The New York lottery players have one more chance to chase a life-changing $1.25 billion Powerball jackpot before Christmas. Wednesday night’s drawing offers the sixth-largest jackpot in Powerball history after Monday’s drawing produced no grand prize winners. Tickets are still available for the 10:59 PM ET drawing on December 17.
🔥 Quick Facts
- $1.25 billion annuity jackpot or $572.1 million cash option for Wednesday’s drawing
- Monday’s winning numbers were 23, 35, 59, 63, 68 with Powerball 2 and Power Play 4x
- Drawings held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET from Florida lottery studio
- This is only the sixth-largest Powerball jackpot ever after no winner Monday night
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The $1.25 billion jackpot has climbed after no tickets matched all six numbers in Monday night’s drawing. The second-largest winning jackpot of 2025 belongs to the September 6 drawing, which saw two winning tickets split $1.787 billion between Missouri and Texas players. Only 13 billion-dollar jackpots have been won in U.S. lottery history, with ten of them occurring since 2021.
New York Lottery players are hoping to break the recent dry spell that has kept the jackpot climbing. The continued rollover means each failed draw increases the prize amount, attracting more players to purchase tickets. The record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot was won on November 7, 2022, when a single ticket sold in California claimed the ultimate prize.
Wednesday’s Prize Breakdown and Payout Options
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Winners of Wednesday’s $1.25 billion jackpot will face a critical decision between two payout options. The annuity option provides the full $1.25 billion in 30 annual payments, with each payment approximately $41.7 million before taxes. Alternatively, winners can choose the cash lump sum of $572.1 million, which provides immediate access to funds but is significantly less than the advertised total.
| Prize Information | Amount |
| Annuity Jackpot | $1.25 Billion (30 annual payments) |
| Cash Value Option | $572.1 Million (lump sum) |
| Federal Tax Withholding | 24% of cash value |
| Drawing Time (Wednesday) | 10:59 PM ET from Florida |
Federal tax withholding begins at 24% of the cash value, though winners may owe additional state and federal taxes depending on their location and income situation. The New York Lottery imposes its own state taxes on winnings. Winners are advised to consult financial and tax professionals before deciding between the annuity and cash options.
How Powerball Works and Your Odds of Winning
Powerball tickets cost $2 per play, and players select five white ball numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. To win the jackpot, you must match all six numbers drawn. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.87, though the odds of winning the jackpot are significantly lower at 1 in 292.2 million.
Smaller prizes range from $4 for matching just the Powerball to $1 million for matching five white balls without the red Powerball. The Power Play multiplier, available for an additional $1 per ticket, increases non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x depending on the draw. Monday’s drawing featured Power Play 4x, meaning second-tier winners received multiplied prizes.
Numbers to Know Before You Play Wednesday
Monday’s losing draw produced numbers 23, 35, 59, 63, and 68 with Powerball 2. These numbers will not repeat in Wednesday’s draw since each drawing uses independent random selection. Powerball drawings occur three times weekly: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET, broadcast live from Tallahassee’s Florida Lottery draw studio.
Tickets must be purchased by 9:59 PM or 10:00 PM ET (varies by state) on the night of the drawing to be eligible. New York residents can purchase tickets at retailers statewide or through the New York Lottery official website. Playing responsibly and setting spending limits is encouraged for all lottery players nationwide.
Why This Jackpot Represents Today’s Gaming Excitement?
The $1.25 billion prize captures the holiday spirit as millions of Americans consider trying their luck before Christmas. Games like Powerball generate excitement because the potential winnings can transform lives instantly, though the odds remain astronomical. Nearly everyone who plays understands the low probability of winning the jackpot, yet the possibility keeps the dream alive.
Whether playing for holiday fun or as part of a regular routine, the New York Lottery’s Powerball continues attracting players nationwide. The drawing will be streamed live on lottery.com and through New York Lottery’s official channels, allowing players to watch in real-time Wednesday evening. With nine days until Christmas and $1.25 billion at stake, this may be the week someone changes their fortune forever.
Sources
- CBS News – Coverage of Powerball jackpot reaching $1.25 billion after Monday’s drawing
- Powerball.com – Official Powerball prize information and drawing results
- New York Lottery – Official drawing details and ticket purchase information
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.