Powerball results for Dec. 20, 2025: Winning numbers, payouts and what happens next

The winning Powerball numbers for Saturday, December 20, 2025 were 4, 5, 28, 52, 69, and the red Powerball was 20, with a Power Play of 3x. No ticket matched all six numbers, so the jackpot rolled again, pushing the advertised annuity for the next drawing to an estimated $1.60 billion, with a cash option in the mid‑$700 millions.

What happened in the Dec. 20 drawing

The official drawing recorded no jackpot winner. Eight tickets matched the five white balls, each paying $1 million, and those tickets were sold in California, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, and two in Michigan. Several smaller prizes were paid across the usual prize tiers, and the Power Play multiplier of 3x increased nonjackpot payouts where applicable.

Quick facts, up front

• Winning numbers: 4, 5, 28, 52, 69, Powerball 20
• Power Play: 3x
• Jackpot: No winner, rolls to an estimated $1.60 billion for the next drawing
• Match‑5 winners: Eight tickets, $1,000,000 each, sold in CA, FL, IA, MA, MI (2), NH, OH
• Odds of winning the jackpot: 1 in 292,201,338

How the prizes break down

The Powerball structure awards prizes at multiple levels, from a $4 prize for matching only the red Powerball, up to the jackpot for matching five white balls and the red Powerball. The Power Play option multiplies nonjackpot prizes, and on Dec. 20 the multiplier was 3x. That raised some prizes, though the Match 5 payment remains fixed at $1 million in most jurisdictions, and $2 million if the Match 5 was purchased with Power Play in jurisdictions that allow that feature.

What winners were reported

• Eight Match 5 tickets, each worth $1,000,000, were reported sold across the states listed above.
• No Match 5 plus Power Play winners were reported for the higher $2 million payout in jurisdictions where that applies.
• Thousands of smaller prizes, from $4 to $50,000 and higher, were paid out across participating jurisdictions.

"When the top prize goes unclaimed, the rollovers generate massive public interest, and ticket sales spike, but the odds remain long and unchanged."

Why the jackpot keeps growing, explained

Powerball jackpots grow when no ticket matches all six numbers, and each roll increases the advertised annuity. The next drawing, scheduled for Monday, December 22, 2025, was set with an advertised annuity near $1.60 billion, and a corresponding lump‑sum cash option estimated in the mid‑$700 millions. Lottery officials note payouts are advertised before taxes, and winners must choose between annuity or lump sum, subject to federal and state tax rules.

Odds and math, in plain terms

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot come from the number of possible combinations, which is the number of ways to select five white balls from 69, and one red Powerball from 26. In simple terms:

```
Combinations = C(69,5) * 26
C(69,5) = 11,238,513
Total combinations = 11,238,513 * 26 = 292,201,338
Odds = 1 in 292,201,338
```

That math shows why even very large jackpots are statistically unlikely to be won on any single draw.

Multiple perspectives

• Lottery officials and state lottery directors point to the popularity of big jackpots, and they emphasize that ticket sales fund education, infrastructure and other public programs in participating jurisdictions. Those officials also underline the importance of playing responsibly.
• Critics and public health experts warn that large rollovers drive increased spending by the public, and that lotteries can disproportionately affect lower income players. They call for clear messaging about odds and resources for problem gambling.
• Economists note the common behavioral effects of big jackpots, including a short term surge in ticket purchases and the tendency for people to overestimate their chances, but from a pure economic utility perspective, buying a ticket is usually a low expected value proposition.

If you have a Dec. 20 ticket, here is what to do

• Check your ticket against the exact numbers shown above, and make sure you verify whether you opted for Power Play or Double Play where applicable.
• Sign the back of any winning ticket immediately to establish ownership.
• Keep the ticket somewhere safe, and contact your state lottery office or local retailer about the next steps for claiming a prize, especially for large prizes which often require an in‑person claim.
• For substantial prizes, consult a qualified attorney, a certified public accountant, and a financial advisor before making public announcements or claiming the prize, because state rules, tax consequences, and claim procedures vary.

How big jackpots compare, historical context

Big rollovers are rare, but they do happen. For context, here is a short comparison of some of the largest U.S. jackpots in recent memory:

These headline figures are the advertised annuity amounts, and they differ from the one‑time cash option, which is substantially lower.

Practical notes and cautions

• Prize claim rules, deadlines and tax treatment vary by state, so winners should consult their state lottery website for exact procedures.
• Announced jackpots and cash values are pre‑tax amounts, and federal taxes, plus any applicable state taxes, will reduce the cash ultimately received.
• If you think you hold a jackpot ticket, act promptly but carefully, and get trusted professional advice before making major decisions.

Looking ahead

With no jackpot winner on Dec. 20, interest around the upcoming December 22 drawing will stay intense, driven by holiday season attention and the sheer size of the advertised prize. For most players, the draw is entertainment, and for a few it will be life changing. Play responsibly, check your numbers, and verify any prizes with your official state lottery office.