For 44 consecutive drawings, the Powerball® jackpot kept rolling, growing and refusing to be won. Starting at the beginning of May, the jackpot climbed higher and higher until it reached a jaw-dropping $1.040 BILLION.
Then, on August 12, 2026, the run finally came to an end when one ticket sold in Illinois matched all six numbers and claimed the eighth-largest Powerball jackpot in history.
Not too shabby for a $2 ticket.
But what did all that Powerball excitement mean for Minnesota?
A whole lot, actually.
During the jackpot run, Minnesota players purchased an incredible $22,666,425 in Powerball tickets.
That's more than $22 million worth of big dreams, lucky numbers and “What if I win?” moments.
And those sales had an impact that went well beyond the jackpot.
$5.5 million raised for Minnesota
An estimated $5,507,941 was raised to support the things that benefit all Minnesotans. Lottery proceeds help support the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the General Fund, responsible gambling programs and more. Each ticket may seem small on its own, but together, they create something truly meaningful for communities statewide.
So this jackpot run delivered some serious wins right here at home.
Minnesota players won!
Minnesota players had plenty of reasons to celebrate along the way.
426,720 winning tickets were sold just in Minnesota.
Our players won $2,969,947 in prizes, including 11 very lucky players that claimed the $50,000 prize.
Because while everyone loves dreaming about the BIG one, Powerball has plenty of ways to make someone's day.
Lottery retailers were in for the win too.
Minnesota retailers earned $1,246,653 in sales commissions during the jackpot run.
That's a whole lot of Powerball tickets being printed, handed across counters and tucked into wallets, purses and probably, at least a few stuck under refrigerator magnets for safekeeping.
So... what now?
The next jackpot run has already begun.
And you know how it goes... It starts again at $20 million dollars and grows from there.
Could the next big winner be from Minnesota?
You might be thinking . . . But we never bring home the big win. Think again. Minnesota has won 22 Powerball jackpots. That’s the third-most jackpot wins of any state in Powerball history.
Hey, somebody has to win. So get in the game, ‘cause the next winner could be you!