The anticipated winning numbers for the colossal $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot have been revealed. The drawn numbers are 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, with the red Powerball being 19, and the Power Play multiplier set at 2.
This jackpot stands as the fourth-largest in the history of Powerball, coming in just behind the remarkable $1.787 billion prize awarded in September to winners in Missouri and Texas. Powerball has consistently produced some of the biggest jackpots in U.S. history, with the all-time record still being the staggering $2.04 billion won in 2022.
Wednesday’s drawing represents the 47th in the current sequence of the game. Although no lucky player claimed the jackpot in Monday’s drawing, nine winning tickets earned $1 million each by matching all five white balls. These fortunate tickets were purchased across several states, including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Historically, multiple jackpots have been won on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, though none have ever surpassed the $1 billion mark. Should someone win the jackpot from the latest drawing, it would mark a significant milestone as the first ticket to do so at this level.
It’s essential for potential winners to be aware that the jackpot figure of $1.7 billion — and the corresponding lump sum of approximately $781.3 million — is calculated before taxes. Some states do not impose taxes on lottery winnings, which can affect the final amount received by the winner.
Winners have two primary options for receiving their payout: they can choose the annuitized prize plan, which involves one initial payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5%, or they can opt for a one-time lump sum. Most winners tend to prefer the lump sum option.
For those considering joining the excitement, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. However, the chances of winning smaller prizes are more favorable, starting at $4 for a ticket that costs $2. Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET, offering several opportunities for players to try their luck in hopes of securing one of the largest jackpots in history.