Powerball jackpot rises to $1.7 billion before Christmas Eve
The New York Lottery announced today that one winning ticket for the top prize in the December 21st TAKE 5 EVENING drawing has been sold.
Fox – 5 New York
Hoping for a big win? Christmas Eve could be your lucky night when the Powerball drawing is drawn again, giving you a chance to win an estimated $1.7 billion, the fourth-largest prize in the history of the game.
But if no one wins the $781.3 million cash-value Powerball jackpot on Wednesday, December 24th, an even bigger payout will be returned on Saturday, December 27th.
Here’s what you need to know about tonight’s drawing and the biggest Powerball lottery jackpot ever won.
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
- $1.7 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 Wednesday, December 24th at 10:59pm ET.
How to play Powerball
To participate in the Powerball lottery, 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 onlineJackpocket, 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). visitjackpocket.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_.
