NJ Player Hits $500K Jackpot in Powerball Double Play
New Jersey Resident Wins $500,000 in Powerball Double Play Drawing
Published: August 12, 2026 • 9:05 a.m. ET
By: Risha Inaganti, Courier-Post
The Big Win: What Happened?
One very lucky person from New Jersey woke up half a million dollars richer after the Powerball Double Play drawing on August 10, 2026. Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Prize Won: $500,000 (that’s half a million dollars!)
- Drawing Date: August 10, 2026
- Winner: A New Jersey resident (name and town not shared publicly)
- How They Won: Matched all 5 white balls but missed the Double Play ball
Important Point: The winner nabbed the second-tier prize. If they’d also matched the special Double Play ball, they could’ve won up to $10 million!
The Winning Numbers
| Ball Type | Numbers |
|---|---|
| White Balls (5) | 4 • 23 • 31 • 32 • 57 |
| Double Play Ball | 23 |
The winner’s ticket had the first five numbers exactly right. The Double Play ball (23) was the only one they missed.
What Is Powerball Double Play? (ELI5 Version)
Think of Powerball like a two-in-one game ticket.
The Main Game (Regular Powerball)
- You pick numbers for the big jackpot drawing (starts at $20 million!).
- Tickets cost $2 per play.
The Add-On: Double Play
- For just $1 more per play, you can add Double Play.
- It enters your same numbers into a separate, second drawing right after the main one.
- Top prize in Double Play: Up to $10 million!
- Nine prize levels total — from $4 all the way up.
Key Takeaway: Double Play is optional. You don’t have to buy it. But for $1, you get two chances to win with one set of numbers.
How to Play Double Play (Step-by-Step)
- Buy a Powerball ticket ($2 per play).
- Ask for “Double Play” — tell the clerk or select it online.
- Pay $1 extra per play (so $3 total for one play with Double Play).
- Use the same numbers for both drawings.
- Watch two drawings:
- First: Regular Powerball (jackpot + other prizes)
- Second: Double Play (up to $10M top prize)
- Check your ticket — you could win in one, both, or neither drawing!
Prize Cheat Sheet (Quick Look)
| Feature | Starting Jackpot | Top Prize (Non-Jackpot) | Prize Levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Powerball | $20 million | $1 million ($2M with Power Play) | 9 |
| Double Play (add-on) | — | $10 million | 9 |
Note: Power Play (another $1 add-on) multiplies non-jackpot prizes in the main game. Double Play is a totally separate drawing with its own big prizes.
Summary
- A New Jersey player won $500,000 in the August 10 Double Play drawing.
- They matched 5 white balls (4-23-31-32-57) but missed the Double Play ball (23).
- Double Play is a $1 add-on to a Powerball ticket.
- It gives you a second drawing with the same numbers — top prize $10 million.
- Winner’s identity stays private (New Jersey allows anonymity).
FAQ: Your Double Play Questions Answered
1. Do I have to play Double Play to win Powerball?
Nope! Double Play is 100% optional. You can play regular Powerball alone for $2.
2. Can I pick different numbers for Double Play?
No — your same numbers are used in both drawings. That’s the deal: one pick, two chances.
3. What if I win both drawings?
You collect both prizes! They’re completely separate.
4. Is the Double Play drawing on TV?
Usually not televised live, but results are posted immediately after the main Powerball drawing on the NJ Lottery website and app.
5. Can I stay anonymous if I win big in New Jersey?
Yes! New Jersey is one of the few states that lets lottery winners keep their name and town private.
Risha Inaganti covers trending stories across South Jersey for the Courier-Post. Got a tip? Email her at rinaganti@usatodayco.com.