Santa’s Biggest Gift? Powerball Jackpot Hits $1.7 Billion for Christmas Eve Drawing
The holiday season just got a lot more interesting for lottery hopefuls. After no ticket matched all six numbers in Monday night’s drawing, the Powerball jackpot has officially skyrocketed to an estimated $1.7 billion.
This massive prize is scheduled for the next drawing on Wednesday night—Christmas Eve—setting the stage for what could be the ultimate last-minute stocking stuffer.
A Historic Run Reaches New Heights
Wednesday’s drawing will mark the 47th consecutive Powerball drawing without a jackpot winner. This is a new record for the longest jackpot cycle in the game’s history, surpassing all previous runs.
The current $1.7 billion estimate ranks as the fourth-largest jackpot in U.S. history, and the third-largest for the Powerball game specifically. For those looking for a holiday miracle, history is occasionally on your side; while Christmas Eve winners are rare, a Powerball jackpot was famously won on Dec. 24 once before, back in 2011.
Monday’s Results: Close Calls and New Millionaires
While the big prize remained elusive on Monday night, several players across the country are still waking up to a very merry Christmas. The winning numbers were 3, 18, 36, 41, 54, and the red Powerball 7.
Although no one took home the billion-dollar prize, nine lucky tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million each. These tickets were sold in:
- Florida, Georgia, and Illinois
- New York (two winning tickets)
- Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin
In California, lottery prizes are pari-mutuel, meaning they are determined by ticket sales and the number of winners. While the state didn't see a $1 million winner Monday, local players are still riding the high of a $2.3 million ticket sold in Oxnard just a few days ago.
What You Need to Know for the Christmas Eve Drawing
If a single winner hits the jackpot on Wednesday, they will face a life-altering choice:
- The Annuity: An estimated $1.7 billion paid out over 30 years, with payments increasing by 5% each year.
- The Cash Option: A one-time lump sum payment estimated at $781.3 million.
Both options are before federal and state taxes. Fortunately for Golden State residents, California does not tax lottery winnings, though the IRS will still take its standard 24% to 37% cut.
Playing Responsibly During the Holidays
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are a staggering 1 in 292.2 million. While the "lottery fever" is palpable at convenience stores from Crescent City to San Diego, officials remind players to "Gift Smart." Lottery tickets are intended for adults, and the California Lottery encourages everyone to play for fun and stay within their means.
Tickets for the Christmas Eve drawing are available until 7:00 p.m. PT on Wednesday.
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