As the holiday season approaches, excitement builds across the nation with the Powerball jackpot soaring to an astonishing $1.5 billion, marking the fifth-largest jackpot in the lottery’s history. On Saturday, December 20, at 11 p.m. ET, a lucky winner could potentially claim a one-time cash payout of $686.5 million before taxes if their ticket matches all five numbers plus the Powerball.
The jackpot has steadily increased over the past months, rolling over 45 consecutive times since September 6. This streak began when two tickets, purchased in Missouri and Texas, won the previous second-largest jackpot of $1.787 billion.
The Powerball jackpot has been a source of fascination for lottery players, with past record-breaking wins including:
- $2.04 billion – November 7, 2022, California
- $1.787 billion – September 6, 2025, Texas and Missouri
- $1.765 billion – October 11, 2023, California
- $1.586 billion – January 13, 2016, California, Florida, Tennessee
- $1.5 billion – current jackpot
- $1.326 billion – April 6, 2024, Oregon
- $1.08 billion – July 19, 2023, California
- $842.4 million – January 1, 2024, Michigan
- $768.4 million – March 27, 2019, Wisconsin
- $758.7 million – August 23, 2017, Massachusetts
For those eager to try their luck, the winning numbers for the December 20 drawing were 4, 5, 28, 52, 69, and the Powerball was 20.
To participate in Powerball, players must purchase a ticket for $2 and select six numbers: five from the white balls numbered 1 to 69 and one red Powerball ranging from 1 to 26. Players may opt for the “Power Play” feature for an additional $1, which increases the prize multiplicatively for wins other than the jackpot. The multiplier options include: 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X.
For those who prefer convenience, a “Quick Pick” option allows tickets to be generated with random numbers. Powerball drawings occur on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. If no jackpot winner emerges, the prize continues to grow.
Lottery tickets can be purchased at various locations, including convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. In select states, tickets are also available for online purchase through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier affiliated with the USA TODAY Network, allowing players to manage their entries directly from their smartphones or computers.
As millions participate in hopes of winning life-changing sums, the thrill of the lottery continues to captivate players nationwide.
