In a night filled with anticipation and dreams of instant wealth, the Powerball drawing on Saturday, December 13, 2025, delivered another set of elusive winning numbers, leaving the grand prize unclaimed and pushing the jackpot to even loftier heights.
The numbers drawn were 1, 28, 31, 57, and 58, with the red Powerball landing on 16 and the Power Play multiplier at 2x. Despite the massive $1 billion annuity jackpot or a cash option of approximately $457.7 million no ticket matched all six numbers, ensuring the pot will swell further for the next drawing.
This rollover marks the continuation of a streak that has seen the jackpot climb steadily since its last grand prize payout. Powerball officials confirmed that while the top prize slipped away, several players across the U.S. walked away with significant windfalls. Two lucky tickets in North Carolina and Pennsylvania hit the Match 5 + Power Play combination, earning each $2 million. Additionally, five players in California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, and Virginia secured the $1 million Match 5 prize without the Powerball.
The Double Play feature, an optional add-on for an extra $1 per ticket, offered a separate $10 million top prize but also went unclaimed. Those numbers were 7, 11, 20, 52, and 60, with Powerball 24. No winners emerged there either, keeping that secondary jackpot intact for future plays.
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A Quick Refresher: How Powerball Works and Why the Odds Are So Thrilling (and Daunting)
For newcomers or casual players tuning in for the hype, Powerball is a multi-state lottery game where participants select five white balls from a pool of 1 to 69 and one red Powerball from 1 to 26. Tickets cost $2, or $3 with the Power Play option, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2x to 10x (capped at $2 million for Match 5). Drawings happen three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET—from the Florida Lottery studio in Tallahassee.
The allure? Life-changing money. But the reality is a test of probability: The odds of snagging the jackpot stand at a staggering 1 in 292.2 million. For context, you’re more likely to be struck by lightning twice in your lifetime (about 1 in 9 million) than to hit all six numbers. Yet, that’s part of the magic—millions play anyway, fueled by stories of everyday folks becoming overnight billionaires.
Here’s a breakdown of the prize tiers from the December 13 drawing, based on official estimates (actual payouts vary by state and ticket sales):
| Matches | Base Prize | With Power Play (2x) |
|---|---|---|
| Powerball only | $4 | $8 |
| 1 white + Powerball | $4 | $8 |
| 2 whites + Powerball | $7 | $14 |
| 3 whites only | $7 | $14 |
| 3 whites + Powerball | $100 | $200 |
| 4 whites only | $100 | $200 |
| 4 whites + Powerball | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| 5 whites only | $1 million | $2 million |
| 5 whites + Powerball | Jackpot | Jackpot |
Over 750,000 winning tickets were sold nationwide for prizes ranging from $4 to $2 million, proving that even if the big one gets away, smaller victories abound.
The Build-Up: From $20 Million to $1 Billion in Weeks
The jackpot’s rapid ascent began after a $20 million start in early November, ballooning through 15 consecutive drawings without a top-prize winner—a testament to the game’s growing popularity amid economic uncertainties. The last Powerball jackpot was claimed in October 2025 by a group in Oregon, who split a $1.3 billion prize. Since then, the rollover frenzy has boosted ticket sales by an estimated 30%, according to lottery analysts, injecting excitement into communities from coast to coast.
Tips to Play Smarter (Without Guaranteeing a Win)
While no strategy beats pure luck, here are a few evidence-based pointers to enhance your experience:
- Join a Pool: Group play multiplies your entries without breaking the bank—many past winners were syndicates.
- Opt for Quick Picks: Computer-generated numbers win about 70% of jackpots, per historical data.
- Check for Second-Chance Draws: Some states offer extra entries for non-winning tickets.
- Set a Budget: Treat it like entertainment, not investment—the house edge is steep at around 50%.
Remember, all prizes must be claimed within 180 days in most states, and winners have the option for anonymity in about half of them.
What’s Next? Eyes on Monday’s Drawing
With the jackpot now estimated at over $1.2 billion for the next drawing on Monday, December 15, 2025, expect lines at gas stations and a surge in online sales. Will this be the one that breaks the streak? Tune in at 10:59 p.m. ET to find out.
For official results and to check your tickets, head to Powerball.com or your state’s lottery site. Play responsibly—gamble only what you can afford to lose.
