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 rose to $1.25 billion for the Wednesday, December 17th drawing after no one won the top prize on Monday, December 15th.
If the ticket matches all five numbers and the Powerball in the 11 p.m. ET drawing, the winner can opt for a one-time cash payment of $572.1 million before taxes.
2025 was a historic year for Powerball. Back in September, two tickets sold in Montana and Texas won the game’s second-largest jackpot in history, at an estimated $1.787 billion.
Here’s what you need to know about winning numbers.
Powerball winning numbers for December 17, 2025
The winning numbers for Wednesday, December 17th drawing are 25, 33, 53, 62, 66 and 17 for Powerball. The “power play” multiplier is 4x.
The lottery winning numbers sponsors are: Jackpocket is the official digital lottery carrier of the USA TODAY Network.
Has anyone won Powerball?
Powerball winners will be posted here as soon as they are announced by lottery officials.
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 20th at just after 11pm ET.
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 and 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 choose your lottery games and numbers, place your order, check your tickets, and claim your winnings, all using your 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_.
