The winning numbers have been drawn for the colossal $1.25 billion Powerball jackpot this Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Millions of players across the United States have been eagerly awaiting the results of this historic draw, which marks one of the largest prize pools in lottery history. The excitement has reached a fever pitch as the jackpot rolled over for weeks, finally landing on a staggering estimated $1.25 billion, with a cash option of approximately $572.1 million.

Did you hold the lucky ticket that could change your life forever? Below, we provide the official winning numbers, prize breakdown, and essential information for all participants.

Official Winning Numbers: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Check your tickets carefully! Here are the winning numbers for tonight’s drawing:

Note: If you purchased the Power Play option for an extra $1, non-jackpot prizes are multiplied by 4X (except for the Match 5 prize, which is capped at $2 million).

Double Play Results (Dec 17, 2025)

For players who added the Double Play feature to their ticket for an additional $1, a separate drawing was held with a top prize of $10 million.

• Double Play Winning Numbers: Results Pending Verification
  (Please verify these specific numbers on the official state lottery website or your ticket retailer, as validation for secondary draws can take slightly longer.)

Did Anyone Win the $1.25 Billion Jackpot?

As of the immediate release of these numbers, lottery officials are currently verifying ticket sales from across the 45 participating states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to determine if a jackpot-winning ticket was sold.

• If a winner is confirmed: They will have the choice between an annuitized prize of $1.25 billion paid out over 29 years, or a lump-sum payment of $572.1 million (before taxes).
• If no winner is found: The jackpot will roll over to the next drawing on Saturday, December 20, 2025, likely surging even higher into record-breaking territory.

Check back frequently, as the official “Winner” or “Rollover” status is typically updated within a few hours of the draw.

Prize Breakdown & Payouts

Even if you didn’t hit the massive jackpot, you might still be a winner. The Powerball offers nine ways to win, with lower-tier prizes ranging from $4 to $1,000,000.

Here is the standard prize structure for the main draw:

What To Do If You Won

If your numbers match the ones listed above, congratulations! Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do next:

1. Sign Your Ticket: Immediately sign the back of your ticket. In many jurisdictions, a lottery ticket is a “bearer instrument,” meaning whoever holds it owns it until it is signed.
2. Keep it Safe: Store the ticket in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe or a bank safety deposit box.
3. Check Your State’s Rules: Claim periods vary by state, ranging from 90 days to one year from the draw date.
4. Stay Anonymous (If Possible): Some states (like Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and others) allow winners to remain anonymous. Check your local laws before claiming your prize publicly.
5. Consult Professionals: Before heading to the lottery office, hire a team of financial advisors and legal experts to help you manage your newfound wealth responsibly.

How to Play Powerball

Missed this draw? The next chance to win is just around the corner.

• Cost: $2 per play.
• Select Numbers: Choose five numbers from 1 to 69 (White Balls) and one number from 1 to 26 (Red Powerball).
• Quick Pick: You can ask the retailer for a “Quick Pick” to have the computer randomly select numbers for you.
• Power Play: For an extra $1 per play, you can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X.
• Draw Days: Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET.

Responsible Gaming

While the dream of winning a billion dollars is exciting, it is crucial to play responsibly. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are approximately 1 in 292.2 million.

• Never spend money you cannot afford to lose.
• Lottery games are a form of entertainment, not a genuine investment strategy.
• If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What happens if nobody wins the jackpot?
A: If no ticket matches all six numbers, the prize money rolls over to the next drawing, increasing the estimated jackpot amount.

Q: Can I buy Powerball tickets online?
A: Yes, in certain states (like Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and D.C.), you can purchase tickets online through official state lottery websites or authorized apps.

Q: Are lottery winnings taxable?
A: Yes. All lottery winnings over $5,000 are subject to a federal withholding tax of 24%. However, the final federal tax liability could be as high as 37%. State and local taxes may also apply depending on where the ticket was purchased.

Q: What is the lump sum vs. annuity?
A: The lump sum is a one-time cash payment that is less than the advertised jackpot amount (which is based on the annuity). The annuity pays the full advertised jackpot amount over 29 years, with each payment increasing by 5% annually.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Official results are certified by the Multi-State Lottery Association. In the event of a discrepancy between this article and the official winning numbers, the official results prevail.