Holiday Dreams Heat Up With $1.6 Billion Powerball Jackpot

The lottery buzz is hitting fever pitch as Powerball’s massive jackpot keeps climbing and flirts with the $2 billion mark. With Christmas right around the corner, plenty of players are daydreaming about a life-changing $1.6 billion surprise.

As of December 22, the Powerball jackpot has officially become the fourth-largest in the game’s history. It’s been rolling over for months, growing steadily with no jackpot winner since early September.

? A Holiday Jackpot Like No Other

• Current Powerball jackpot: $1.6 billion

• Next drawing: Monday, December 22, at 11 p.m. ET

• Drawings happen: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays (yes, even on holidays)

If you’re feeling lucky, Powerball tickets start at $2, making it one of the cheapest shots at becoming a billionaire.

Mega Millions: The Other Big Game

Mega Millions is also in the mix heading into the holidays.

• Next Mega Millions jackpot: $100 million

• Next drawing: Tuesday, December 23

• Ticket price: $5 (raised from $2 in April 2025)

The price hike came with slightly better odds and bigger prizes beyond the jackpot.

Powerball vs. Mega Millions: Quick Breakdown

• Odds of winning Powerball jackpot: 1 in 292.2 million

• Odds of winning Mega Millions jackpot: 1 in 290.4 million

• Powerball drawings: 3 times a week

• Mega Millions drawings: 2 times a week

Where People Buy Tickets

In Florida, lottery tickets are everywhere—gas stations, grocery stores, Publix, and even some Walmart locations. Many Walmarts offer self-service lottery machines, though availability depends on the store.

How Long Has This Jackpot Been Rolling?

The current Powerball streak began September 8, following a $1.787 billion win split between tickets sold in Texas and Missouri earlier in the month. Since then, the jackpot has skyrocketed from $20 million to $1.6 billion.

Just a few milestone jumps:

• Early October: $174 million

• Mid-November: $593 million

• Early December: $875 million

• December 13: $1 billion

• December 22: $1.6 billion

Biggest Powerball Jackpots Ever (Top Highlights)

• $2.04 billion – November 7, 2022 (California)

• $1.787 billion – September 6, 2025 (Texas & Missouri)

• $1.765 billion – October 11, 2023 (California)

• $1.6 billion – December 22, 2025 (pending)

Biggest Lottery Jackpots in U.S. History

Only 14 jackpots have ever crossed the $1 billion mark in the U.S., and just one has topped $2 billion. Powerball continues to dominate the record books, with Mega Millions not far behind.