Lottery players across the United States were watching closely on Saturday night, December 20, 2025, as the Powerball winning numbers were finally announced for one of the biggest jackpots in the game’s history. With an estimated prize of $1.5 billion going into the draw, hopes were high that someone might become America’s next billionaire overnight.
The winning numbers for Saturday’s drawing were 4, 5, 28, 52, and 69, with a Powerball number of 20. The Power Play option was set at 3x, meaning certain non-jackpot prizes could be tripled for players who opted in.
Despite the excitement and massive ticket sales, no jackpot winner was announced immediately after the draw. As a result, the prize rolled over once again, pushing the Powerball jackpot to an estimated $1.6 billion for the next drawing. If confirmed, this would make it the fifth-largest Powerball jackpot ever and one of the biggest lottery prizes in U.S. history.
One of the Largest Jackpots Ever
According to lottery officials, Saturday’s $1.5 billion jackpot ranked as the fifth-largest Powerball jackpot and the seventh-largest lottery jackpot ever offered in the United States. The rapid growth of the prize reflects weeks of drawings without a jackpot winner, causing the amount to rise steadily and attract nationwide attention.
The jackpot has now climbed to $1.6 billion, highlighting how rare it is for anyone to match all six numbers. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot remain extremely low, at 1 in 292.2 million, making each draw a long shot despite the life-changing prize.
Were There Any Winners at All?
While no one claimed the top prize, several players still walked away with major winnings. In Saturday’s drawing, eight tickets matched all five white balls, earning $1 million each. Two of those winning tickets were sold in Michigan, while the others came from California, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Ohio.
These wins serve as a reminder that while the jackpot grabs headlines, millions of dollars are distributed in smaller prizes during each draw. Many players also won lower-tier rewards by matching fewer numbers, especially those who added the Power Play option.
How Powerball Prizes Are Paid
If someone eventually wins the $1.6 billion jackpot, they will face an important financial decision. Winners can choose between two payout options:
- Annuity option – The full jackpot amount paid out over 29 annual payments, with each payment increasing slightly over time.
- Lump sum option – A one-time cash payment estimated at around $735.3 million before taxes.
Most jackpot winners historically choose the lump sum, even though it is significantly smaller than the advertised prize. The reduced amount reflects the current value of the money and how lottery funds are invested over time.
After federal taxes — and state taxes in many states — the final amount received by the winner can be hundreds of millions of dollars less than the headline figure.
Cost of Playing Powerball
A Powerball ticket costs $2 per play. Players can choose to add the Power Play feature for an extra $1, which increases most non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five, or even ten times, depending on the draw. The Power Play does not apply to the jackpot itself.
Tickets are sold in 45 U.S. states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, making Powerball one of the most widely played lotteries in the country.
A Long Jackpot Run
Saturday’s drawing marked the 45th draw since the jackpot was last won on September 6, 2025. That previous jackpot, worth $1.787 billion, was split between two winning tickets sold in Missouri and Texas.
This makes the current situation historically rare. It is only the second time in Powerball history that back-to-back jackpots have exceeded $1 billion. Such extended jackpot runs often lead to a surge in ticket sales, especially as the prize crosses major milestones.
Economic Impact of Mega Jackpots
Large lottery jackpots have noticeable economic effects. As prizes grow, ticket sales increase sharply, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. A portion of this money is directed toward state programs, including education, infrastructure, and public services, depending on state laws.
Retailers also benefit. Convenience stores and gas stations that sell winning tickets often see increased foot traffic, higher sales, and bonus commissions when large prizes are involved.
However, financial experts regularly remind players that lotteries should be viewed as entertainment, not investment strategies. The extremely low odds mean that long-term spending on tickets almost always results in losses for players.
Responsible Play and Financial Reality
The excitement around a billion-dollar jackpot can encourage people to spend more than they can afford. While a $2 ticket may seem harmless, repeated purchases add up quickly.
From a personal finance perspective, experts advise players to:
- Set a strict spending limit
- Avoid chasing losses
- Understand the true odds
- Treat lottery play as entertainment, not income planning
Winning the jackpot can be life-changing, but managing sudden wealth also comes with challenges, including taxes, financial planning, and long-term security.
What Happens Next?
Since no jackpot winner has been confirmed for December 20, the Powerball prize will continue to grow. The next drawing is scheduled for Monday night, giving players another chance at what could soon become one of the largest lottery payouts ever recorded.
Powerball officials typically confirm winners and prize claims the morning after a drawing, so final confirmation regarding Saturday’s results is expected soon.
Until then, millions of Americans will be checking their tickets, dreaming of what they would do with a billion-dollar windfall, and deciding whether to take another chance when the next draw arrives.