California Lottery today: $400M Powerball tonight, El Cajon wins $1.84M, and Mega Millions’ new $5 era hits its stride

The California Lottery heads into the first weekend of November with fresh momentum: Powerball’s jackpot is set around $400 million for tonight’s drawing, a newly minted $1.84 million ticket was sold in El Cajon, and the revamped Mega Millions—now a $5 play with a built-in multiplier—continues to reshape how Californians chase big prizes. With holiday travel ramping up and more casual players jumping in, here’s the quick state of play—and how to avoid common missteps.

Powerball in California: why tonight matters

Powerball’s pot returns to center stage this evening with a headline figure around $400 million (cash option substantially lower before taxes). California’s pari-mutuel payout rules still apply to non-jackpot tiers, which means second- and third-prize amounts can vary from what players see in other states. Practical takeaways for tonight:

• Buy timing: Lines build late; purchase earlier in the day to dodge cut-off crunch.

• Check twice: If you’re playing multiple draws, confirm the draw date printed on your ticket matches your plan.

• Group play: If you’re pooling at work or with friends, photograph the ticket and share a list of contributors before the draw.

$1.84M in El Cajon: what happens next for a big California winner

A ticket sold at a Circle K in El Cajon matched five numbers (without the Powerball), good for roughly $1.84 million in the most recent draw. The winner has time to come forward—California allows a lengthy claims window—but sooner is safer:

• Secure the slip: Sign the back immediately, store it in a dry, private place, and photograph front/back.

• Assemble docs: A valid ID and a completed claim form are standard; larger prizes are processed at district offices or the headquarters level.

• Plan the reveal: California disclosures differ by prize and game; consult guidance before media attention finds you.

Mega Millions in California: the $5 switch and what it changes

California’s Mega Millions adopted a $5 price point earlier this year. The trade-off for the higher cost: a built-in multiplier on every play (2x–10x) for non-jackpot prizes and improved overall odds of winning something. Key differences players are noticing:

• No breakeven prize: Payouts are structured so any win exceeds the ticket price.

• Faster jackpot growth: Higher entry cost and multiplier mechanics push rollovers upward more quickly.

• Playslip update: If you pick your own numbers, make sure you’re using the new playslip at retailers.

Scratchers and Second Chance: holiday surge ahead

With travel season starting, retailers report a bump in Scratchers and 2nd Chance entries. A few quick best practices:

• Check end-of-game dates: Claim periods for Scratchers typically run 180 days from a game’s end; don’t sit on winners.

• Scan everything: Use the official app’s “Check-A-Ticket” feature—partial scratching or misreading barcodes leads to avoidable misses.

• 2nd Chance cadence: Enter non-winners promptly; it’s easy to forget once the holidays hit full speed.

How to claim California Lottery prizes: the essential checklist

• Draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions, SuperLotto Plus, etc.): Generally 180 days from the draw date to claim.

• Scratchers: 180 days from the game’s announced end date.

• Over $600: Expect additional verification and processing time; direct-deposit options are not instantaneous.

• Taxes: California does not tax state lottery prizes, but federal withholding applies above certain thresholds—consult a tax professional before making big commitments.

Responsible play: keep the odds—and your budget—in view

Jackpots make headlines; budgets keep holidays happy. Set a number before you enter the store, consider small Quick Pick buys rather than chasing patterns, and remember that the lottery’s primary mission in California includes generating funds that support public education across the state.

What to watch next

• Tonight: Powerball drawing with the $400M headline.

• Early week: Mega Millions resets after the Halloween-week draw and continues under the $5 format.

• Retail promos: Expect seasonal displays and limited-time Scratchers to populate counters through November.

If you’re playing, play early, scan every ticket, and treat the big numbers as entertainment—not a plan. May your barcodes be legible and your claims on time.