games can match the scale and suspense of POWERBALL©. With each rollover, the jackpot climbs higher, often capturing headlines and sparking interest from across the country. 

But just how long can a POWERBALL© jackpot streak continue before someone matches all six numbers? In recent years, these streaks have been setting new records—and West Virginia players have been right in the middle of the action.

Here’s a look at how POWERBALL© jackpot streaks build, what causes them to stretch for weeks or months, and how you can follow every POWERBALL draw in real time.

How jackpot streaks start—and keep growing

Each POWERBALL© jackpot begins at a base amount of $20 million, which increases every time there’s no grand prize winner. The amount it grows between draws depends on ticket sales and interest rates tied to the annuity value. If no one matches all five white balls and the red POWERBALL© number, the jackpot prize rolls over.

This cycle of non-winning draws is what creates a “jackpot streak”—and they can last for dozens of drawings. For example, a recent streak went 42 consecutive draws before a ticket landed the jackpot, marking the longest streak in the game’s history. And the longer the streak, the bigger the jackpot.

What makes POWERBALL© streaks particularly notable is that even during a long run without a jackpot winner, players continue to win across other prize tiers. West Virginia players have claimed prizes ranging from $4 to $100,000, while the jackpot itself continued to grow.

When and where to watch the POWERBALL© draw

POWERBALL© draws occur three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET. Tickets must be purchased by 9:59 PM ET on draw days to qualify. Drawings can be watched live or followed online, and results are posted shortly after the numbers are selected.

For the most current updates and to view prize tier breakdowns, visit the official POWERBALL© page on the West Virginia Lottery website. You’ll find results from recent draws, odds, prize details, and information on how to play both in person and online.

How to participate during a jackpot streak

Whether the jackpot is at $50 million or pushing past the billion-dollar mark, you can enter any POWERBALL© draw by purchasing a ticket from a licensed retailer or by playing online through iPLAY, West Virginia Lottery’s secure online platform.

To play, choose:

• Five numbers from 1 to 69

• One POWERBALL© number from 1 to 26

Each play costs $2, and you can add the Power Play feature for an additional $1 to potentially multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times.

Online play through iPLAY gives you the option to use Auto-Renew to schedule recurring entries or Jackpot Chase, which allows you to set a jackpot threshold. With Jackpot Chase enabled, a ticket will be automatically purchased when the prize hits the amount you’ve selected—perfect for following a long-running jackpot streak without missing a draw.

How long can a streak last?

There’s no set number of draws before a jackpot must be won. POWERBALL© is governed by random number generation, and each draw is independent of the last. That means a jackpot could be hit on the next draw—or continue to grow for weeks.

What’s certain is that interest typically builds with the size of the prize. More players enter when the jackpot crosses major milestones like $500 million or $1 billion. When the top prize is finally won, the jackpot resets—and the cycle begins again.

Stay in the game, responsibly

Whether you’re a regular participant or just checking in when the numbers grow large, POWERBALL© is available to you both online and at retail locations across West Virginia. Visit the POWERBALL© draw page to stay informed and play on your terms, utilizing the tools available through iPLAY.

And remember, while the streak might continue, each draw is a game of chance. Always play responsibly and within your limits.