Powerball jackpot soars to $1.1 billion for December 15 drawing - Know what the next winner could actually pocket

The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.1 billion for the December 15 drawing, sparking excitement nationwide after no winner emerged in Saturday’s draw. Players who match all six numbers can choose between a 30-year annuity starting at $1 billion with 5% annual increases or a lump-sum cash option of roughly $503.4 million before taxes.

Despite the buzz, officials stress that the chances of winning are extremely low - just 1 in 292.2 million. Powerball remains popular across 45 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, especially following September’s record $1.787 billion jackpot claimed in Missouri and Texas. Monday’s Powerball drawing marks the 43rd consecutive draw in the current jackpot cycle without a winner, setting a record for the longest streak.

According to Yahoo, in Saturday night’s drawing, seven tickets won prizes of $1 million or more. Five tickets sold in California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, and Virginia matched all five white balls to claim $1 million each. Two tickets, sold in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, also matched all five white balls and had purchased the Power Play option, doubling their prize to $2 million each.


Powerball winning numbers for December 13

The winning numbers for December 13 (Saturday): 01-28-31-57-58 and the Powerball is: 16. The Powerplay was 2X

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place on Wednesday, December 17. 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.