Here's what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Someone in Arkansas is having a very merry Christmas.
A Powerball player there holds the winning ticket from Wednesday night's drawing for the game's $1.817 billion jackpot. The winner, who so far hasn't gone public, can choose between an annuitized prize of $1.817 billion or a lump sump payment of $834.9 million (both prize options are before taxes).
If the winner opts for the annuity option, they will get one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year.
Last night's jackpot rose to $1.817 billion based on brisk final ticket sales, pushing the jackpot to the the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won and the largest Powerball prize this year. It was the second time in 2025 a Powerball jackpot has surpassed the one billion dollar mark.
"Congratulations to the newest Powerball jackpot winner! This is truly an extraordinary, life-changing prize," said Matt Strawn, Powerball product group chair and Iowa Lottery CEO, in a news release. "We also want to thank all the players who joined in this jackpot streak - every ticket purchased helps support public programs and services across the country."The Powerball jackpot now resets to $20 million for the Saturday, Dec. 27 drawing. The Power Play 10X multiplier will be available for play since the advertised jackpot is below $150 million.
Powerball winning numbers for 12/24/2025
The winning numbers for the Wednesday, Dec. 24, drawing were: 4, 25, 31, 52, 59 and the Powerball is 19. The "Power Play" multiplier was 2x.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Did anyone win the Powerball?
Yes. A single ticket sold in Arkansas matched all six numbers drawn last night to win the $1.817 billion jackpot.
To find the full list of previous Powerball winners, click the link to the lottery's website.
When is the next Powerball drawing?
The next drawing will take place on Saturday, Dec. 27, just after 11 p.m. ET.
What are the top 10 Powerball jackpots?
How to play the Powerball
To play the Powerball, you have to buy a ticket for $2. You can do this at a variety of locations, including your local convenience store, gas station or even grocery store. In some states, Powerball tickets can be bought online.
Once you have your ticket, you need to pick six numbers. Five of them will be white balls with numbers from 1 to 69. The red Powerball ranges from 1 to 26. People can also add a "Power Play" for $1, which increases the winning for all non-jackpot prizes.
The "Power Play" multiplier can multiply winnings by: 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X.
If you are feeling unlucky or want the computer to do the work for you, the "Quick Pick" option is available, where computer-generated numbers will be printed on a Powerball ticket. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls in any order and the red Powerball.
Powerball drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights. If no one wins the jackpot, the cash prize will keep ticking up.
Where to buy lottery tickets
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app lets you pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, view your ticket, and collect your winnings -- all on your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.