Powerball winner could claim $1.7 billion just before Christmas, but the odds are frightening

The Powerball winner could be crowned just before Christmas as the jackpot soars to an eye-popping $1.7 billion for Wednesday’s drawing. This historic run marks the 4th-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history, with 46 consecutive drawings producing no winner since September 6, 2025.

The Fourth-Largest Jackpot in U.S. Lottery History

The $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot ranks as the 4th-largest lottery prize in American history, trailing only three other massive payouts. The record remains the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won on November 7, 2022, followed by the $1.787 billion prize won in Missouri on September 6, 2025, and another $1.586 billion prize.

This massive prize represents an extraordinary opportunity for Powerball winner hopefuls across the nation. Tickets are sold in 45 states plus the District of Columbia, making this one of the most accessible mega-lottery events of the year.

Understanding the 46-Drawing Rollover Streak

The jackpot grew to this historic level because no ticket matched all six winning numbers across 46 consecutive drawings starting from September 6, 2025. This extended streak created a domino effect where millions of dollars rolled forward with each unsuccessful drawing.

The most recent drawing on Monday, December 22, 2025, produced winning numbers of 3, 18, 36, 41, 54 with a Powerball of 7. However, no ticket captured the jackpot that night, propelling the prize even higher for tonight’s Christmas Eve drawing.

How to Play and What Your Odds Really Are

Category	Details
Ticket Cost	$2 per play
How to Play	Choose 5 numbers from 1-69 and 1 Powerball from 1-26
Jackpot Odds	1 in 292.2 million
Match 5 Prize	$1 million (odds: 1 in 11.7 million)

Playing Powerball is straightforward: select five different white ball numbers, choose one red Powerball number, or opt for Quick Pick to have the terminal randomly generate your numbers. The Power Play option allows you to multiply non-jackpot prizes for an extra $1 per play.

While the 1 in 292.2 million odds of winning the jackpot are astronomical, there are nine different ways to win prizes ranging from $4 to millions of dollars.

When Does the Christmas Eve Drawing Happen?

The Christmas Eve drawing takes place Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 10:59 PM ET, giving Powerball winner hopefuls the entire day to purchase tickets. Lottery drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evening.

Ticket sales typically close at specific times depending on your state before the drawing, so check your local lottery regulations for exact cutoff times in your area. Many states have dedicated lottery retailers at convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores throughout the nation.

What Would a Powerball Winner Take Home After Taxes?

The $1.7 billion jackpot sounds life-changing, but winners face significant tax obligations. The jackpot-winning ticket holder can choose between an annuity option of $1.7 billion paid over 29 annual installments increasing by 5% yearly, or a lump sum of approximately $781.3 million.

Federal income tax withholding claims roughly 37% of the prize immediately, with additional state taxes varying by where the ticket was purchased. Winners in some states may owe additional state income tax ranging from zero to nearly 13%. Many financial advisors suggest claiming prizes through a trust to maintain privacy and protect assets.

“The more numbers you match in a drawing, the more you win.”

— North Carolina Lottery, Official Powerball Information

Sources

• Powerball Official – $1.7 billion jackpot announcement for Christmas Eve drawing
• ABC News – Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.7 billion for Christmas Eve
• CBS News – 4th largest in U.S. lottery history confirmation