Powerball jackpot soars to $1.7 billion for December 24 drawing - How much the next winner could actually pocket on Christmas Eve

The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.7 billion for the December 24 drawing after no ticket matched all six numbers in Monday's draw, sparking renewed excitement nationwide. The winner will have the option to take the full $1.7 billion prize as a 30-year annuity with annual payments increasing by 5%, or a one-time lump-sum cash payout estimated at $781.3 million before taxes.

Lottery officials continue to stress that the odds of winning the jackpot remain extremely low, at 1 in 292.2 million. Despite the long odds, Powerball draws strong participation across 45 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Interest has remained high following September’s record-breaking $1.787 billion jackpot, which was won by ticket holders in Missouri and Texas.

The upcoming Wednesday drawing will also mark the 47th straight drawing without a grand prize winner, setting a new record for the longest jackpot streak in Powerball history. Notably, this is only the second time the game has seen consecutive jackpots surpass the $1 billion mark.


Powerball winning numbers for December 22

The winning numbers for December 22 (Monday): 03-18-36-41-54 and the Powerball is: 07. The Powerplay was 2X

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place on Wednesday, December 24. 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.