Georgia Powerball players hunt $1.6 billion jackpot, the 5th largest prize in U.S. history, and here’s what it’s worth after taxes

Georgia Powerball players are hunting for one of the largest lottery prizes in U.S. history as the jackpot soars to $1.6 billion for Monday night’s drawing. After no one claimed Saturday’s jackpot, the prize rolled over to become the 5th largest lottery jackpot ever, trailing only a handful of mega-prizes in American history. Players across Georgia have already scored smaller prizes, and hopes are running high for the next jackpot-winning ticket.

How the Jackpot Keeps Growing in Georgia

The $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot represents an historic moment for Georgia lottery players. No winner matched all six numbers in Saturday’s December 20 drawing, causing the prize to roll over to $1.6 billion. This ranking places it as the 4th largest in Powerball history and the notable 5th largest across all U.S. lottery games, including both Powerball and Mega Millions combined.

The winning numbers that failed to produce a jackpot winner were 4, 5, 28, 52, 69 with Powerball 20. Several other players in Georgia still won substantial prizes by matching five white-ball numbers or matching four numbers plus the Powerball.

Prize Breakdown and Payout Options

Winners of the $1.6 billion jackpot will face a choice that affects their financial future. The prize offers two distinct payout options: 29 annual payments totaling the full $1.6 billion annuity, or an immediate lump-sum payment of $735.3 million. Both prize amounts are subject to federal taxes before the winner receives their money.

The cash lump-sum option provides immediate access to nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars, while the annuity option spreads payments over approximately three decades. Lottery officials emphasized that both options represent life-changing sums before tax implications are considered.

Where $1.6 Billion Ranks in Lottery History

The $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot holds remarkable historical significance. Only three Powerball prizes have ever surpassed it in the game’s history. The largest Powerball jackpot remains $2.04 billion, won by Edwin Castro of California in November 2022. The second-largest was $1.787 billion, won in September 2025 in Missouri and Texas. The third-largest reached $1.765 billion in October 2023 in California.

Among all U.S. lottery prizes ever offered—combining both Powerball and Mega Millions—the $1.6 billion sits as the 5th largest. The Mega Millions game has also produced billion-dollar jackpots, making the competition for historical records intense. This ranking underscores how rare and significant Monday’s drawing has become for Georgia lottery participants and players nationwide.

Georgia’s Lottery Success This Weekend

Despite no one winning the jackpot in Saturday’s drawing, Georgia lottery players celebrated smaller victories. Eight winning tickets were sold across the state, with prizes ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. One ticket matched the first five white-ball numbers plus the Power Play multiplier for a $150,000 prize. These secondary prizes demonstrate that while the jackpot remains elusive, significant money continues flowing to Georgia participants.

The Georgia Lottery allows winning tickets to be claimed for up to 180 days after the drawing date, giving players plenty of time to check their numbers and claim their prizes. All prize claims processing occurs through the official Georgia Lottery website and authorized retailers.

What Does It Take to Win the $1.6 Billion Prize?

To win the $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot, a single ticket must match all six numbers: five white-ball numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. The odds of winning the jackpot stand at approximately 1 in 292 million, making it one of the most difficult prizes to claim in any lottery game. Monday’s drawing takes place at 11:00 PM ET, with results becoming available shortly after the official drawing concludes.

Players purchase Powerball tickets for $2 per play, choosing their own numbers or using the quick-pick random selection option. The Power Play multiplier option, available for an additional $1, increases prizes in non-jackpot categories but does not affect the jackpot amount. Georgia residents have until 11:00 PM Eastern Time on Monday night to purchase tickets for the drawing.

Sources

• Powerball.com – Official Powerball drawing results and jackpot information
• Georgia Lottery – State-specific prize information and winning ticket details
• NBC Miami – Comprehensive lottery coverage and historical rankings

Daniel Harris

Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.