Powerball Jackpot Grows to Estimated $1.7 Billion Ahead of Christmas Eve Drawing
The Powerball lottery has once again failed to produce a jackpot winner, with no one matching all six numbers in the Monday drawing. However, several new millionaires were created, with nine tickets matching five of the six winning numbers, missing only the red “Powerball” number. Each of these tickets is worth $1 million before taxes. The winning numbers in Monday’s drawing were 3, 18, 36, 41, 54, and red Powerball 7.
The $1-million tickets were sold in various states, including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York (where there were two winning tickets), Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. While these winners will certainly be celebrating, the lack of a jackpot winner means that the prize will continue to grow. According to game officials, the jackpot will now reach an estimated $1.7 billion, with the next drawing scheduled to take place on Christmas Eve.
A Record-Breaking Drought
This will be the 47th Powerball drawing in a row without a jackpot winner, a record for the game. It will also be the fourth-highest jackpot in U.S. lottery history, with the three largest jackpots all being from Powerball. These massive prizes were $1.765 billion in October 2023 (sold in California), $1.787 billion in September 2025 (sold in Texas), and $2.04 billion in November 2022 (also sold in California). The game is played in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with odds of winning the jackpot at 1 in 292.2 million.
Matt Strawn, chair of the group that runs the Powerball game and chief executive of the Iowa State Lottery, expressed his hopes that the growing jackpot would bring excitement and joy to players. “We hope this growing jackpot inspires excitement and joy, and, most importantly, good will to all,” he said in a news release. With the Christmas Eve drawing approaching, anticipation is building, and players are eagerly awaiting the chance to win the massive prize.
Playing the Odds
While the odds of winning the jackpot are incredibly low, players continue to flock to the game, hoping to beat the odds and claim the life-changing prize. As the jackpot grows, so does the excitement, and the Christmas Eve drawing is sure to be highly anticipated. For more information on the Powerball lottery and the upcoming drawing, visit the official website or check with local lottery officials.
Read more about the Powerball jackpot and the Christmas Eve drawing Here
Image Source: www.latimes.com
