Powerball Jackpot Surges to $1.25 Billion

Powerball lottery ticket showing a jackpot of $1.25 billion

Louisville, KY, December 16, 2025

The Powerball jackpot has risen to an estimated $1.25 billion after no winner emerged from the latest drawing. This dramatic increase makes it one of the largest jackpots this year. Players must choose five white ball numbers and one red Powerball number to participate. The odds of winning, however, remain slim, and the next drawing is set for December 17. Lottery enthusiasts across the nation are gearing up for a chance at life-changing winnings while ensuring responsible play.

Powerball Jackpot Reaches $1.25 Billion After No Winner in Monday’s Drawing

Louisville, KY – The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.25 billion following Monday night’s drawing, where no ticket matched all six numbers. This marks the second-largest jackpot of the year. The winning numbers for the December 15 drawing were 23, 35, 59, 63, and 68, with the red Powerball being 2. The next drawing is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, at 10:59 p.m. ET and will be broadcast from the Florida Lottery’s studio in Tallahassee, also available via livestream.

While some state lotteries allow online purchases of Powerball tickets, buyers must be physically located in those states. Ticket sales deadlines vary by state. To play, participants select five white ball numbers (1 to 69) and one red Powerball number (1 to 26). The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9, though hitting the jackpot remains extremely rare, with odds significantly lower than being struck by lightning. The cash value of the current jackpot stands at approximately $572.1 million before taxes.

Recent Jackpot History

This current jackpot follows a series of significant Powerball prizes in recent years. Notably, the largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won was $2.04 billion on November 7, 2022, with the winning ticket sold at a Los Angeles-area gas station. Other substantial jackpots include $1.787 billion on September 6, 2025, and $1.765 billion on October 11, 2023, both of which were won in California. These record-breaking prizes highlight the growing frequency of billion-dollar jackpots in the U.S. lottery system.

How to Play Powerball

Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To participate, players select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Tickets cost $2 per play, and for an extra $1, players can add the Power Play option to multiply non-jackpot winnings—though the 10X Power Play is only available when jackpots are $150 million or less. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET, with the next drawing scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Odds of Winning

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. While these odds are extremely low, the allure of a life-changing prize continues to attract millions of players nationwide. For comparison, the odds of being struck by lightning are significantly higher than winning the jackpot, underscoring the rarity of such an event.

Prize Options

Winners have the option to choose between an annuitized prize, which is paid in 30 graduated payments over 29 years, or a lump-sum payment. The current estimated cash value of the jackpot is $572.1 million before taxes. Both prize options are before taxes, and the actual amount received will be subject to federal and state tax withholdings.

Responsible Play

While the prospect of winning a billion-dollar prize is enticing, it’s important for players to engage in responsible play. Lottery games are designed for entertainment, and players should only spend what they can afford to lose. For those seeking help with gambling-related issues, resources are available through state lottery commissions and national organizations.

Upcoming Drawings

The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10:59 p.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased until the sales deadline, which varies by state. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, players should consult their local lottery’s official website.

Conclusion

The Powerball jackpot’s rise to $1.25 billion underscores the game’s popularity and the potential for life-changing prizes. As the next drawing approaches, players across the nation are eagerly anticipating the possibility of becoming the next big winner. Remember to play responsibly and stay informed about the game’s rules and regulations.

FAQ

What is the current Powerball jackpot amount?

The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.25 billion following Monday night’s drawing, where no ticket matched all six numbers. This marks the second-largest jackpot of the year.

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, at 10:59 p.m. ET and will be broadcast from the Florida Lottery’s studio in Tallahassee, also available via livestream.

How do I play Powerball?

To play, participants select five white ball numbers (1 to 69) and one red Powerball number (1 to 26). The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9, though hitting the jackpot remains extremely rare, with odds significantly lower than being struck by lightning.

What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. While these odds are extremely low, the allure of a life-changing prize continues to attract millions of players nationwide.

What are the prize options for Powerball winners?

Winners have the option to choose between an annuitized prize, which is paid in 30 graduated payments over 29 years, or a lump-sum payment. The current estimated cash value of the jackpot is $572.1 million before taxes. Both prize options are before taxes, and the actual amount received will be subject to federal and state tax withholdings.

Key Features

Feature Details
Current Jackpot $1.25 billion
Next Drawing Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10:59 p.m. ET
Winning Numbers (December 15, 2025) 23, 35, 59, 63, 68; Powerball 2
Cash Value Option Approximately $572.1 million before taxes
Odds of Winning Jackpot 1 in 292.2 million
How to Play Select five white ball numbers (1 to 69) and one red Powerball number (1 to 26)
Ticket Cost $2 per play
Prize Options Annuitized prize or lump-sum payment
Responsible Play Engage in responsible play and only spend what you can afford to lose

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