Powerball Jackpot Soars to $1.25 Billion, Spreading Holiday Cheer
The Powerball jackpot has reached an impressive $1.25 billion for the upcoming drawing on Wednesday night. This surge in the jackpot offers players across the nation a chance to win big this holiday season. Estimated cash value stands at $572.1 million.
Record-Breaking Powerball Jackpot
This current jackpot marks the second largest prize in Powerball history for 2023, behind the $1.787 billion win recorded on September 6 in Missouri and Texas. This is also only the second instance of back-to-back billion-dollar jackpots in the game’s history.
Statistics and Recent Drawings
- Jackpot cash value: $572.1 million
- Last winning jackpot: $1.787 billion (Sept. 6, 2023)
- Current drawing: 44th in the jackpot cycle
- Odds of winning any prize: 1 in 24.9
- Odds of winning the jackpot: 1 in 292.2 million
According to Iowa Lottery CEO Matt Strawn, “Powerball has only seen back-to-back billion-dollar jackpots twice. This exciting opportunity comes just in time for the holidays.” He emphasized the importance of responsible playing, stating that a single $2 ticket can support local causes while also providing a chance to win.
Winning Tickets and Prizes
In the most recent drawing, there was no jackpot winner. The drawn numbers were white balls 23, 35, 59, 63, 68, and the red Powerball 2. However, two tickets sold in Arizona and California won $1 million each by matching all five white balls.
- Winning prizes from the last draw:
- 43 tickets won $50,000
- 14 tickets won $200,000
California’s prize payouts are determined by ticket sales and the number of winners, affecting final amounts awarded.
Where and When to Play
Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, alongside the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The drawing is held live every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET, broadcast from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Florida. For those who prefer, the draws can also be viewed online at Powerball.com.
Historical Powerball Jackpots
The following list highlights the top ten jackpots in Powerball history:
| Amount | Date | Winning State(s) |
|---|---|---|
| $2.04 Billion | Nov. 7, 2022 | CA |
| $1.787 Billion | Sept. 6, 2023 | MO, TX |
| $1.765 Billion | Oct. 11, 2023 | CA |
| $1.586 Billion | Jan. 13, 2016 | CA, FL, TN |
| $1.326 Billion | April 6, 2024 | OR |
| $1.25 Billion (est.) | Dec. 17, 2023 | N/A |
| $1.08 Billion | July 19, 2023 | CA |
| $842.4 Million | Jan. 1, 2024 | MI |
| $768.4 Million | March 27, 2019 | WI |
| $758.7 Million | Aug. 23, 2017 | MA |
Since it began in 1992, Powerball has generated over $37 billion for various community initiatives supported by U.S. lotteries. The excitement surrounding the soaring jackpot is palpable, inviting millions to dream big as the holiday season approaches.
