The odds of winning Powerball and Mega Millions are not in your favor
The odds of winning the jackpot with Mega Millions or Powerball are approximately 1 in 292 million. Here, we will introduce things that are more likely to be obtained than large sums of money.
The Powerball jackpot was estimated at $1.6 billion, making it the fourth-largest jackpot in the game’s history.
If no one wins the Powerball jackpot with a cash value of $735.3 million on Monday, Dec. 22, the prize will increase again.
2025 was a big year for Powerball. The September jackpot reached $1.787 billion, making it the second-highest amount in the game’s history. Two people from Montana and Texas won the jackpot.
The largest jackpot (estimated at $2.04 million) was won in California in November 2022. This is the only time in Powerball history that the jackpot has reached $2 billion.
Here’s what you need to know about Powerball’s max jackpot ahead of the next drawing.
What are the top 10 Powerball jackpots?
- $2.04 billion – acquired in California on November 7, 2022
- $1.787 billion – won in Montana and Texas on September 6, 2025
- $1.765 billion – acquired in California on October 11, 2023
- $1.6 billion – no winner yet
- $1.586 billion – acquired on January 13, 2016 in California, Florida, and Tennessee
- $1.326 Billion – Earned in Oregon on April 6, 2024
- $1.08 billion – acquired in California on July 19, 2023
- $842.4 million – earned in Michigan on January 1, 2024
- $768.4 million – acquired in Wisconsin on March 27, 2019
- $758.7 million – acquired in Massachusetts on August 23, 2017
When is the next Powerball drawing?
The next drawing will take place on Monday, December 22nd, just after 11pm ET.
What are the winning Powerball numbers for December 20, 2025?
The winning numbers for Saturday, December 20th are: 4, 5, 28, 52, 69and Powerball is 20. The multiplier for “power play” is 3X.
The lottery winning numbers sponsors are: Jackpocket, USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery delivery company.
How to play Powerball
To play Powerball, you must purchase a $2 ticket. This can be done at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, you can purchase Powerball tickets online.
Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls with numbers from 1 to 69. The red Powerball range is 1-26. You can also add a “Power Play” for $1, which increases your winnings on all non-jackpot prizes.
“Power Play” multipliers allow you to increase your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.
If you’re feeling unlucky or just want to let the computer do the work for you, you can take advantage of the “Quick Pick” option, where a computer-generated number is printed on your Powerball ticket. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls with the red Powerball in any order.
Powerball drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. The winnings continue to increase even if no one wins the jackpot.
Where to buy lottery tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online Jackpocket, USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery delivery companythese states and territories of the United States: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to select your lottery games and numbers, place your order, view your tickets, and claim your winnings, all from your mobile phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery carrier of USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue from viewer referrals to the Jackpocket Service. Must be 18 years or older, 21 years or older in Arizona, 19 years or older in Nebraska. Not affiliated with any state lottery. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (ALL OTHERS). visit jackpocket.com/tos Over the entire period.
Julia is a trends reporter for USA TODAY, covering scientific research and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn ×Instagram, TikTok: @juliamaigz or email jgomez@hannett.com
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
