Powerball jackpot rises to $65M for Groundhog Day draw

The Powerball jackpot has risen to $65 million for the upcoming February 2 draw, coinciding with Groundhog Day. The prize offers a significant opportunity for players, with smaller prizes also available, including unclaimed amounts totaling $4 million from previous draws.

The Powerball jackpot has reached $65 million for the upcoming drawing scheduled for Monday, February 2, coinciding with Groundhog Day. The winning prize offers a significant opportunity for participants, while smaller prizes also remain available, including unclaimed amounts from previous draws totaling $4 million.

Recent Powerball Win in North Carolina

Earlier this year, a North Carolina ticket matched all six numbers in a Powerball drawing, resulting in a major $209 million win. After federal and state tax deductions, the winner's final amount was $68.6 million, claimed in a single payout. This highlights the potential magnitude of Powerball jackpots and their impact on players.

Details for the February 2 Drawing

The next Powerball drawing will occur on Monday night at 10:59 p.m. ET. Players can choose five numbers from 1 to 69, and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Tickets cost $2 each, and an optional $1 Power Play multiplier can increase non-jackpot prizes by up to ten times. Winning numbers are posted shortly after each draw.

Playing Powerball

Powerball tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers in all participating jurisdictions. Players must be at least 18 years old, or older where state laws specify (21 in Arizona, 19 in Nebraska). Tickets may also be purchased online in eligible states through services like the Jackpocket app, which allows users to select games, pick numbers, place orders, and claim winnings digitally.

Powerball Draw Schedule

Powerball drawings take place three times weekly: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. If no participant wins the jackpot, it rolls over to the next drawing, increasing the prize amount. This ongoing accumulation is a key feature of the lottery system.

Eligibility to Play

Players do not need to be U.S. citizens to participate. Residents in any of the 45 participating states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands can purchase tickets legally, provided they meet the minimum age requirement. Tickets must be obtained from authorized sellers or approved online platforms.

Top Powerball Jackpots in History

• $2.04 billion – California, November
• $1.817 billion – Arkansas, December 24, 2025
• $1.787 billion – Missouri and Texas, September 6, 2025
• $1.765 billion – California, October 11, 2025
• $1.586 billion – California, Florida, Tennessee, January 13, 2016
• $1.080 billion – Oregon, April 6, 2024
• $1.080 billion – California, July 19, 2023
• $4 million – Michigan, January 1, 2024
• $4 million – Wisconsin, March 27, 2019
• $758.7 million – Massachusetts, 2017

Summary

The Powerball jackpot for February 2 presents a substantial $65 million prize, continuing the lottery's tradition of high-value winnings. Previous large jackpots demonstrate the scale of potential prizes, while current rules ensure broad accessibility for participants across the United States and U.S. territories. The Power Play option provides additional opportunities to increase non-jackpot winnings, and tickets are widely available both in retail locations and online through approved services.

Sources:

• Powerball Winning Numbers Today – Feb 2, 2026 Drawing for $65M Jackpot
• Powerball jackpot climbs to $65M for Groundhog Day drawing
• Powerball jackpot climbs to $65M for Groundhog Day drawing (Yahoo)

Author: Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a journalist covering culture, art, and literature. She is known for her creative approach and ability to produce in-depth features and interviews.