California Lottery Player Wins Over $1.5 Million in Powerball
A California lottery player recently made headlines by winning more than $1.5 million in the Powerball drawing held on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The lucky ticket matched all five main numbers but missed the Powerball number, resulting in a prize of $1,532,761. This winning ticket was sold at Varso Gas in Escondido, bringing excitement to the local community. The winning numbers for this drawing were 27, 28, 36, 48, 49 with a Powerball of 21. The Power Play multiplier was 4x, which increases non-jackpot prizes for those who added the Power Play option to their ticket.
No one matched all six numbers in this drawing, so the jackpot rolled over and climbed to $203 million for the next scheduled drawing on Monday, February 23, 2026. The cash option for this jackpot is $94.6 million. Powerball drawings take place three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday—at approximately 7:59 p.m. ET. To win any prize in Powerball, a player must match at least one number, which must be the Powerball itself. The minimum prize for matching just the Powerball is $4. These details highlight the growing excitement and potential for big wins in California’s lottery scene.
Recent Powerball and Mega Millions Numbers in California
The Powerball numbers for the February 21, 2026, drawing were 27, 28, 36, 48, 49 with a Powerball of 21. The Power Play was 4x. In the Double Play drawing on the same night, the numbers were 3, 17, 21, 24, 35 with a Powerball of 9. No tickets matched all six numbers in the Double Play, but a prize worth $500,000 was awarded for matching five numbers plus the Powerball. These results show the variety of ways players can win and the importance of checking all numbers after each draw.
For the Mega Millions drawing on Friday, February 20, 2026, the winning numbers were 15, 40, 48, 58, 63 with a Mega Ball of 2. No jackpot winners were reported for this draw. The next Mega Millions jackpot, scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, is estimated at $438 million with a cash option of $193.1 million. Mega Millions drawings occur every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. These large jackpots continue to attract players from across California and increase anticipation for each drawing.
California’s History of Big Lottery Wins
California has a strong history of producing major lottery winners. One of the most notable recent winners is Edwin Castro, who claimed the record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot on February 14, 2023. He purchased his winning ticket at Joe’s Service Center in Altadena, California. Castro chose the lump sum payout, which was just under $1 billion, and after taxes, he reportedly walked away with $768 million as of October 2025. This win remains the largest in U.S. lottery history and demonstrates the life-changing potential of playing the lottery in California.
Other significant Powerball jackpots have also been won in California, including a $1.787 billion prize in September 2025 and a $1.765 billion jackpot in October 2023. These massive wins highlight California’s reputation as a lucky state for lottery players and show that big prizes are possible for anyone who plays.
How to Play and Win the California Lottery
To participate in the Powerball or Mega Millions lotteries, players must purchase tickets from authorized retailers. In California, tickets are available at gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Each Powerball ticket costs $2, and players can add the Power Play option for an extra $1. The Double Play feature is also available for another $1, giving players a second chance to win up to $10 million in a separate drawing.
For Mega Millions, tickets now cost $5 per play and include a multiplier feature that can increase non-jackpot prizes up to ten times the original amount. Players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24. Quick Pick options are available for those who prefer random selections. These options give players flexibility in how they play and increase their chances of winning smaller prizes.
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are about one in 292.2 million, while the odds for Mega Millions are about one in 290 million. Despite the long odds, many players continue to try their luck, hoping to join the ranks of California’s big winners. Understanding the odds and prize structure is important for anyone who wants to play responsibly.
Claiming Lottery Prizes in California
In California, lottery winners’ identities and the locations where winning tickets are sold are public record. This policy is different from some other states, such as Florida, where winners can claim prizes through trusts or LLCs to maintain privacy. California winners must claim their prizes at official lottery offices, and large prizes may require additional verification and paperwork.
Players should be aware of the rules for claiming prizes, including deadlines and documentation requirements. For smaller prizes, winners can usually claim their money at the retailer where they purchased the ticket. For larger prizes, such as those over $600, winners must visit a lottery district office. Knowing the claim process and required documents helps winners receive their prizes quickly and securely.
Responsible Play and Lottery Resources
The California Lottery encourages responsible play and provides resources for those who may need help with gambling issues. Players should remember that the lottery is a game of chance, and the odds of winning large prizes are very low. For those seeking assistance, resources such as 1-800-GAMBLER and the website www.800gambler.org are available.
Lottery officials also warn players to be cautious of scams. No legitimate lottery winner or official will ever ask for money or personal information to claim a prize. Players should only purchase tickets from authorized retailers and check results through official channels. These reminders help ensure safe participation and protect players from fraud.
Summary of Recent California Lottery Numbers and Winners
In summary, California continues to see significant lottery activity, with recent Powerball and Mega Millions drawings offering huge jackpots and producing major winners. The most recent Powerball drawing on February 21, 2026, saw a California player win over $1.5 million by matching five numbers. The next Powerball jackpot stands at $203 million, while the upcoming Mega Millions jackpot is estimated at $438 million. With a history of record-breaking wins and ongoing excitement, California remains a hotspot for lottery hopefuls. Players are reminded to play responsibly and check their tickets carefully, as even matching a few numbers can lead to substantial prizes.
