The Powerball lottery jackpot has reached an astonishing estimated $1.5 billion for the drawing on Saturday, December 20, 2025. This remarkable sum marks the fifth largest Powerball jackpot in history and the seventh largest across all U.S. lottery games. For players opting for a one-time cash payout, the prize amounts to approximately $689.3 million.
The jackpot had previously gone unclaimed since September 6, when two players from Missouri and Texas split a record-breaking $1.787 billion top prize, which is recognized as the second largest Powerball jackpot ever.
In addition, the Mega Millions lottery is currently offering a jackpot of $100 million, boasting a cash option of $45.5 million.
The winning numbers for the December 20, 2025 Powerball drawing were 4, 5, 28, 52, 69, and the Powerball number was 20. The Powerplay multiplier for this drawing was 3x.
For those who are keen participants in the lottery, it’s important to know that Powerball drawings occur three times a week—every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Players can purchase tickets up until certain deadlines which vary by state. For instance, in New Jersey, the cutoff is at 9:59 p.m. on the day of the drawing, while in New York, it’s 10 p.m.
Playing Powerball is straightforward: for $2, a player selects five numbers from a pool of 1 to 69, along with one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Additionally, players can enhance their potential winnings by opting for the Power Play feature for an extra dollar, which can multiply winnings (excluding the jackpot) by up to five times.
Lottery tickets can be bought at various retail locations including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. For those who prefer digital options, the Jackpocket app allows users to order tickets online in several states, providing a convenient alternative for purchasing lottery tickets.
The excitement of the lottery draws continued with players eagerly anticipating their chance at life-changing wins. While the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are incredibly slim at 1 in 292 million, the thrill of participating and the hope for fortune keeps players optimistic.
For individuals looking to manage their gambling habits, resources are available including the National Council on Problem Gambling. The ability to potentially remain anonymous after winning varies by state, with New Jersey allowing winners to keep their identities private under recent legislation. In contrast, other states may require disclosure.
With such huge jackpots on the line, the dreams of millions are alive as players look forward to future drawings. The ongoing popularity of the Powerball continues to captivate individuals across the nation, fuelling hope and excitement in the pursuit of life-altering prizes.