Powerball, Mega Millions jackpot: What you need to know if you win
Here’s what you need to know if you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
FAQ only, USA TODAY
Someone in Arkansas is having a very merry Christmas.
A Powerball player there has a winning ticket for Wednesday night’s game’s $1.817 billion jackpot drawing. The winner, who has so far not been announced, can choose between an annuitized prize of $1.817 billion or a lump sum of $834.9 million (both prize options are pre-tax).
If the winner chooses the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments increasing by 5% each year.
Last night’s jackpot rose to $1.817 billion based on strong final ticket sales, making it the second-largest jackpot in U.S. Lottery history and the largest Powerball prize this year. 2025 will be the second time the Powerball jackpot will exceed $1 billion.
“Congratulations to the latest Powerball jackpot winners! This is truly an extraordinary, life-changing prize,” Matt Strahan, Powerball Product Group Chairman and Iowa Lottery CEO, said in a news release. “We also want to thank all the players who participated in this jackpot streak. Every ticket purchased helps support public programs and services across the country.” The Powerball jackpot was reset to $20 million for the drawing on Saturday, Dec. 27. With an advertised jackpot of less than $150 million, the Power Play 10X multiplier becomes playable.
Powerball winning numbers for December 24, 2025
The winning numbers for Wednesday, December 24th drawing are: 4, 25, 31, 52, 59 and the powerball 19. The multiplier for “power play” is 2x.
The lottery winning numbers sponsors are: Jackpocket, USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery delivery company.
Has anyone won Powerball?
yes. One ticket sold in Arkansas matched all six numbers drawn last night, winning a $1.817 billion jackpot.
To find a complete list of past Powerball winners, go to Click on the link to the lottery website.
When is the next Powerball drawing?
The next drawing will take place on Saturday, December 27th at just after 11pm ET.
What are the top 10 Powerball jackpots?
- $2.04 billion – sold in California on November 7, 2022
- $1.817 billion – sold in Arkansas on December 24, 2025
- $1.787 billion – auctioned in Montana and Texas on September 6, 2025
- $1.765 billion – sold in California on October 11, 2023
- $1.586 billion – sold in California, Florida, and Tennessee on January 13, 2016
- $1.326 billion – sold in Oregon on April 6, 2024
- $1.08 billion – sold in California on July 19, 2023
- $842.4 million – sold in Michigan on January 1, 2024
- $768.4 million – sold in Wisconsin on March 27, 2019
- $758.7 million – sold in Massachusetts on August 23, 2017
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.
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_.
