Powerball jackpot climbs to $45 million for December 31 drawing - Here's what the next winner could actually pocket

The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $45 million for the December 31 drawing after no ticket matched all six numbers on Monday, sparking renewed excitement nationwide. Winners can choose the full $45 million paid as a 30-year annuity with 5% annual increases or a one-time lump sum of about $20.7 million before taxes, reported USA Today.

Lottery officials remind players that the odds of winning the jackpot remain extremely low at 1 in 292.2 million. Despite this, Powerball continues to be popular across 45 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Interest surged on Christmas Eve when an Arkansas man won a record $1.817 billion jackpot, the second-largest in US history. The single ticket matched all six numbers - 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and Powerball 19 - with a 2x multiplier, resulting in a lump-sum payout of $834.9 million. It was only the second Powerball jackpot win in Arkansas, following the state’s first in 2010.


Powerball winning numbers for December 29

The winning numbers for December 29 (Monday) are 11-19-34-48-53 and the Powerball is: 21. The Powerplay was 2X

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place on Wednesday, December 31. Drawings are held three times per week at approximately 10:59 PM ET every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

What is the Powerball payout?

• Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot
• Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
• Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000
• Match 4 White Balls: $100
• Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100
• Match 3 White Balls: $7
• Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7
• Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4
• Match Powerball: $4
• Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million
• Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000
• Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400
• Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400
• Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28
• Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28
• Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16
• Match Powerball with Power Play: $16

Deadline to buy Powerball tickets

The Powerball ticket purchase deadline varies by state, so one shouldn’t wait until the last minute. In New Jersey, sales close at 9:59PM on the day of the drawing, while in New York, the cutoff is 10PM.

How to play Powerball?

Powerball tickets cost $2 each, with an optional Power Play for an additional $1, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 5x (except for the jackpot and Match 5), and up to 10x if the jackpot is under $150 million.

Each player chooses five numbers from 1 to 69 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball. A quick pick option is also available by the lottery machine which randomly generates numbers.

Prizes range from $4 for matching only the Powerball to $1 million for matching all five white balls (except in California), and the jackpot for matching all six numbers.

How many states have Powerball?

Powerball is available in 45 states, along with Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, making it one of the most widely played lottery games in the United States.

How to buy Powerball tickets?

Powerball tickets can be bought in person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals.

Alternatively, tickets can be purchased online through the Jackpocket app in select states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington DC, and West Virginia.

The Jackpocket app lets players choose their game and numbers, place orders, view tickets, and collect winnings directly from their phone or home computer, providing a convenient digital alternative to in-person purchases.