What time is the Powerball drawing tonight? $1.6 billion jackpot waiting, fourth largest prize in history tonight at 10:59 PM

What time is the Powerball drawing tonight? The $1.6 billion jackpot drawing happens at 10:59 PM ET on Monday, December 22, 2025. This marks the fourth-largest prize in Powerball history, with millions of players hoping to win life-changing money before year’s end.

When is Tonight’s Drawing and How to Watch

The Powerball drawing happens at exactly 10:59 PM Eastern Time on Monday evening. Tickets across 45 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible to win tonight’s massive jackpot.

You can watch the drawing live on the official Powerball.com website at powerball.com/watch-drawing. Drawings are also broadcast through major television networks and local lottery retailers providing live updates as numbers are drawn.

$1.6 Billion Jackpot: Fourth Largest Ever

At $1.6 billion, tonight’s jackpot represents one of the most significant prizes in lottery history. Only three Powerball jackpots have exceeded this amount, with the record-breaking $2.04 billion won in November 2022 remaining the largest single lottery prize ever awarded in the United States.

The jackpot rolled to this historic level after no tickets matched all winning numbers from Saturday’s December 20 drawing, when the previous jackpot stood at $1.43 billion. Each drawing without a winner causes the jackpot to grow, extending the streaks that drive nationwide excitement.

Payout Options Explained: Annuity vs. Lump Sum

Tonight’s winner will face a critical decision: take the full $1.6 billion annuity or accept the $735.3 million immediate cash payment. Both amounts are stated before taxes, which will significantly reduce the final winnings depending on your state and federal tax obligations.

The annuity option includes one immediate payment followed by 29 annual installments that increase by 5% each year, providing long-term financial security. The lump sum provides instant access to wealth but at roughly 46% of the advertised jackpot amount. Financial advisors remind winners that the choice between these options depends on personal circumstances, investment experience, and immediate financial needs.

How to Play and Win Powerball Tonight

Playing Powerball is straightforward: purchase a $2 ticket from authorized retailers and select five numbers from 1 to 69, plus one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. You can choose your own numbers or use Quick Pick for random selections.

The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, though you have better chances of winning smaller prizes. Overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.87, with prizes ranging from matching just the Powerball for a $4 win up to the grand prize. Drawings occur three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, with ticket cutoff times varying by state, typically between 7 PM and 10 PM Eastern.

Will Tonight’s Drawing Create a New Billionaire?

Only one person in millions will match all six numbers drawn at 10:59 PM tonight. If a winner emerges, they’ll join an exclusive group—just three other individuals have won larger Powerball jackpots since the game began.

The previous Powerball winner occurred on September 6, when two tickets in Missouri and Texas split a $1.787 billion prize. Before that historic drawing, it had been since May when the last jackpot winner claimed their prize, demonstrating how difficult it truly is to beat astronomical odds. Tonight’s drawing could end months of waiting and create life-changing circumstances for one fortunate player across the United States.

Annabelle Ink

Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.