California Schools Are Already Winning Powerball® -You Play, Schools Win – Every Time
PRESS RELEASE
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2025
California Schools Are Already Winning Powerball®
Bigger Jackpots Mean More Money for Public Education
SACRAMENTO – Tonight’s Powerball draw is a big one, and it’s not just about the excitement of winning. Updated just this morning, the estimated top prize comes in as the 6th largest Powerball jackpot in history, $850 million. The estimated cash value of tonight’s jackpot is $383.7 million.
Making millionaires still comes in second as a point of excitement for the California Lottery. The mission of the Lottery, since its inception 40 years ago this October, is to raise extra money for California public schools, and in this regard – big jackpots are big wins for that mission.
So far, from the past 37 draws since the last time the Powerball jackpot was won on May 31, more than 68 million Powerball tickets have been sold in California, raising over $57 million for public education in the state.
Current Top Ten Powerball Jackpots
- $2.04 billion – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA
- $1.765 billion – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA
- $1.586 billion – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN
- $1.326 billion – April 6, 2024 - OR
- $1.08 billion – July 19, 2023 – CA
- $850 million (estimated) – Aug. 27, 2025
- $842.4 million – January 1, 2024 – MI
- $768.4 million – March 27, 2019 – WI
- $758.7 million – Aug. 23, 2017 – MA
- $754.6 million – Feb. 6, 2023 - WA
You Play, Schools Win – Every Time
For the past 25 years, the California Lottery has contributed at least $1 billion in supplemental to California public schools each and every year. Some years, that’ figure has been more than $2 billion. An incredible 95% of the revenue from the sale of Lottery games returns to California communities in the form of prize payments, retailer compensation, and funding for education. California Lottery funds support programs providing career technical education, music, dance, athletics, and more.
Play It Safe, Play Responsibly
The California Lottery has been certified by the World Lottery Association at the highest level for its commitment to responsible gaming. It has maintained this certification for a decade. Players are reminded to play responsibly and that help is available from several sources if you or someone you know is experiencing a gambling problem.
- Resources for Recovery
California Problem Gambling Helpline
1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
- Text "SUPPORT" to 53342 to get more information about problem gambling behavior. Normal text messaging rates apply.
- Gambler’s Anonymous, International Service Office
1-855-222-5542 (1-855-2-Call-GA)
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